Amos 6:1

KJV

¶ Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, [which are] named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} to them that are at ease {H7600} in Zion {H6726}, and trust {H982} in the mountain {H2022} of Samaria {H8111}, which are named {H5344} chief {H7225} of the nations {H1471}, to whom the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} came {H935}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to those living at ease in Tziyon and to those who feel complacent on the hills of Shomron, renowned men in this foremost of nations, to whom the rest of Isra'el come.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to those at ease in Zion and those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes.

American Standard Version

Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and to them that are secure in the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:1 delivers a scathing prophetic denunciation, opening with a severe "Woe" directed at the complacent and self-assured elites of both the Southern Kingdom of Judah (represented by Zion) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (represented by Samaria). This verse sets a somber tone for the impending judgment against those who, despite their privileged status and perceived preeminence among nations, had grown spiritually apathetic, morally corrupt, and had placed their trust in worldly security rather than in the Lord, leading to widespread social injustice and a profound spiritual decay among the people they were meant to lead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6:1 initiates a new section of prophetic pronouncements, following a series of "Woe" oracles that began in Amos 5:18. While the previous chapter focused on Israel's religious hypocrisy and social injustice (e.g., their perversion of justice in [Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - Perversion of Justice")), Amos 6 specifically targets the ruling class and wealthy elite, holding them accountable for their self-indulgent ease and misplaced confidence. This verse serves as a direct indictment of the nation's leadership, setting the stage for further condemnations of their luxurious lifestyles, oppression of the poor, and eventual downfall, culminating in the vivid imagery of national devastation in [Amos 6:8-14](/amos/6-8-14 "Amos 6:8-14 - God's Oath of Judgment"). It underscores the principle that judgment begins with the house of God, particularly its leaders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered in the mid-8th century BC, a period of remarkable economic prosperity for both Judah under King Uzziah and Israel under King Jeroboam II. This affluence, however, was superficial, masking deep-seated social stratification, rampant injustice, and moral decay. The "ease in Zion" refers to the complacent elite in Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, while "trust in the mountain of Samaria" points to the powerful and wealthy leaders in Samaria, the fortified capital of the Northern Kingdom. Both cities were symbols of national strength and pride. The leaders felt secure due to their military might, strategic alliances, and accumulated wealth, believing their fortified capitals and perceived status as "chief of the nations" would protect them. This false sense of security led to a neglect of God's covenant and a callous disregard for the suffering of the poor and vulnerable, whose exploitation often fueled the very prosperity enjoyed by the elite.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 6:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Foremost is the theme of **Complacency and False Security**, where the elite's "ease" highlights their spiritual apathy and dangerous overconfidence, believing their material wealth and political standing offered ultimate protection, a stark contrast to true security found in God (as seen in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord")). This leads directly to the theme of **Misplaced Trust**, as the leaders relied on their fortified cities (Zion, Samaria's mountain) and their own perceived greatness rather than the Lord, echoing the prophetic warnings against human reliance over divine power found in passages like [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man"). The phrase "named chief of the nations" underscores the theme of **Pride and Arrogance**, revealing an inflated sense of self-importance that blinded them to God's law and the plight of their own people. Finally, while not explicitly detailed in this single verse, the "ease" of the leaders is implicitly linked to the pervasive theme of **Social Injustice** throughout Amos's prophecy, where their comfort often came at the direct expense of the oppressed (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Injustice Against the Poor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy_):** This is a powerful interjection, an exclamation of grief, lamentation, or a pronouncement of doom. Unlike a simple curse, "Woe" (H1945) often signals a prophetic oracle of judgment, indicating impending disaster or a lament over the state of those being addressed. It sets a severe and somber tone for the entire pronouncement, emphasizing the gravity of the spiritual and moral condition of the elite.
* **at ease (Hebrew, _shaʼănân_):** Derived from a root implying security or quietness, this word (H7600) here carries a negative connotation, describing a state of careless security, tranquil indifference, or overconfidence that borders on haughtiness. It denotes a dangerous spiritual slumber where one feels safe despite being in grave peril, oblivious to divine judgment or the suffering around them. It's not a state of peace, but rather a complacent apathy born of perceived invincibility.
* **trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach_):** This verb (H982) means to hide for refuge, to be confident, or to be sure. In this context, it highlights the misplaced reliance of the elites. Instead of trusting in God, they placed their confidence in their physical fortifications (Zion, Samaria), their political standing, and their material wealth. This "trust" is not a faithful reliance but a presumptuous and ungodly security that diverts their allegiance from the true source of strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion,"**: The verse opens with a dire prophetic lament and judgment, targeting the inhabitants of Zion (Jerusalem), specifically the wealthy and powerful elite who lived in a state of self-satisfied complacency. Their "ease" is not a blessed peace but a dangerous spiritual lethargy, a carefree indifference to God's commands and the impending divine judgment, fostered by their perceived security and prosperity.
* **"and trust in the mountain of Samaria,"**: The indictment extends to the Northern Kingdom, specifically its capital, Samaria, which was built on a formidable mountain. The leaders and affluent residents of Samaria are condemned for placing their "trust" in their fortified city and its strategic location, rather than in the Lord. This parallel structure highlights a shared spiritual malady across both kingdoms: a reliance on human strength and worldly security over divine faithfulness.
* **"[which are] named chief of the nations,"**: This phrase identifies the recipients of the "Woe" as those who held positions of preeminence and influence. They were considered the leading figures or the "first" among the nations, signifying their pride, arrogance, and perhaps their political ambitions. This self-perception of being "chief" contributed to their sense of invulnerability and their neglect of divine law and social justice.
* **"to whom the house of Israel came!"**: This final clause emphasizes the widespread influence and responsibility of these complacent leaders. "The house of Israel" refers to the broader populace, indicating that these elites were the ones to whom the people looked for leadership, justice, and guidance. Their corruption and misplaced trust had a pervasive and detrimental impact on the entire nation, as the people were subject to their rule and often suffered under their oppressive policies.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:1 is rich in **Prophetic Oracle** form, specifically a **Woe Oracle**, which is a common prophetic literary device (e.g., [Isaiah 5:8](/isaiah/5-8 "Isaiah 5:8 - Woe to those who add house to house")). The "Woe" (Hôwy) functions as both a lament over the state of the people and a pronouncement of impending judgment. The verse employs striking **Parallelism**, contrasting "Zion" with "the mountain of Samaria," effectively indicting the leadership of both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms simultaneously for their shared spiritual failings. This creates a balanced yet comprehensive condemnation. **Metonymy** is evident as "Zion" and "Samaria" stand in for the ruling elites and wealthy inhabitants of those capitals, embodying the entire national leadership. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**: those "named chief of the nations" and who believe themselves secure are precisely the ones targeted for divine judgment, highlighting the futility of human pride and misplaced trust. The language is direct and accusatory, characteristic of Amos's prophetic style, leaving no ambiguity about the Lord's displeasure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:1 is a profound theological statement on the dangers of spiritual complacency, misplaced trust, and the corrupting influence of power and prosperity when divorced from divine accountability. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to justice and His fierce opposition to those who exploit their position for self-indulgent ease while neglecting the vulnerable. The "Woe" signifies that true security is not found in material wealth, political status, or fortified cities, but in a right relationship with God and obedience to His covenant. The verse underscores the principle that privilege brings greater responsibility, and those entrusted with leadership will face severe judgment if they lead their people astray through their own apathy and sin. This prophetic warning serves as a timeless reminder that outward prosperity can mask inward decay, and God's judgment often begins with those who claim to be His people, especially their leaders.

* [Isaiah 5:8-12](/isaiah/5-8-12 "Isaiah 5:8-12 - Woe to the Greedy and Drunkards")
* [Luke 6:24-25](/luke/6-24-25 "Luke 6:24-25 - Woes to the Rich and Full")
* [James 5:1-6](/james/5-1-6 "James 5:1-6 - Warning to the Rich Oppressors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:1 serves as a piercing mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly examine the sources of our security and comfort. In a world that often equates success with material prosperity and social standing, it's easy to fall into the same trap of complacency that ensnared the elites of Zion and Samaria. Are we "at ease" in our spiritual lives, perhaps lulled into apathy by comfort, believing our resources or status will protect us from life's challenges or even from God's righteous standards? Do we trust more in our retirement accounts, our professional networks, our political affiliations, or our social influence than in the sovereign Lord? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust, reminding us that true peace and security come only from an active, obedient, and humble reliance on God. For those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, community, or workplace, Amos 6:1 is a stark reminder that privilege comes with profound responsibility. Our ease must never come at the expense of justice, compassion, or the well-being of others. Instead, we are called to be vigilant, to champion the cause of the vulnerable, and to live lives of integrity that reflect our ultimate trust in God, not in the fleeting comforts of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust and seek my security in life? Is it in God, or in worldly comforts and achievements?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "at ease" or complacent, neglecting spiritual growth or the needs of others?**
* **How does my lifestyle reflect my true priorities? Am I using my resources and influence to seek justice and care for the vulnerable, or am I primarily focused on my own comfort?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God and resist the temptation of spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ
**What does "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a prophetic condemnation directed at the complacent and self-satisfied elite in Jerusalem (Zion), the capital of Judah. "At ease" (Hebrew _shaʼănân_) implies a dangerous spiritual apathy and a false sense of security, where these individuals were comfortable and unconcerned despite the moral decay and social injustice rampant in their society, and oblivious to God's impending judgment. They were living in luxury and ease, often at the expense of the poor and oppressed, believing their position and wealth would protect them.

**Why are both Zion and Samaria mentioned in the same verse?**

Answer: The mention of both Zion (Jerusalem, capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah) and Samaria (capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel) signifies that Amos's prophetic judgment encompassed the leadership and elite of both divisions of the Israelite people. While Amos primarily ministered to the Northern Kingdom, this verse broadens the scope of the "Woe" to include the complacent and unjust leaders in both nations, highlighting a shared spiritual and moral failing across all of Israel. It emphasizes that God's standards of justice and righteousness apply equally to all His covenant people, regardless of their political division.

**What does it mean to be "named chief of the nations"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the pride and perceived preeminence of the elites in Zion and Samaria. They saw themselves as the leading figures, perhaps even the "first" or most important among the surrounding nations, due to their wealth, power, and strategic locations. This self-perception fueled their arrogance and contributed to their misplaced trust in human strength rather than divine power. It underscores their inflated sense of self-importance and their disregard for God's law and the plight of their own people, as their "chief" status was not used for righteous leadership but for self-indulgence and oppression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:1, with its pronouncement of "Woe" against the complacent and self-assured elites, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the self-serving leadership condemned by Amos and the humble, self-sacrificial leadership of Jesus Christ. The "ease in Zion" and "trust in the mountain of Samaria" represent a reliance on worldly power and security that Jesus explicitly rejected. While the Old Testament leaders sought to be "named chief of the nations" for their own glory, Jesus, though truly the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), came not to be served but [to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). His "woes" were directed not at the poor or marginalized, but at the religious leaders of His day who, like those in Amos's time, were complacent, hypocritical, and burdened people with heavy loads while doing nothing to help them (see [Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Christ's life and ministry perfectly embody the true nature of leadership: one of humility, justice, and compassion for the oppressed, culminating in His ultimate act of love on the cross, providing the true and lasting security that no earthly fortress or wealth could ever offer. He is the one in whom we can truly "trust," for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not a false ease but a profound peace that surpasses all understanding (as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 5:5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

Isaiah 32:9

¶ Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

Isaiah 32:11

Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird [sackcloth] upon [your] loins.

Luke 12:17

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Amos 4:1

¶ Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine: