Amos 6:1

¶ 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!

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}!

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.

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.

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!

Amos 6:1 (KJV) delivers a powerful prophetic denunciation, opening with a stark "Woe" directed at the complacent and self-assured elites of both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms of Israel. This verse sets the tone for a severe judgment against those who, despite their privileged position, had grown spiritually lethargic and morally corrupt.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Amos ministered during a period of relative economic prosperity for both Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria) in the 8th century BC, under the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II. This affluence, however, masked deep-seated social injustice, moral decay, and religious hypocrisy. The "ease in Zion" and "trust in the mountain of Samaria" refer to the wealthy and powerful leaders who felt secure in their capitals, relying on their military strength, alliances, and riches rather than on God. They were "named chief of the nations," indicating their pride and perceived preeminence, yet their leadership was characterized by exploitation and indifference to the suffering of the poor. The phrase "to whom the house of Israel came" further highlights their significant influence and the widespread nature of their corruption.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Complacency and False Security: The primary message is a condemnation of spiritual apathy and a misplaced sense of safety. Those "at ease" were indifferent to God's commands and the impending judgment, believing their status and worldly resources would protect them.
  • Misplaced Trust: The elite trusted in their fortified cities (Zion, Samaria's mountain), their wealth, and their political standing, rather than the Lord. This echoes a common prophetic warning against reliance on human strength over divine power, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5.
  • Pride and Arrogance: Being "named chief of the nations" points to an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority that led to disregard for God's law and the plight of their own people.
  • Social Injustice: While not explicitly detailed in this single verse, the "ease" of the leaders is directly linked to the exploitation of the poor throughout Amos's prophecy (e.g., Amos 2:6). Their comfort often came at the expense of others.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Woe" (hoy) is a strong prophetic exclamation, often a cry of lamentation or a pronouncement of doom, signaling impending judgment. The phrase "at ease" comes from the Hebrew sha'anan, which describes a state of careless security, tranquil indifference, or overconfidence. It implies a dangerous spiritual slumber where one feels safe despite great peril.

Practical Application

Amos 6:1 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual complacency and misplaced trust, particularly in times of prosperity. It challenges believers today to examine where their security truly lies – is it in worldly achievements, financial stability, or social status, or is it in God? The verse also calls those in positions of influence to accountability, reminding us that privilege comes with responsibility to seek justice and care for the vulnerable, rather than living in self-indulgent ease. We are urged to remain vigilant and spiritually awake, recognizing that true peace comes from God, not from worldly security, as highlighted in John 14:27.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back