Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

That lie {H7901} upon beds {H4296} of ivory {H8127}, and stretch {H5628} themselves upon their couches {H6210}, and eat {H398} the lambs {H3733} out of the flock {H6629}, and the calves {H5695} out of the midst {H8432} of the stall {H4770};

You lie on beds of ivory and lounge sprawled out on your couches, dining on meat from lambs in the flock and from calves fattened in stalls.

You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall.

that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Commentary

Commentary on Amos 6:4

Amos 6:4, part of a larger prophecy of judgment against the complacent elite of Israel, paints a vivid picture of extreme luxury and self-indulgence. The prophet Amos condemns those who live in extravagant comfort while neglecting God's commands and the suffering of the poor. This verse specifically highlights their opulent lifestyle, characterized by lavish furnishings and excessive feasting.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Amos delivered his message to the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) during a period of significant economic prosperity under King Jeroboam II (circa 8th century BC). However, this wealth was concentrated among the ruling class and the wealthy, leading to widespread social injustice, corruption, and spiritual apathy. The "beds of ivory" mentioned here were extremely expensive and rare, often imported, signifying the height of luxury and a stark contrast to the humble dwellings of the common people. Such items were typically found in the palaces of kings and the homes of the super-rich, demonstrating a total absorption in material comforts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Excessive Luxury and Materialism: The verse directly confronts the Israelites' preoccupation with worldly comforts. "Beds of ivory" and "couches" for stretching out denote a life of ease and indulgence, far removed from the spiritual and moral decay that characterized their nation.
  • Complacency and Apathy: The phrase "stretch themselves upon their couches" implies a leisurely, unconcerned attitude. This lifestyle suggests a profound spiritual blindness and a lack of concern for the impending judgment that Amos repeatedly warns about. This is directly linked to the "woe to them that are at ease in Zion" found in Amos 6:1.
  • Gluttony and Self-Indulgence: "Eating the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall" refers to consuming the finest, fattest, and most expensive meats. This highlights their lavish banquets, demonstrating a culture of unrestrained appetite and a disregard for moderation. Such feasting often occurred without any thought for justice or compassion for the less fortunate.
  • Implicit Social Injustice: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the luxurious living described stands in stark contrast to the widespread poverty and oppression that Amos frequently condemns (e.g., Amos 2:6). Their extravagant feasts were likely funded by exploitation and injustice, a theme central to Amos's prophetic ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "stretch themselves" (בֹרְחִים, sorekhim) carries the connotation of sprawling out or lounging excessively. It suggests a comfort that borders on decadence and idleness, indicating a people whose primary focus is on their physical ease rather than their spiritual responsibilities or the needs of their community. The word choice emphasizes the complete absorption in their own comfort.

Practical Application

Amos 6:4 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of materialism, complacency, and spiritual apathy. It challenges believers today to examine their own priorities:

  • Beware of Spiritual Complacency: It reminds us that comfort and prosperity can lead to a dangerous spiritual slumber, making us insensitive to God's voice and the needs of others.
  • Prioritize God Over Worldly Possessions: This verse calls us to reflect on whether our lives are defined by seeking worldly comforts or by seeking God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
  • Cultivate Compassion and Justice: The luxurious living of the elite in Amos's time was a stark contrast to the suffering around them. This should prompt us to consider our responsibility to care for the poor and to advocate for justice, remembering the words of Jesus about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).

Ultimately, Amos 6:4 underscores that true security and fulfillment are found not in material wealth or physical comfort, but in a right relationship with God and a commitment to His purposes.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 34:2

    Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

  • Ezekiel 34:3

    Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.

  • 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.

  • Amos 3:12

    Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus [in] a couch.

  • Isaiah 5:11

    Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, [that] they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, [till] wine inflame them!

  • Isaiah 5:12

    And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

  • Psalms 73:7

    Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
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