Amos 6:4

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:4 vividly depicts the decadent and self-indulgent lifestyle of the complacent elite in the northern kingdom of Israel, serving as a powerful indictment against their luxurious comfort and disregard for the impending judgment. The prophet Amos condemns their lavish furnishings, excessive feasting on the finest meats, and overall apathy, highlighting a profound spiritual blindness that prioritizes material pleasure over righteousness and justice. This verse encapsulates the moral decay that permeated the wealthy class, contrasting sharply with the widespread poverty and oppression that Amos consistently denounced.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6:4 is part of a larger prophetic "woe" pronouncement against those who are "at ease in Zion" and "secure in the mountain of Samaria" (Amos 6:1). This chapter, following a series of oracles against surrounding nations and then Judah and Israel, intensifies the condemnation of Israel's internal corruption. Verses 1-7 describe the luxurious and carefree existence of the elite, contrasting it with the nation's spiritual and moral decline. This specific verse details their physical comforts and excessive consumption, setting the stage for the severe judgment announced in the subsequent verses, particularly the exile mentioned in [Amos 6:7](/amos/6-7 "Amos 6:7 - Exile for the Complacent"). The passage highlights a profound disconnect between their opulent lifestyle and the impending national catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos delivered his message during the prosperous reign of King Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BC) in the northern kingdom of Israel, with Samaria as its capital. This era saw significant economic growth and military expansion, but the prosperity was unevenly distributed, leading to immense wealth for the few and severe poverty for the many. The "beds of ivory" were highly prized luxury items, often imported from Phoenicia, signifying extreme wealth and status. Ivory was used for inlay work on furniture, indicating opulence far beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. Feasting on "lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall" refers to consuming the choicest, fattest, and most expensive livestock, a clear sign of extravagant banqueting. Such practices were common among the elite, who often built multiple lavish homes (cf. [Amos 3:15](/amos/3-15 "Amos 3:15 - Winter and Summer Houses")) and engaged in excessive revelry, often at the expense of social justice and adherence to the Mosaic Law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in the book of Amos. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Excessive Luxury and Materialism**, portraying a society where comfort and worldly possessions have become idols, blinding the wealthy to their spiritual responsibilities and the suffering of others. Secondly, it highlights **Spiritual Complacency and Apathy**, as the elite "stretch themselves upon their couches," indicating a leisurely and unconcerned attitude despite the nation's moral decay and God's impending judgment. This complacency is a direct affront to the covenant relationship. Thirdly, the verse points to **Social Injustice**, a pervasive theme throughout Amos. The lavish feasting and opulent living described were often financed through the oppression of the poor and vulnerable, as seen in passages like [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor") and [Amos 5:11-12](/amos/5-11-12 "Amos 5:11-12 - Injustice in the Gates"). The prophet consistently links their luxurious lives to their failure to "let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice and Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lie (Hebrew, _shâkab'_ H7901):** This verb means "to lie down" for rest, sleep, or any other purpose. In this context, it emphasizes a state of repose and comfort, suggesting an extended period of idleness and luxurious lounging rather than necessary rest. It sets the scene for their self-indulgent lifestyle.
* **ivory (Hebrew, _shên'_ H8127):** Literally meaning "tooth," this term specifically refers to ivory, which was a highly valuable and exotic material in ancient Israel. Its presence on "beds" (H4296, _miṭṭâh_, a bed for sleeping or eating) signifies extreme wealth and luxury, as only the wealthiest could afford such imported and finely crafted furnishings. It is a symbol of their opulent excess.
* **stretch (Hebrew, _çârach'_ H5628):** This verb means "to extend" or "to spread oneself out, even to excess." It conveys the idea of sprawling out in comfort, indulging in leisure without restraint. Coupled with "couches" (H6210, _ʻeres_, a couch, often with a canopy), it paints a picture of decadent relaxation, highlighting their complete absorption in physical ease and idleness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That lie upon beds of ivory":** This phrase immediately establishes the extraordinary luxury of the elite. "Beds of ivory" were not merely functional sleeping places but status symbols, indicating immense wealth and a desire for the finest material comforts. The act of "lying upon" implies a leisurely existence, far removed from the toil of the common people.
* **"and stretch themselves upon their couches":** This further elaborates on their relaxed and indulgent posture. The verb "stretch themselves" (sorekhim) suggests an excessive, almost decadent lounging, emphasizing their unhurried and self-absorbed lifestyle. "Couches" (ares) were often used for reclining during meals, reinforcing the image of lavish banquets and prolonged periods of ease.
* **"and eat the lambs out of the flock":** This describes their extravagant diet. "Lambs out of the flock" refers to young, tender, and prime cuts of meat, indicating that they were not merely eating, but feasting on the best available provisions. This highlights their gluttony and access to resources far superior to what the majority of the population could afford.
* **"and the calves out of the midst of the stall;":** This continues the description of their luxurious food. "Calves out of the midst of the stall" denotes specially fattened calves, kept in stalls for optimal tenderness and flavor. This signifies the highest quality of meat, reserved for special occasions or the very wealthy, underscoring their unrestrained appetite and the opulence of their banquets.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of condemnation. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of extreme luxury with "beds of ivory," "couches," and the consumption of "lambs out of the flock" and "calves out of the midst of the stall." This sensory detail allows the audience to visualize the opulence and decadence. **Hyperbole** is also present, as the description of their comfort and feasting is exaggerated to emphasize the extent of their self-indulgence and the stark contrast with the suffering of the poor. The verse uses **Contrast** implicitly, juxtaposing the elite's lavish lifestyle with the widespread poverty and injustice that Amos condemns elsewhere in the book. There is also an element of **Irony**, as their "security" and comfort are ultimately leading them to destruction, a theme explicitly stated in [Amos 6:1](/amos/6-1 "Amos 6:1 - Woe to those at ease"). The very things they rely on for pleasure will become symbols of their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:4 serves as a timeless theological warning against the dangers of materialism, complacency, and the spiritual blindness that often accompanies unchecked prosperity. It underscores the biblical principle that wealth, when pursued as an end in itself and enjoyed without regard for God's justice or the needs of others, becomes a snare and an idol. The prophet's condemnation highlights God's unwavering concern for justice and righteousness, revealing that true worship is not merely ritualistic but involves compassionate living and ethical conduct. The luxurious living of the Israelite elite was a direct affront to the covenant, demonstrating a heart far from God, preoccupied with worldly pleasures rather than divine commands or communal well-being. This passage reminds us that God holds those in positions of power and wealth accountable for how they steward their resources and treat the vulnerable.

* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [James 5:1-6](/james/5-1-6 "James 5:1-6 - Warning to the Rich Oppressors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:4 stands as a stark mirror for every generation, challenging us to examine our own relationship with comfort, wealth, and the suffering of the world. In an age of unprecedented material abundance for many, this verse calls us to profound self-reflection. Are we, like the ancient Israelites, becoming complacent in our ease, stretching ourselves out on metaphorical "beds of ivory" while neglecting the cries of the poor, the demands of justice, or the spiritual needs of our communities? The prophet's message compels us to question whether our pursuit of personal comfort and pleasure has dulled our spiritual senses, making us insensitive to God's voice and the brokenness around us. True biblical living demands a reorientation of priorities, moving from self-indulgence to self-sacrifice, from apathy to active compassion, and from accumulating wealth to stewarding resources for God's kingdom and the good of others. It is a call to cultivate a heart that grieves over injustice and seeks righteousness, rather than one that is merely content in its own prosperity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "lying upon beds of ivory" in my own life, allowing comfort and ease to lead to spiritual complacency?**
* **How does my spending and consumption reflect my priorities? Am I prioritizing God's kingdom and justice over personal luxury?**
* **What are the "lambs and calves" that I consume today, and am I mindful of the source of my comfort and the needs of those who lack?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of compassion and a commitment to justice, rather than succumbing to apathy in the face of suffering?**

### FAQ
**What does "beds of ivory" signify in Amos 6:4?**

Answer: "Beds of ivory" signifies extreme luxury, wealth, and status in ancient Israel. Ivory was an expensive, imported material used for inlay work on furniture, indicating that only the wealthiest elite could afford such opulent furnishings. It symbolizes their excessive indulgence and detachment from the common people's struggles, highlighting a lifestyle of comfort and extravagance.

**Why is Amos condemning this luxurious lifestyle?**

Answer: Amos is condemning this luxurious lifestyle not merely because it is opulent, but because it is intertwined with profound social injustice and spiritual apathy. The wealth that funded these luxuries was often acquired through oppression, exploitation, and disregard for God's covenant laws (see [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Selling the Righteous for Silver")). Furthermore, their comfort led to a dangerous complacency, making them oblivious to the impending judgment of God and the suffering of their own people. Their focus on material pleasure overshadowed their spiritual responsibilities and their duty to care for the vulnerable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:4, with its stark portrayal of human self-indulgence and the resulting divine judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counter-narrative in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's condemnation of those who "lie upon beds of ivory" and "eat the lambs out of the flock" highlights humanity's propensity to seek fulfillment in material comforts and earthly pleasures, leading to spiritual blindness and injustice. In stark contrast, Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), did not seek comfort or luxury. He had "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")) and consistently challenged the pursuit of wealth as an ultimate good, warning that one "cannot serve God and money" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve God and Money")). He embodied perfect justice and compassion, identifying with the poor and marginalized, and ultimately offered himself as the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate sacrifice that the Israelites' feasting foreshadowed but failed to comprehend. Through Christ, the judgment against human self-indulgence is both affirmed and overcome, as He calls His followers to a life of self-denial, justice, and seeking first the kingdom of God, finding true riches not in earthly comforts but in Him ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom 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

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.