Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.
Therefore now shall they go captive {H1540} with the first {H7218} that go captive {H1540}, and the banquet {H4797} of them that stretched {H5628} themselves shall be removed {H5493}.
Therefore now they will be the first to go into exile with those being exiled, and the revelry of those who lounged, sprawling, will pass away.
Therefore, you will now go into exile as the first of the captives, and your feasting and lounging will come to an end.
Therefore shall they now go captive with the first that go captive; and the revelry of them that stretched themselves shall pass away.
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Amos 7:11
For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land. -
Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. -
Daniel 5:6
Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. -
1 Kings 20:16
And they went out at noon. But Benhadad [was] drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him. -
1 Kings 20:20
And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. -
Amos 5:5
But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. -
Isaiah 21:4
My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.
Amos 6:7 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against the complacent and luxurious elite of Israel, particularly those in Samaria. This verse is the direct consequence pronounced upon those described in the preceding verses (Amos 6:1-6) who lived in self-indulgence while ignoring God's law and the suffering of the poor.
Context of Amos 6:7
The prophet Amos, active in the 8th century BC, primarily delivered messages of warning and judgment to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In Amos chapter 6, he specifically addresses the wealthy and powerful leaders who felt secure and "at ease in Zion" (Amos 6:1). They were living in opulence, enjoying extravagant feasts, fine music, and costly anointing oils, yet remained oblivious to the impending destruction and the social injustices rampant in their society. Verse 7 serves as the climax of this indictment, detailing their impending doom.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "stretched themselves" comes from the Hebrew word sarach, which vividly depicts people lounging or sprawling in excessive comfort on couches during their elaborate feasts. It emphasizes their self-indulgent posture and lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the impending hardship. The "banquet" (Hebrew: mirzach) refers to a noisy feast or revelry, highlighting the loud, unrestrained luxury that would soon be silenced.
Related Scriptures
This prophecy found its historical fulfillment with the Assyrian captivity of Israel, where the elite were indeed among the first to be exiled. The theme of judgment on the complacent and wealthy is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, which also speaks to a reversal of destinies based on earthly choices and compassion (or lack thereof).
Practical Application
Amos 6:7 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to guard against complacency, materialism, and a false sense of security. It challenges us to examine our priorities: are we living for self-indulgence or for God's purposes? It calls for spiritual vigilance, empathy for the less fortunate, and a recognition that true security and lasting joy are found not in earthly comforts but in a humble walk with God. This verse reminds us that God holds all accountable, especially those entrusted with influence and resources.