Albert Barnes Commentary Amos 4:8

"So two or three cities wandered unto one city to drink water, and were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Jehovah." — Amos 4:8 (ASV)

Two or three cities wandered into one city - Consequently, those who were punished were more than those who were reprieved. The word “wandered,” literally “trembled,” expresses the unsteady, reeling gait of those exhausted, in quest of food. They staggered from weakness, uncertain amid the general drought where to go. This was done not in punishment but to heal. God paused to give them opportunity to repent; indeed, His long-suffering only showed them and others that they would not: and you still did not return to Me, says the Lord.