Matthew Henry Commentary Amos 4:1-5

"Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, that oppress the poor, that crush the needy, that say unto their lords, Bring, and let us drink. The Lord Jehovah hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that they shall take you away with hooks, and your residue with fish-hooks. And ye shall go out at the breaches, every one straight before her; and ye shall cast [yourselves] into Harmon, saith Jehovah. Come to Beth-el, and transgress; to Gilgal, [and] multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, [and] your tithes every three days; and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill-offerings and publish them: for this pleaseth you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord Jehovah." — Amos 4:1-5 (ASV)

What is gained by extortion is commonly used to provide for the flesh and to fulfill its lusts. What is gained by oppression cannot be enjoyed with satisfaction.

How miserable are those whose confidence in unscriptural observances only proves that they believe a lie! Let us see to it that our faith, hope, and worship are warranted by the Divine word.