Matthew Henry Commentary Amos 6:1-7

Matthew Henry Commentary

Amos 6:1-7

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Amos 6:1-7

1662–1714
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and to them that are secure in the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come! Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines: are they better than these kingdoms? or is their border greater than your border? -ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; 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 sing idle songs to the sound of the viol; that invent for themselves instruments of music, like David; that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Therefore shall they now go captive with the first that go captive; and the revelry of them that stretched themselves shall pass away." — Amos 6:1-7 (ASV)

Those who do well for their bodies are often regarded as doing well for themselves; but we are told here what their ease is, and what their woe is. Here is a description of the pride, security, and sensuality for which God will hold them accountable.

Careless sinners are everywhere in danger; but those at ease in Zion—who are spiritually dull, vainly confident, and abusing their privileges—are in the greatest danger. Yet many imagine themselves to be the people of God while living in sin and in conformity to the world.

However, the examples of others' ruin forbid us to be secure. Those who are devoted to their pleasures are commonly careless of the troubles of others, but this is a great offense to God.

Those who placed their happiness in the pleasures of sense, and set their hearts upon them, will be deprived of those pleasures. Those who try to put the evil day far from them find it nearest to them.