Amos 4:1-3

Fat cows of Bashan -- Amos 4:1-3: Amos dealt with the oppression and injustice by those that called themselves God's people. He called the women fat cows of Bashan. Bashan was on the east of Jordan, between Hermon and Gilead. Today it is known as the Golan Heights. These women were so selfish that they asked their husbands to bring them more wine that was paid for by oppressing the poor. God told them that their time was coming. Judgment was coming upon them. They would be taken away with sharp hooks. This was the Lord's promise and it was backed up by His holiness.

The idea of being taken away with a hook likely is that of the ring in the nose by which the animal is lead about. That action prompted the familiar statement that a person is "leading someone around by the nose." Israel would be lead into captivity and she would receive cruel punishment. They would be dragged through holes in the city walls. They would be cast out into the palace or into the enemy's stronghold. This would happen because the Lord had declared it so.