Amos 4 - Introduction

A new section of the prophecy begins here. It consists of two parts, the first (Amos 4:1) addressed to the women of Samaria; the second (Amos 4:4) to the people generally. In Amos 4:1 Amos denounces the heartless luxury and self-indulgence of the wealthy ladies of the capital; in Amos 4:4 he points ironically to the zeal with which the Israelites perform their religious rites, as though a mere external ceremonial could guarantee their safety (Amos 4:4); again and again Jehovah has shewn signs of His displeasure; but again and again the warning has passed unheeded (Amos 4:6): now at last His patience is exhausted, and Israel must prepare to meet its doom (Amos 4:12).