Amos 6:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Amos 6:1-7

The first words of the chapter are the contents of these verses; but they sound very strangely, and contrary to the sentiments of a vain world: Woe to those that are at ease! We are ready to say, Happy are those that are at ease, that neither feel any trouble nor fear any, that lie soft and warm, and lay nothing to heart; and wise we think are those that do so, that bathe themselves in the delights of sense and care not how the world goes. Those are looked upon as doing well for themselves... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory ,.... That were made of it, or inlaid with it, or covered with it, as the Targum; nor was it improbable that these were made wholly of ivory, for such beds we read of: Timaeus says F18 Apud Aelian. Var. Hist. l. 12. c. 29. , the Agrigentines had beds entirely made of ivory; and Horace F19 "----Rubro ubi cocco Tincta super lectos cauderet vestis eburnos". Horat. Serm. l. 2. Satyr. 6. v. 102. also speaks of such beds: and if any credit can be given to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory - The word הוי hoi , wo, is understood at the beginning of each of the first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth verses. The beds mentioned here may be either sofas to recline on at table, or beds to sleep on; and these among the ancients were ornamented with ivory inlaid. They were called lectos eburatos by Plautus, lectos eburnos by Horace, "ivory beds." Probably those ornamented with shells, or mother-of-pearl, may be intended. Several works of this kind... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 6:4

Verse 4 Amos still pursues the reproof we have noticed at the beginning of the chapter, — that the chief men, of whom he speaks, cast away from them all cares and anxieties, and indulged in pleasures, while the whole country was miserably distressed. We must ever bear in mind what I have already said, — that luxury is not simply reprehended by the Prophet, as some incorrectly think, without sufficiently considering what is said, for it is not what the Prophet treats of; but he upbraids the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 6:1-6

With a second woe the prophet denounces the chiefs of the whole nation, who were quite satisfied with the present state of things, and, revelling in luxury, feared no coming judgment. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 6:1-6

Woeful ease. "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!" etc. "This chapter embraces the character and punishment of the whole Hebrew nation. The inhabitants of the two capitals are directly addressed in the language of denunciation, and charged to take warning from the fate of other nations ( Amos 6:1 , Amos 6:2 ). Their carnal security, injustice, self-indulgence, sensuality,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 6:1-7

Wantonness the way to woe. God's thoughts are not as ours. He sees things all round; we see but one side of them. He sees the inner reality of things; we see but their outward semblance. He sees the tendency and ultimate result of things; we but guess their probable tendency, knowing nothing of distant results whatever. Hence, in their estimates of life and of good, "the wisdom of men is foolishness with God." The passage before us is an illustration of this The conditions of being... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory; couches inlaid with ivory (see note on Amos 3:15 ) at meals. The prophet substantiates his denunciation by describing their selfish luxury and debauchery. Stretch themselves literally, are poured out ; Septuagint, κατασπαταλῶντες , " wantoning. " Out of the midst of the stall. Calves put up to be fattened. They do this presumably net on festivals, when it would have been proper and excusable, but every day. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 6:4-7

The sin of dissolute life. A herdsman and gatherer of wild figs like Amos, brought into contact with the nobility and the courtiers of a wealthy and luxurious city like Samaria, was likely enough to be shocked and scandalized. The judgments he formed were naturally severe, but they were not unjust or passionate. His language remains a merited and everlasting rebuke to those in high station who live for their own gratification and indulgence. I. A LUXURIOUS AND DISSOLUTE LIFE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 6:4-7

Carnal indulgence. "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," etc. Here is a sketch of the way in which these leading men of the chief nations luxuriated in carnal pleasures and sensual indulgences. Observe two things. I. THE MORAL TORPOR OF CARNAL INDULGENCE . Observe two things. 1 . These people wrought entirely for the senses. See how they slept! They... read more

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