Amos 4:1-13

Two Indictments Of The People Which Will Result In A Series Of Chastisements (Amos 4:1-13 ).

A new oracle now begins with the words ‘hear this word ---’ (compare Amos 3:1; Amos 5:1) and consists of indictments, first on the wealthy women of Israel (Amos 4:1-3), and then on all of Israel who are not true to YHWH (Amos 4:4-5). It then follows these up with a series of chastisements which are either a reflection of their past, or are something which will come on them, each of which closes with the phrase ‘yet you have not returned to Me, says YHWH’ (Amos 4:6-11). Finally it closes with a warning of what YHWH will now bring upon them, as he declares to them ‘prepare to meet your God O Israel’ (Amos 4:12-13), which in the context means, ‘Get ready for what is coming on you from YHWH as you face His judgment’.