“Woe to those
Who lie on beds
Of ivory!
Woe to those
Who lounge
On their couches!
Woe to those
Who eat lambs
From the flock!
Woe to those
Who eat calves
From the stall!
Woe to those
Who sing idle songs
To the sound of the harp!
Like David,
They improvise
On instruments of music.
Woe to those
Who drink wine
From bowls!
Woe to those
Who anoint themselves
With the finest oils!
But they are not grieved
Over the ruin of Joseph!
Therefore,
They shall now be
The first of those
Who go into exile.
The revelry
Of the loungers
Shall pass away.”
Yahweh, via Amos, pointed out the woeful bad situation in Israel. Those lying on beds of ivory, lounges, or couches would be cursed. Those eating lambs or calves would also be cursed. Even those who sang idle songs on the harp or other improvised instruments would also be cursed. Those who drank wine from bowls or anointed themselves with fine oil would also be cursed. They would not grieve for the ruin of Joseph, that is Israel. Now all these who were lounging around will be the first to be sent into exile. All of these pleasures among the overconfident people in Israel would pass away.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 