Amos 6: Group Study Handout

Overview

Woe is pronounced to the complacent leaders in Zion and Samaria, who are secure and celebrated (vv. 1-2). They are challenged to consider whether their cities, like Calneh and Gath, are truly better than others. These leaders are indifferent, enjoying luxuries while neglecting the suffering of Joseph (vv. 3-6). Their indulgence leads to a prophetic warning that they will face captivity alongside others (vv. 7-8). Yahweh swears to deliver their city to destruction, where even a few will not survive (vv. 9-10). The great and the small will be crushed, as justice has been corrupted and turned to poison (vv. 11-12). The leaders boast of their strength, but Yahweh announces that He will raise a nation against Israel, bringing affliction from Hamath to the brook of the Arabah (vv. 13-14).

Key verse

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come!”

Amos 6:1 (WEB)

Outline

1. Amos 6:1–2 Woe to the Complacent Leaders
2. Amos 6:3–6 Indulgence and Indifference
3. Amos 6:7–8 Impending Captivity
4. Amos 6:9–10 Destruction and Silence
5. Amos 6:11–12 Justice Turned to Poison
6. Amos 6:13–14 Divine Judgment Announced

Discussion questions

1. In v6, what do those who drink wine in bowls fail to do?
2. In v2, what cities does God tell Israel to visit?
3. God's command in v11 about the 'great house' and the 'little house': what does this suggest about judgment?
4. The phrase 'you who rejoice in a thing of nothing' in v13: what does this imply about the attitudes of Israel's leaders?
5. When have you seen someone be indifferent to the suffering of others, as described in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Amos 6: Amos 5, Amos 3, Amos 8.

Before next time: read Amos 7.