6:1 Alas for those being at ease The next woe oracle (Amos 6:1–3) attacks the leaders of Israel and Judah who have grown complacent with a false sense of security.

Zion Refers to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Amos is critical of the leaders of Judah as well as the leaders of Israel.

Samaria Capital of the northern kingdom (see note on Jer 31:5); likely home to a religious shrine based on Mic 1:6–7; Isa 10:11.

6:2 to Calneh A city in northern Syria that was destroyed by Assyria in 738 bc. Compare Isa 10:9.

to Hamath An important city in northern Syria. See note on Jer 49:23.

to Gath of the Philistines One of the five cities of the Philistines, possibly destroyed by Assyria in 715 bc. None of the later prophets mention Gath by name when they list the cities of the Philistines (see note on Jer 25:20).

Philistines

better than these kingdoms These surrounding nations north and south of Israel and Judah will fall to Assyria, so Israel should expect nothing different.

6:3 You that put off the day of disaster Compare Ezek 12:27.

6:4 those who lie on beds of A woe oracle (Amos 6:4–7) criticizing the sloth, gluttony, and drunkenness of the wealthy.

beds of ivory According to Assyrian records, a couch with ivory inlay was part of the tribute the Judaean King Hezekiah delivered to Sennacherib (2 Kgs 18:13–16). More than 500 ivory fragments dating to the ninth and eighth centuries bc have been found in excavations at Samaria. See note on Amos 3:15.

6:6 are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph The leaders are consumed with self-indulgent pleasures. They ignore the rampant injustice and impending national disaster.

6:8 the pride of Jacob Israel’s self-sufficient attitude and refusal to repent are signs of the great pride that will lead to their downfall.

6:10 we must not invoke the name of Yahweh Out of fear of calling down further judgment from an angry deity.

6:12 Do horses run on rocks These animal metaphors highlight the ridiculous and unnatural nature of Israel’s rejection of Yahweh’s justice and righteousness.

wormwood See note on Lam 3:15.

6:13 Lo-Debar A town in the northern part of the Transjordan, close to where the Yarmuk River joins the Jordan River. It may have been part of the territory recovered by Jeroboam II (2 Kgs 14:25).

Karnaim A city in Gilead east of the Sea of Galilee. It is mentioned in the ot only here and in Gen 14:5. Karnaim may have been part of the area that Jeroboam II reconquered (2 Kgs 14:25).

6:14 Lebo-hamath up to the wadi of the Arabah Encompasses the full length of Israel’s territory. The same locations are used to show how Jeroboam II expanded Israel’s borders in 2 Kgs 14:25.