Amos 6:1

“Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion, etc.] Or “secure”f147 there; which was a strong hold, the city of David, the seat of the kings of Judah; where their court was kept, and the princes and chief men resided and thought themselves safe, the place being well fortified with walls, towers, and bulwarks: or “at ease”; that is, in easy, prosperous, comfortable circumstances of life; as Job was before his troubles, and others he mentions, (<181612>Job 16:12 <181205>12:5 <182123>21:23); though to be in such a state is not criminal, but a blessing of Providential goodness, for which men should be thankful, and make use of it aright: but “woe to the rich in Zion”f148, as the Vulgate Latin Version…”

“DENUNCIATION OF BOTH THE SISTER NATIONS (ESPECIALLY THEIR NOBLES) FOR WANTON SECURITY--ZION, AS WELL AS SAMARIA: THREAT OF THE EXILE: RUIN OF THEIR PALACES AND SLAUGHTER OF THE PEOPLE: THEIR PERVERSE INJUSTICE. (Amo 6:1-14) named chief of the nations--that is, you nobles, so eminent in influence, that your names are celebrated among the chief nations [LUDOVICUS DE DIEU]. Hebrew, "Men designated by name among the first-fruits of the nations," that is, men of note in Israel, the people chosen by God as first of the nations (Exo 19:5; compare Num 24:20) [PISCATOR]. to whom . . . Israel came--that is, the princes to whom the Israelites used to repair for the decision of controversies,…”

“Woe to them that are at ease - The word always means such as are recklessly at their ease, “the careless ones,” such as those whom Isaiah bids Isaiah 32:9-11, “rise up, tremble, be troubled, for many days and years shall ye be troubled.” It is that luxury and ease, which sensualize the soul, and make it dull, stupid, hard-hearted. By one earnest, passing word, the prophet warns his own land, that present sinful ease ends in future woe. “Woe unto them that laugh now: for they shall mourn and weep” Luke 6:25. Rup.: “He foretells the destruction and captivity of both Judah and Israel at once; and not only that captivity at Babylon, but that whereby they are dispersed unto this day.” Luxury and…”

“At ease - That neither fear nor believe the threatened judgments of God. In Zion - That is put for the kingdom of the two tribes, and principally the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Samaria - Woe to them also who rely upon the strength, wealth, and policy of the kingdom of Samaria or Israel. Which - Which two cities, Zion and Samaria. Named chief - Accounted the chief cities of that part of the world. To whom - To which place all Israel had recourse, the two tribes to Zion, the ten tribes to Samaria. Amos 6:2”

“6:1 Jerusalem . . . Samaria: A message including Jerusalem is unexpected, but it shows that God plays no favorites; whoever rebels against God will experience sorrow. The Hebrew text uses the terms Zion . . . Mount Samaria, indicating the citadels of the two cities. The people of both Judea and Israel were smug and self-important, believing that the fortresses of the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria were impregnable (see also 4:3). Relying on physical power instead of on God is sin.”

“to them: Jdg 18:7; Isa 32:9-11, Isa 33:14; Jer 48:11, Jer 49:31; Luk 6:24, Luk 6:25; Luk 12:17-20; Jam 5:5; Pe1 5:7 at ease: or, secure, Jer 7:4 and trust: Amo 4:1, Amo 8:14; Kg1 16:24 named: Exo 19:5, Exo 19:6; Lam 1:1 chief: or, firstfruits, Jam 1:18 Amos 6:2”

“The prophet utters the second woe over the careless heads of the nation, who were content with the existing state of things, who believed in no divine judgment, and who revelled in their riches ( Amo 6:1-6). To these he announces destruction and the general overthrow of the kingdom ( Amo 6:7-11), because they act perversely, and trust in their own power ( Amo 6:12-14). Amo 6:1. "Woe to the secure upon Zion, and to the careless upon the mountain of Samaria, to the chief men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! Amo 6:2. Go over to Calneh, and see; and proceed thence to Hamath, the great one: and go down to Gath of the Philistines: are they indeed better than these…”