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Pentecost Season · Proper 21 · Year C

Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Alas for Those Who Are at Ease in Zion

October 1, 2028

The Roses of Heliogabalus, Lawrence Alma-Tadema
The Roses of Heliogabalus, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1888Private collection
A Roman emperor smothers his dinner guests under tons of rose petals dropped from a false ceiling. Alma-Tadema had roses shipped weekly from the Riviera all winter to paint them from life.Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory and lounge on their couches, who sing idle songs and drink wine from bowls, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.Private collectionIn private hands, which is why it is seen in reproduction far more often than in the flesh.Private collection
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 16:19-31Lk 16:19-31
Epistle1 Tim. 6:6-191 Tm 6:6-19
Old TestamentJer. 32:1-3a, 6-15Jer 32:1-3a, 6-15Alt. OTAmos 6:1a, 4-7Am 6:1a, 4-7
PsalterPs. 91:1-6, 14-16Ps 91:1-6, 14-16Alt. PsalmPs. 146Ps 146

Overview & Insights

"Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria." (Amos 6:1)

Amos denounces the complacent luxury of Israel's elite, who feast and lounge on ivory beds while ignoring the coming ruin of their nation, warning that they will be the first to go into exile.

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Take it further: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Commentary

Commentary on Amos 6:1a, 4-7Commentary on Am 6:1a, 4-7 Working Preacher

Explains why complacent ease, not just injustice, draws Amos's condemnation here.

Amos 6 Commentary: Woe to Those at Ease in ZionAm 6 Commentary: Woe to Those at Ease in Zion Enduring Word · David Guzik

Walks through the oracle against the self-indulgent leaders of Israel and Judah.

Amos 6:1 CommentariesAm 6:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Gathers several classic commentaries on the warning to those who feel secure.

Amos 6 (Barnes' Notes)Am 6 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight

Offers Barnes' close reading of the oracle against complacent luxury.

Amos 6 CommentaryAm 6 Commentary Precept Austin

Provides a devotional, verse by verse evangelical study of the chapter.

Background & Word Study

Amos 6:1-7Am 6:1-7 Sefaria

Presents the Hebrew text of the oracle alongside translation.

Amos 6:1 InterlinearAm 6:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the Hebrew behind the images of ivory beds and choice lambs.

The Church Fathers

Amos 6 CatenaAm 6 Catena Catena

Collects patristic comment on Amos's warning to those who are at ease in Zion.

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