Question 1

Who are the "kine of Bashan" mentioned in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The "kine of Bashan" is a picture word for the wealthy and powerful people in Samaria. Bashan was known for its strong, well-fed cattle, so the image points to people who live in comfort and luxury. These leaders were not just rich, they were also cruel. The passage says they oppress the poor and crush the needy while they call for more drink and pleasure. God uses this sharp language to show how far their hearts are from Him and how little they care for those who suffer under them.

Question 2

What does it mean when God says, "yet have ye not returned unto me"?

Accepted Answer

This line is repeated several times to show how stubborn the people were. God had already sent hunger, drought, crop disease, pests, sickness, war losses, and even disasters like those that once hit Sodom and Gomorrah. Each hardship was meant to wake them up and lead them back to Him. Yet every time, instead of turning from their sin, they just went on as before. The words “yet have ye not returned unto me” show God’s patience and also the deep hardness of their hearts.

Question 3

Why does God mock their worship at Bethel and Gilgal?

Accepted Answer

God’s words about going to Bethel and Gilgal are spoken in a biting, sarcastic way. The people were very eager to bring sacrifices, tithes, and special offerings. They even liked to talk about their giving in public. But at the same time, they were clinging to idols and treating the poor with cruelty. Their worship looked busy and impressive, but their hearts were unchanged. God is showing that religious habits, even very frequent ones, do not please Him when people refuse to obey Him and do what is right.

Question 4

What does "prepare to meet thy God, O Israel" mean here?

Accepted Answer

“Prepare to meet thy God” is not inviting Israel to a peaceful meeting, but warning them about coming judgment. God has tried again and again to bring them back through lesser troubles. Since they have not returned, a more severe dealing is on the way. To “prepare” here means they should realize that they will soon face the God they have ignored, the one who formed the mountains, created the wind, and knows their thoughts. It is a sober call to repent before He comes in open judgment.

Question 5

What kinds of judgments does God mention in this passage, and why were they sent?

Accepted Answer

God lists several hard things He sent: lack of food, drought when harvest was near, ruined crops from blasting and mildew, insects eating gardens and trees, sickness like the plagues in Egypt, young men killed in war, loss of horses, and terrible destruction like that of Sodom and Gomorrah. These were not random events. God used them as warnings and as discipline, meant to turn the people from their sin and bring them back to Him. They were signs of His concern, but the people still refused to listen.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s view of oppression and wealth?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God sees and hates oppression, especially when it is carried out by those who are rich and powerful. The leaders in Samaria enjoyed comfort and pleasure while they crushed the needy and pressured their masters to keep the gains coming. God does not condemn wealth in itself, but He strongly condemns using power and riches to harm the poor. Their comfortable lifestyle did not protect them from judgment. It actually added to their guilt, because they used God’s gifts against His own command to care for the weak.

Question 7

How does the description of God in the final verse shape the message of this chapter?

Accepted Answer

The last verse describes God as the one who forms mountains, creates the wind, knows human thoughts, turns morning into darkness, and walks on the high places of the earth. He is called the Lord, the God of hosts. This picture reminds Israel that the God they are about to meet is not a local idol tied to one shrine. He is the maker and ruler of everything, with full power to judge. It shows that ignoring His warnings is not only foolish, it is unsafe, because no one can resist a God like this.

Question 8

How can someone today apply the message of this passage to their life?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites us to look honestly at two things: how we treat others and how we worship God. It warns against being comfortable while ignoring those who are in need or are being mistreated. It also warns against going through religious motions while keeping a hard heart. A good response is to ask, “Am I using what I have to help or to crush?” and “Is my worship just outward, or am I really turning from sin to God?” The call is to listen when God corrects us and to return to Him instead of brushing it off.

Amos 4:1

Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

Punishment Brings No Repentance

Punishment Brings No Repentance

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Amos 4:1

Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

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Punishment Brings No Repentance

Punishment Brings No Repentance

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