Chapter Summary

Woe pronounced upon those at ease in sin — abandoned by God.

Discussion Questions for Amos, Chapter 6

1. What does the phrase "woe to those who are at ease in Zion" mean in verse 1? What does this say about those who don't heed warnings about sin and judgment? In what ways can you be too complacent in your sin?
2. How does God address those who live lavishly in verses 4-7? What does this teach us about the relationship between wealth and injustice? What warning can you take away from those verses?
3. What kinds of social injustice can you identify in this chapter? Are we called to rectify every area of social injustice? How can you personally bring justice to your community or society?
4. What is so devastating about the sin of pride? Why does God call out this particular sin amongst the Israelites? In what ways do you have pride in your life?
5. Why does God tell the Israelites "you dismiss any thought of the evil day" (HCSB) in verse 3? What is so bad about overlooking sin and evil? In what ways might you overlook sin in your life, or in the world around you?
6. What do you think the dialogue in verses 9-10 mean? What does this picture of destruction teach us about God's judgment? How do you view God in light of passages like this?
7. How had the Israelites "turned justice into poison" (HCSB)? What does this mean? How have you seen the culture around you do the same thing?
8. Why does God allow their enemies to "oppress" (HCSB) them in verse 14? How does that make you feel about God's character? What times in your life have you seen God allow suffering because of your sin or rebellion against Him?
9. Why does God specifically call out the "notable people" (HCSB) of Israel? Do those in leadership bear more responsibility for a society's decay? What does this teach you about praying for, and interacting with, leadership in your life?
10. What is the significance of the phrase "first of the nations" (HCSB) in verse 1? What nation is that? How does this demonstrate God's relationship with Israel? How would it impact you for someone of a special relationship to have sinned against you, the way that Israel sinned against God?

Key Words/Phrase

Woe, v. 1.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

1 (a).