◄ Amos 6:2 ►
Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to the great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours?
Study Bible
Cross over to Calneh
The phrase "Cross over" suggests an invitation to examine or investigate. Calneh, an ancient city, is often associated with the Assyrian Empire, representing a place of former greatness and power. The Hebrew root for "Calneh" is uncertain, but it is often linked to strength or fortification. Historically, Calneh was a significant city, and its mention here serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and glory. The call to "see" implies a deeper reflection on the fate of once-great cities, urging the Israelites to consider their own vulnerability despite their current prosperity.

go from there to great Hamath
Hamath was a prominent city-state in ancient Syria, known for its strategic location and influence. The term "great" underscores its significance and might. In the Hebrew context, Hamath was often seen as a symbol of power and wealth. The Israelites are encouraged to "go" and observe, suggesting a journey of understanding and introspection. Historically, Hamath's greatness did not prevent its eventual downfall, serving as a cautionary tale for Israel about the dangers of pride and complacency.

then go down to Gath of the Philistines
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and is frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's enemies. The phrase "go down" may imply a descent not only geographically but also morally or spiritually. Gath's history as a formidable city, often in conflict with Israel, highlights the theme of divine justice and the futility of relying on human strength. The Philistines, despite their might, were not immune to defeat, reminding Israel of the need for humility and reliance on God.

Are you better than these kingdoms?
This rhetorical question challenges the Israelites' sense of superiority and security. The Hebrew word for "better" can also imply moral or spiritual excellence. By comparing themselves to these fallen kingdoms, the Israelites are prompted to reflect on their own standing before God. The question serves as a warning against arrogance and self-reliance, emphasizing that no nation is immune to judgment if it turns away from righteousness.

Is their territory larger than yours?
This phrase questions the basis of Israel's confidence. The term "territory" refers to the physical land and the extent of a nation's influence. Historically, the size of a territory was often equated with power and security. However, the implied answer is that despite their size, these kingdoms fell. The Israelites are reminded that true security comes not from the expanse of their land but from their relationship with God. This serves as a call to prioritize spiritual faithfulness over material prosperity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Calneh
An ancient city, possibly located in Mesopotamia, known for its strength and prosperity. It serves as a point of comparison for Israel's complacency.

2. Hamath
A significant city in Syria, often associated with wealth and power. It is used to illustrate the false security of Israel.

3. Gath of the Philistines
One of the five major Philistine cities, known for its military strength. It represents a warning against pride and self-reliance.

4. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, which is being warned by the prophet Amos about its complacency and false sense of security.

5. Amos
A prophet sent by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to Israel, urging them to repent and return to God.
Teaching Points
Complacency and False Security
Israel's comparison to other nations serves as a warning against complacency. Believers should not rely on their own strength or achievements but trust in God.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Just as God judged Calneh, Hamath, and Gath, He holds all nations accountable. This reminds us of God's ultimate authority and the importance of aligning with His will.

Pride Comes Before a Fall
The cities mentioned were once powerful but fell due to pride. Christians are called to humility, recognizing that all blessings come from God.

Repentance and Return to God
Amos's message is a call to repentance. Believers should regularly examine their lives, repent of sin, and seek God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. What similarities do you see between the cities mentioned in Amos 6:2 and modern-day societies? How can we guard against similar complacency?

2. How does the concept of God's sovereignty over nations in Amos 6:2 challenge or comfort you in today's world?

3. In what ways can pride manifest in a believer's life, and how can we actively cultivate humility?

4. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strength rather than God's. What did you learn from that experience?

5. How can the call to repentance in Amos 6:2 be applied to your personal spiritual journey today? What steps can you take to align more closely with God's will?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 10:9-11
This passage also references Calneh and Hamath, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to judge them.

Jeremiah 49:23-27
Discusses the judgment on Hamath, emphasizing that no city or nation is beyond God's reach.

1 Samuel 17:4
Gath is mentioned as the hometown of Goliath, symbolizing human pride and reliance on physical strength rather than God.
Sermons
Comparing NotesDavid Davies.Amos 6:2
Woeful EaseD. Thomas Amos 6:1-6
People
Amos, David, Hemath, Jacob, Joseph
Places
Ashteroth-karnaim, Brook of the Arabah, Calneh, Gath, Hamath, Lebo-hamath, Lo-debar, Samaria, Zion
Topics
Better, Border, Calneh, Gath, Greater, Hamath, Kingdoms, Larger, Pass, Philistia, Philistines, Territory, Theirs, Thence, Wider, Yours
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Amos 6:1-6

     5856   extravagance

Amos 6:1-7

     8783   neglect

Library
The Carcass and the Eagles
'Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! 2. Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border? 3. Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; 4. That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

June the Twenty-Fourth at Ease in Zion
"Woe to them that are at ease in Zion!" --AMOS vi. 1-7. I would be delivered from the folly of confusing ease and rest. There is an infinite difference between comforts and comfort. It is one thing to lie down on a luxurious couch: it is a very different thing to "lie down in green pastures" under the gracious shepherdliness of the Lord. The ease which men covet is so often a fruit of stupefaction, the dull product of sinful drugs, the wretched sluggishness of carnal gratification and excess. …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

A Sermon for the Time Present
I am going to begin with the last verse of the text, and work my way upwards. The first; head is, a trying day for God's people. They are sorrowful because a cloud is upon their solemn assembly, and the reproach thereof is a burden. Secondly, we will note a glorious ground of consolation. We read in the seventeenth verse, "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." And, thirdly, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 33: 1887

Whether it is Proper to Christ to be Head of the Church?
Objection 1: It seems that it is not proper to Christ to be Head of the Church. For it is written (1 Kings 15:17): "When thou wast a little one in thy own eyes, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel?" Now there is but one Church in the New and the Old Testament. Therefore it seems that with equal reason any other man than Christ might be head of the Church. Objection 2: Further, Christ is called Head of the Church from His bestowing grace on the Church's members. But it belongs to others …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Christian Liberty.
1. Connection of this chapter with the previous one on Justification. A true knowledge of Christian liberty useful and necessary. 1. It purifies the conscience. 2. It checks licentiousness. 3. It maintains the merits of Christ, the truth of the Gospel, and the peace of the soul. 2. This liberty consists of three parts. First, Believers renouncing the righteousness of the law, look only to Christ. Objection. Answer, distinguishing between Legal and Evangelical righteousness. 3. This first part clearly …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Of Orders.
Of this sacrament the Church of Christ knows nothing; it was invented by the church of the Pope. It not only has no promise of grace, anywhere declared, but not a word is said about it in the whole of the New Testament. Now it is ridiculous to set up as a sacrament of God that which can nowhere be proved to have been instituted by God. Not that I consider that a rite practised for so many ages is to be condemned; but I would not have human inventions established in sacred things, nor should it be …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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