Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Kine of Bashan"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
The word “kine” in the Bible are the cows and heifers of God which graze on a thousand hills. And Bashan is the region east and north of the Sea of Galilee.
It brings to mind a pastoral scene of peace and tranquility. Today’s passage however brings a different image to mind from the peaceful country scene we might have imagined. While the cattle are grazing and getting fat on their diet, Amos speaks God’s word: “Listen up, you cows…” Suddenly that picturesque image has changed. God’s upset is tangible in His words to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judah. Their behaviors were no better than the heathen nations surrounding them! Idol worship and ignoring God’s commands and laws was the order of each day among His people, especially those that lived nearest to the Temple itself.
While God destroyed the Syrian Palaces, and those of the Gazans and other nations surrounding Israel, He has the Jews under judgment, but mercifully, not to be destroyed. God has remembered His covenant with Abraham, and with his offspring, the 12 Tribes of Israel (Jacob’s 12 sons).
The question must be asked though, are Christians today any better than the Jews of old were? Idolatry abounds everywhere we look, and as far as the eye can see. Yet because God has grafted us into His family tree, he is faithful to keep us. Such mercy and grace can only come from a patient and loving Father.
In speaking to Judah and Jerusalem in verse 2 of the previous chapter, God said “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…” How fortunate it is that the Church has been grafted into the heritage of His Chosen People! (Romans 11:17-23)
Nonetheless, Jesus, will still judge us and our works on Earth. We are kept because we have chosen to believe in Him, but that means that God will chasten us as sons and daughters. He has not marked us for destruction like the heathen, but for reward! That is why His chastisement comes, to get our attention, and motivate us to repentance. Neither the Jews, nor the Church are the fatherless heathens; we are sanctified by God to be changed from death to life; from the world to His heavenly Kingdom (John 3:16, 17)!
From Hebrews 12:7 -
"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?"
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning's Audio Message:
Amos chapter 4 is a divine rebuke against Israel's unrepentant heart.
Amos 4, albeit challenging, is a poignant reminder of the significant consequence of our choices and the importance of repentance. God’s numerous interventions are His attempts to turn us back to Him. True repentance is not about performing rituals but about a heart transformation, that we might seek justice, and display compassion to the oppressed.
The chapter begins with a stern rebuke to the complacent and wealthy women of Samaria, who are metaphorically referred to as "cows of Bashan". These women are living in luxury and opulence, oppressing the poor and demanding wine from their husbands. God vows they will face severe judgment for their actions.
Amos sarcastically encourages the Israelites to continue in their idolatrous practices at Bethel and Gilgal, two places notorious for idol worship. However, he warns that their rituals and sacrifices are meaningless to God, who desires obedience and justice over empty offerings. Despite God's multiple punishments in forms of famine, drought, blight, plagues, and even the destruction of some cities, the Israelites remained unresponsive to God’s warnings.
The chapter concludes with God's stern declaration of imminent judgment. Amos reminds the Israelites of God's mighty power, urging them to prepare to meet their God who controls the forces of nature and has power over life and death.
Amos 4 is a stern chapter that underscores the prophetic warnings delivered by God through His servant, Amos, to the Israelites. Despite the numerous chastisements and trials allowed by God, the Israelites remain obstinate and unrepentant in their sins. The chapter presents a strong appeal for repentance and a turning away from the hollow rituals, emphasizing the significance of genuine righteousness.
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
The word “kine” in the Bible are the cows and heifers of God which graze on a thousand hills. And Bashan is the region east and north of the Sea of Galilee.
It brings to mind a pastoral scene of peace and tranquility. Today’s passage however brings a different image to mind from the peaceful country scene we might have imagined. While the cattle are grazing and getting fat on their diet, Amos speaks God’s word: “Listen up, you cows…” Suddenly that picturesque image has changed. God’s upset is tangible in His words to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judah. Their behaviors were no better than the heathen nations surrounding them! Idol worship and ignoring God’s commands and laws was the order of each day among His people, especially those that lived nearest to the Temple itself.
While God destroyed the Syrian Palaces, and those of the Gazans and other nations surrounding Israel, He has the Jews under judgment, but mercifully, not to be destroyed. God has remembered His covenant with Abraham, and with his offspring, the 12 Tribes of Israel (Jacob’s 12 sons).
The question must be asked though, are Christians today any better than the Jews of old were? Idolatry abounds everywhere we look, and as far as the eye can see. Yet because God has grafted us into His family tree, he is faithful to keep us. Such mercy and grace can only come from a patient and loving Father.
In speaking to Judah and Jerusalem in verse 2 of the previous chapter, God said “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…” How fortunate it is that the Church has been grafted into the heritage of His Chosen People! (Romans 11:17-23)
Nonetheless, Jesus, will still judge us and our works on Earth. We are kept because we have chosen to believe in Him, but that means that God will chasten us as sons and daughters. He has not marked us for destruction like the heathen, but for reward! That is why His chastisement comes, to get our attention, and motivate us to repentance. Neither the Jews, nor the Church are the fatherless heathens; we are sanctified by God to be changed from death to life; from the world to His heavenly Kingdom (John 3:16, 17)!
From Hebrews 12:7 -
"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?"
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning's Audio Message:
Amos 4:1-13 - "The Kine of Bahsan"
Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:
Amos chapter 4 is a divine rebuke against Israel's unrepentant heart.
Amos 4, albeit challenging, is a poignant reminder of the significant consequence of our choices and the importance of repentance. God’s numerous interventions are His attempts to turn us back to Him. True repentance is not about performing rituals but about a heart transformation, that we might seek justice, and display compassion to the oppressed.
The chapter begins with a stern rebuke to the complacent and wealthy women of Samaria, who are metaphorically referred to as "cows of Bashan". These women are living in luxury and opulence, oppressing the poor and demanding wine from their husbands. God vows they will face severe judgment for their actions.
Amos sarcastically encourages the Israelites to continue in their idolatrous practices at Bethel and Gilgal, two places notorious for idol worship. However, he warns that their rituals and sacrifices are meaningless to God, who desires obedience and justice over empty offerings. Despite God's multiple punishments in forms of famine, drought, blight, plagues, and even the destruction of some cities, the Israelites remained unresponsive to God’s warnings.
The chapter concludes with God's stern declaration of imminent judgment. Amos reminds the Israelites of God's mighty power, urging them to prepare to meet their God who controls the forces of nature and has power over life and death.
Amos 4 is a stern chapter that underscores the prophetic warnings delivered by God through His servant, Amos, to the Israelites. Despite the numerous chastisements and trials allowed by God, the Israelites remain obstinate and unrepentant in their sins. The chapter presents a strong appeal for repentance and a turning away from the hollow rituals, emphasizing the significance of genuine righteousness.
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Ye Kine (Cows) of Bashan (4:1) - The husbands of “Samaria” met their wives’ demands for luxury by denying “the poor” justice, and then by taking their land through excessive taxation and usury. These wealthy women (“cows of Bashan”) were in turn using their wealth to enrich themselves rather than to help the needy, unaware that they were “fattening” themselves for the slaughter of God’s devastating judgment. Not only is this an indictment against the women of Samaria, but a depreciating description of the compassionless woman of Samaria who lived such luxurious lives (cf. Isaiah 3:16-26; 32:9-13; Jeremiah 4:30). The "cows" of Bashan were noted for being well fed and strong because of the lush pastures of the area. The women of Samaria lived in luxurious wantonness, enjoying their luxury while feeding off of the oppressed the poor and the needy. Bashan was a fertile region below Mt. Hermon east of the Jordan River known for its lush pastures. Under Jeroboam II, Israel was enjoying great prosperity.
Sworn By (4:2) - As sure as God is holy and true, so certainly will he bring the threatened judgment upon you.
Out at the Breaches . . . Into the Palace (4:2, 3) - Captives will be mercilessly led out of the city through breaches in the walls, depicting massive overthrow. The location of the palace is unknown. Cattle find a hole in the fence and go through it. These women will find a break in the wall and go out at it. They will be carried away by the enemy to their stronghold.
Out at the Breaches . . . Into the Palace (4:2, 3) - Captives will be mercilessly led out of the city through breaches in the walls, depicting massive overthrow. The location of the palace is unknown. Cattle find a hole in the fence and go through it. These women will find a break in the wall and go out at it. They will be carried away by the enemy to their stronghold.
Bethel . . . Gilgal (4:4) - the place of Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28), and Gilgal, where Israel was circumcised before surrounding Jericho (Joshua 5:1-9), were sacred to Israel. “Gilgal” represents Israel’s early faithfulness (Joshua 5:10; 9:6). Beth-el and Gilgal had been places of true worship in the past. These of Israel had turned both places into a place where idols were worshipped. It is so strange that all the time the Israelites were worshipping false gods; they were still going through the motion of worshipping God. They were still sacrificing every day as they had before they started worshipping false gods.
Sacrifice . . . With Leaven (4:5) - Though prohibited from most offerings, leaven was required as a part of the thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:11-15).
Cleanness of Teeth (4:6) - Amos employed this euphemism to depict the absence of food during the famine and drought sent by God to warn Israel, which he described (in verses 6-9; Deuteronomy 28:22-24; 47-48; Lev. 26:18). The fact that their teeth were clean indicates a famine in the land. God brought the famine to cause them to repent and return to Him. Even the famine did not cause them to repent of their sins.
Withholden the Rain (4:7) - This is speaking of a drought coming. Again, God did this to get them to repent and turn back to Him, but they did not. He caused such selective places to rain so that it should have been obvious that this was a judgment of God upon them.
Smitten You with Blasting and Mildew (4:9) - Literally, "an exceeding scorching," such as the hot east wind produced and "an exceeding mildew," a blight, in which the ears turn untimely a pale yellow, and had no grain. Both words are doubly intensive. They stand together in the prophecy of Moses (Deut. 28:22), among the other scourges of disobedience.
The Manner of Egypt (4:10) - That is, after the way in which God had dealt with Egypt. God had twice promised, when the memory of the plagues which He sent on Egypt was still fresh in their minds: "if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, I will put none of the diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians" (Exodus 15:26; Deut. 7:15).
The Manner of Egypt (4:10) - That is, after the way in which God had dealt with Egypt. God had twice promised, when the memory of the plagues which He sent on Egypt was still fresh in their minds: "if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, I will put none of the diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians" (Exodus 15:26; Deut. 7:15).
Firebrand Plucked from the Burning (4:11) - Only because of God’s mercy was Israel saved from extinction (Zech. 3:2; Jude 23). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire and brimstone falling from God in heaven. A very similar thing had happened to some of them, but they were not moved enough to repent and return to God.
Prepare to Meet Your God (4:12) - The general concept was first used of Israel’s preparation to receive the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19:11, 15); here she was implored to prepare for His judgment.
Formeth the Mountains...Created the Wind... (4:13) - This is the God whom they were to be prepared to face. He is the Lord God Almighty. This is a declaration that Creator God will bring this punishment on them. This is no idle threat, but is made by the Ruler of the universe. The mountains are from generation to generation, and are one of the most permanent of His creations. No one knows where the wind comes from, but God created it too. God is God of all His creation. The Lord, Jehovah, the Eternal One, Alpha and Omega, the One who exists, the All Powerful, is still in control of all. He can do with any of it whatever He chooses. It all belongs to God.
