Amos 6:1

At ease. In a state of self-indulgence and fancied safety (see Isa. 32:9; Zeph. 1:12). Since the southern kingdom also displayed, to some extent, this dangerous condition of apathy and apostasy, Zion is also denounced (see Amos 2:4).

Mountain of Samaria. See Amos 3:9; 4:1; see on 1 Kings 16:24. Located on a hill with a situation commanding the small plain surrounding it, strongly fortified with thick walls, the city of Samaria was doubtless considered almost impregnable by its inhabitants. Its strength could easily have furnished a feeling of confidence to those who depended on material fortifications rather than on the protection of God. How strong those fortifications were is testified to by the fact that it took the mighty armies of the Assyrian Empire two years’ time (three years, inclusive reckoning; see Vol. II, p. 136) to accomplish the capture of Samaria (see on 2 Kings 18:9, 10).

Named. Heb. nequbim, “the distinguished ones,” that is, the leaders of the nation.

Chief of the nations. Israel bore this proud title because it was the chosen of God, charged by Him to carry to the rest of the world a knowledge of the God of heaven (see Ex. 19:5; 2 Sam. 7:23; see pp. 26-30).

To whom. This refers to the leaders of the nation, who were called upon to give the people guidance, and who, therefore, should have been models of righteousness and justice.