Amos 6:6

Bowls. Heb. mizraqim, sacrificial bowls used for libations of wine and in sprinkling blood (see Ex. 38:3; Num. 7:13; 1 Chron. 28:17; 2 Chron. 4:8, 22; Zech. 14:20). The luxury-loving, sacrilegious princes used these in their feasts, thus attesting their lack of piety and their love of excess (see Dan. 5:2-4).

Chief ointments. Perhaps those that were supposed to be used in divine service only (see Ex. 30:23-25). If the people had had a proper sense of their sinfulness, they would have mourned and refrained from anointing themselves (see 2 Sam. 14:2).

Are not grieved. Israel’s luxury stifled the thought of suffering; for such thinking disturbs the sense of ease. The people had become so immersed in sensuality that they were not concerned about the coming ruin of Israel. The selfishness of sin generates two evils, disregard for God and disregard for man. This is illustrated in the experience of Adam. Adam disregarded God by his disobedience of God’s command not to eat of the forbidden fruit. He disregarded man when he cast the blame of disobedience upon his beloved Eve (see Gen. 3:1-6, 9—12).

Affliction of Joseph. Literally, “the breaking of Joseph.” The troubles within the northern kingdom, here called “Joseph,” were of little concern to those who gave themselves up to riotous pleasure.