“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria, the distinguished men (the leadership) of the foremost of nations to whom the house of Israel comes.” (v.1)
One of the main reasons Israel’s spiritual life had declined was because God’s people had grown complacent, because the leadership and done so (v.1). They had grown smug and self-confident, deriving a sense of false security from the prosperity they had enjoyed over the years. This had led them to believe that they were exempt from divine judgment. This was true of both the southern kingdom of Judah (Zion) and the northern kingdom of Israel (Mount Samaria).
The leaders of Judah and Samaria seemed to have believed that, since they had a special place in God’s plan, they would enjoy prosperity and escape the judgment of their neighbors (v.2). The leaders of Israel and Judah were so blind and self–deceived that instead of fearing the coming judgment and turning to God in repentance, they were feeling good about life and smugly expecting His blessings.
Instead of leading God’s people in paths of righteousness, the leaders had blazed a trail of sinfulness (vv.3-6). Their ivory beds and couches reflected an opulent, self–indulgent lifestyle. Their meal menu of choice lambs and fattened calves revealed gluttony at the expense of others. Lounging and strumming indicated idleness, while the wine and lotion signified a decadent addiction to pleasure and comfort. They were oblivious to the state of spiritual ruin to which they had brought their nation.
Divine judgment would fall on them first of all (v.7), and their current activities of “feasting and lounging” would cease as they went into exile. Israel’s leaders should have been leading the way in obedience, worship, and covenant faithfulness. They should have been the first to repent at the prophecies of Amos and others. They should have known better—now they would be held responsible.
God wants leaders to be serving, not self–serving. When the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus explained: “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves… I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:24–27).
May we all seek to follow His example.
The Truth: “Do nothing out of self ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
