What does Amos 6:3 mean?
"Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;" - Amos 6:3
Amos 6:3 (KJV) says, “Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Amos that denounces the complacency and indifference of the wealthy and powerful people of Israel. The prophet Amos, who lived in the 8th century BC, delivered this message from God to the people of Israel, calling them to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their sinful behavior.
The verse begins with the phrase “Ye that put far away the evil day,” which can be understood as a rebuke against those who are unconcerned about the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon them due to their sinful actions. The people of Israel were living in a state of luxury and ease, ignoring the moral decay and injustice that surrounded them. They turned a blind eye to the warnings of the prophets and continued to indulge in their lavish lifestyles, indifferent to the consequences of their actions.
The second part of the verse reads, “and cause the seat of violence to come near.” This serves as an indictment against those who are complicit in allowing and promoting acts of violence and injustice. The leaders and powerful individuals in Israel were actively contributing to the culture of oppression and exploitation. They were responsible for creating an environment where violence and injustice thrived, and they did nothing to stop it. Instead, they were guilty of perpetuating these evils by their actions or lack of action.
In the larger context of the book of Amos, this verse is part of a series of warnings and judgments against Israel for their social injustice, moral corruption, and spiritual apathy. The people of Israel had forsaken the ways of God, and their society was characterized by inequality, exploitation, and disregard for the welfare of others. The prophet Amos was sent to confront the people with their sins and call them to repentance, urging them to turn back to God and live according to His righteous standards.
The themes present in this verse include the moral responsibility of the powerful and wealthy, the consequences of societal injustice, and the urgency of repentance. The verse also serves as a reminder of the accountability that comes with privilege and power. Those who have the means to affect change and promote justice are also responsible for the prevalence of evil and oppression in their society.
Symbolically, the “evil day” mentioned in the verse represents the day of reckoning and judgment that God will bring upon the people who have strayed from His ways. The “seat of violence” symbolizes the place from which injustice and cruelty emanate, and those who are complicit in allowing it to flourish.
In conclusion, Amos 6:3 presents a scathing indictment against the complacency and moral corruption of the powerful and wealthy in Israel. It serves as a warning of the consequences that come from turning a blind eye to injustice and exploitation. The verse also highlights the importance of repentance and the call to live according to God’s righteous standards. It is a powerful reminder of the need for societal justice and the moral responsibility that comes with privilege and power.
Have questions about Amos 6:3?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Amos 6:3 Artwork
Amos 6:3 - "Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;"
"Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;" - Amos 6:3
Amos 3:6 - "Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?"
amos 3 12
Amos 3:3 - "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
Amos 6:6 - "That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph."
"Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?" - Amos 3:6
Amos 7:3 - "The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD."
Amos 7:6 - "The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD."
Amos 6:5 - "That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;"
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" - Amos 3:3
Amos 6:9 - "And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die."
Amos 6:11 - "For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts."
Amos 3:13 - "Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,"
Amos 8:6 - "That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?"
Amos 3:10 - "For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces."
"The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD." - Amos 7:3
Amos 3:8 - "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"
Amos 6:7 - "¶ Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed."
"That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." - Amos 6:6
Amos 6:13 - "Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?"
Amos 6:1 - "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!"
Amos 3:7 - "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
Amos 6:4 - "That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;"
"The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD." - Amos 7:6
Amos 6:12 - "¶ Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:"
Luke 3:25 - "Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,"
Amos 3:2 - "You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
Amos 5:6 - "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el."
Amos 4:3 - "And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD."