The book of Amos records the prophetic utterances of Prophet Amos, a man from Judah (Southern kingdom). Amos' messages were delivered in Bethel, in Israel (Northern kingdom). Although the king of Israel was not happy with the messages of Amos, yet, they were recorded and preserved. Amos admonished the people that their vain and vile lifestyles were stirring up an oppressor for them. The people focused on themselves and oppressed the vulnerable. The rich were so rich and the poor were extremely poor. There was no mercy and compassion for the vulnerable poor and needy. In Amos chapter 4, the attention is set on the wealthy women of Samaria.
Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, “Bring us some drinks!” (Amos 4:1)
Chapter 4 begins like this: Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, “Bring us some drinks!” (Amos 4:1). This single verse points out several character flaws of the women of Samaria. Before we identify their flaws, it is important to note that the Prophet compares these wealthy women to COWS OF BASHAN on Mount Samaria. These were well fed cows that grazed on a well-watered land. By referring to the wealthy women of Samaria as cows of Bashan, Amos considers their state of life (not their size!) and how they live a carefree life full of wealth. The women were so content that they demonstrated laziness and selfishness. The character flaws included the following:
Oppression of the poor
Crushing the needy
Overindulgence in food (Bring us some drinks!)
Their husbands were not spared either. These wealthy men seemed to sponsor their wealthy wives and provided them with "drinks". On the other hand, the poor and the needy remained vulnerable and they were susceptible to pain inflicted by the wealthy. The indulgence of these women led to their judgement from the Sovereign Lord: “The time will surely come when you will be taken away with hooks, the last of you with fishhooks. You will each go straight out through breaches in the wall, and you will be cast out toward Harmon” (Amos 4:2-3). The warning from Amos and the different prophets who ministered to the people did not change them completely. The people of Israel were later carried into captivity to return no more. Those who remained there had other foreigners sent to live among them. Ultimately, their worship was affected, their lifestyle was affected and by the time of Jesus, the people in the South did not even want to associate with the Samaritans.
The wealthy women of Samaria were opposite to the virtuous woman discussed in Proverbs 31. The Proverbs 31 woman cared for and provided for the poor and needy. She is hardworking and does not lazy about. Her husband is also diligent and handles important matters of the city.
In the 21st century, although some women are still vulnerable to societal discrimination and other marital abuses, there are also women living their lives like the women of Samaria. Such are wealthy women who care less about all others but go all out to oppress the poor and the needy.
Dear woman, we have the grace to make the world a better place. Be intentional to bring positive transformation wherever you are. Be proactive, be willing to care for others, be loving and be a woman of good virtues.
Dear man, be willing to support that woman in your life to make her better in all areas of her life. Don't just provide "drink", provide spiritual support, provide mentorship, provide the needed environment for equipping her for excellence.
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