Amos 2:8

2:8 They stretch out on clothing seized as collateral;

they do so right beside every altar!

They drink wine bought with the fines they have levied;

they do so right in the temple of their God!

Amos 6:6

6:6 They drink wine from sacrificial bowls,

and pour the very best oils on themselves.

Yet they are not concerned over the ruin of Joseph.


tn The words “They do so right” are supplied twice in the translation of this verse for clarification.

tn Heb “house.”

tn Or “gods.” The Hebrew term אֱלֹהֵיהֶם (’elohehem) may be translated “their gods” (referring to pagan gods), “their god” (referring to a pagan god, cf. NAB, NIV, NLT), or “their God” (referring to the God of Israel, cf. NASB, NRSV).

sn Perhaps some religious rite is in view, or the size of the bowls is emphasized (i.e., bowls as large as sacrificial bowls).

tn Heb “with the best of oils they anoint [themselves].”

tn Or “not sickened by.”

sn The ruin of Joseph may refer to the societal disintegration in Israel, or to the effects of the impending judgment.