You Cows of Bashan

Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, "bring wine, let us drink!" Amos 4:1 (NKJV)

"Excuuuse meee, Amos! What did you just call me and my friends? Is that any way to talk to a woman?" Seriously, I don't mean to be blasphemous. I may have said that if I had been one of the women he was addressing in this passage! I just learn so much more when I place myself into a story and pretend I am there in that situation and culture.

Amos was a shepherd and a fig grower in the southern Judean countryside. He was not famous son of a prophet or priest. He could have remained in his job as a shepherd, but when God gave Amos a vision of the future and told him to take his message north, Amos obeyed and proved he was a man of God. The future was grim for the Israelites. Amos traveled with a message of judgment and punishment from God for their sins. In this passage, Amos arrives in the mountainous area of Bashan, known for its lush pastures and large oak trees. The cattle there were well-fed and strong. He relates his message based upon his knowledge and experience as a shepherd.

My Study Bible (Tyndale) summarized this verse for us: Israels' wealthy women were called "cows of Bashan":. They were pampered, sleek, and well-fed. These women selfishly pushed their husbands to oppress the helpless in order to support their lavish life-styles. Their luxury was extended to them through the profits of wine at the expense of oppressing the poor. They pushed their husbands to ignore the needy and begged them to "bring wine" for their drunken parties.

This passage really is not far off from what we see in our culture in America. We are so blessed and spoiled with luxury. Are you consumed with material possessions? Have you caused anybody distress in your longing for more? Would your husband, children and family say you are content, or do you push for more and more? What would Amos call us? The women of Bashan were looking pretty 'spiffy' and living it up. What kind of honor did this lifestyle allow their husbands in order to keep 'the wife' happy? When we as women sink to such a low moral state, God's judgment must be around the corner for us, just as it was for the women in Bashan.

Life is not about impressing others and indulging in our possessions. Be thankful for the blessings and benefits you enjoy in life; they are from God. Honor the man in your life. We must never grow complacent or allow other concerns to stand in the way of God's place in our lives. We cannot ignore the needy or degrade the poor. Act with compassion and help those in need. Let's be faithful to God and take a stand against sin.

God, help us to honor You in every aspect of our lives. Keep us thankful and faithful to Your call in our lives.

Janet Stutzman