You put off the day of disaster
    and bring near a reign of terror.(A)
You lie on beds adorned with ivory
    and lounge on your couches.(B)
You dine on choice lambs
    and fattened calves.(C)
You strum away on your harps(D) like David
    and improvise on musical instruments.(E)
You drink wine(F) by the bowlful
    and use the finest lotions,
    but you do not grieve(G) over the ruin of Joseph.(H)

Read full chapter

Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

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;

That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Read full chapter

Are you (A)postponing the day of disaster,
And would you (B)bring near the seat of violence?

Those who lie on beds of ivory,
And lounge around on their (C)couches,
And (D)eat lambs from the flock,
And calves from the midst of the fattened cattle,
Who improvise to the sound of the harp,
And like David have [a]composed (E)songs for themselves,
Who (F)drink wine from sacred bowls
While they anoint themselves with the finest of oils—
Yet they have not (G)grieved over the collapse of Joseph.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Amos 6:5 Or invented musical instruments