Amos Chapter 6

Before you read:  Read Amos Chapter 6. 

When Music Becomes Evil:

Amos 6:4-7 – “You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.  You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.”  (NIV)

It's been a while since I’ve encountered anyone who believes that a particular style of music is evil. But I remember hearing of people in the church who felt that “rock music” in a worship service was dishonoring or even evil. Music, in and of itself, cannot be “evil,” but it can be used for the glory of God or for some other purpose.

So, what’s the problem with the musical strumming of harps that was going on in Israel?  Is Amos one of those folks who are upset by the latest worship war? 

Well, the problem isn’t really about music at all. This whole passage speaks of indifference and indulgence among Israel's wealthy leadership.  They strum away on harps, lounge in their fancy ivory beds and couches, dine in luxury, and drink expensive wine by the bowlful.  The luxury itself isn’t the problem, but they enjoy their luxury at the expense of the poor and needy.  Further, they’re indifferent to what the Lord values. 

They enjoy the luxuries of life at the expense of others; they sure like being first class.  But the Lord declares through the Prophet Amos that they will be first destroyed in exile. 

Reflection Questions:

·      Do the luxuries you enjoy in life bring harm to others near or far? 

·      Are you indifferent to what the Lord values?