This page offers Bible study questions for Amos 4, with leader’s notes for each one. It suits a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Amos 4 is a sharp, direct chapter in which the prophet confronts wealthy and comfortable people in Israel, then reminds them of the many ways God tried to bring them back before the final warning.
Amos 4 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a harsh word to the women of Samaria, who are pictured as fat cattle grazing at ease while they oppress the poor. Amos then moves through a series of disasters: famine, drought, blight, locusts, plague and military defeat. Each is followed by the same refrain, that the people still did not return to the Lord.
The chapter closes with a turn toward judgment and a short hymn to God’s power as Creator and Judge. A leader can use the questions below in order, or pick out the sets that fit the group’s needs.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to the words on the page and to stay close to what the text actually says. Give everyone a minute to read the passage silently before you begin.
Amos 4:1
Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husbands, “Bring us drinks!”
(WEB)
This verse sets the tone for the chapter and names the sin of oppressing the poor. Reading it aloud at the start helps the group hear the prophet’s directness and see who he is addressing.
Amos 4:4-5
4 “Go to Bethel, and sin; to Gilgal, and sin more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days, 5 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim free will offerings and brag about them: for this pleases you, you children of Israel,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
These verses describe the religious activity that the prophet condemns. Reading them together lets the group feel the contrast between outward devotion and inward disobedience.
Amos 4:6
“I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in every town; yet you haven’t returned to me,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
This verse introduces the refrain that runs through the chapter. Hearing it spoken aloud makes the repeated accusation of unreturned hearts impossible to miss.
Amos 4:12
“Therefore thus will I do to you, Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, Israel.
(WEB)
The verse turns from description to direct address and calls Israel to prepare to meet their God. It is a strong moment to pause and let the weight of the warning settle.
Amos 4:13
For, behold, he who forms the mountains, and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought; who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the high places of the earth: The LORD, the God of Armies, is his name.”
(WEB)
This closing verse reveals God as Creator and Judge. Reading it last leaves the group with a picture of the God who summons his people, which anchors the whole discussion.
Memory Verse for Amos 4
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you aware that you see our hearts and know our thoughts. Thank you that you are patient with us and that you call us back again and again. Forgive us where our worship has been separated from justice, and where we have ignored the needs of people around us. Help us to notice the poor and the vulnerable, and to act with mercy in our homes, our churches and our work. When trouble comes, teach us to turn toward you rather than away. Prepare our hearts to meet you, and let us live in the light of your faithfulness. Amen.
