Amos 6:4-6

Amos 6:4-6

[4] 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;  [5] That chant  to the sound  of the viol,  and invent  to themselves instruments  of musick,  like David;  [6] That drink  wine  in bowls,  and anoint  themselves with the chief  ointments:  but they are not grieved  for the affliction  of Joseph. 

What does Amos 6:4-6 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Amos described the luxury and self-indulgence that characterized the leaders of Samaria during his day. They reclined on very expensive beds inlaid with ivory. They sprawled, implying laziness or drunkenness, on couches. They ate the best, most tender meat obtainable.
"Ordinary citizens probably ate meat only three times a year, at the annual festivals." [1]
They imitated great King David by composing and improvising songs and inventing musical instruments, but they entertained themselves rather than praising God. They consumed wine by the bowlful rather than in cups (cf. Philippians 3:19). And they spent much time and money anointing their bodies with oils and lotions to preserve and enhance their appearance. Instead they should have been mourning over the moral weakness and decadence of their nation that would lead to its ruin.
"Too many Christians are laughing when they should be weeping ( James 4:8-10) and tolerating sin when they should be opposing it ( 1 Corinthians 5:2)." [2]