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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 6:6. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage about how these people lived. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people who were living in a very specific way – they enjoyed drinking wine, applying oils (like perfumes), and generally celebrating life – but they weren’t worried or upset by the hardships that were coming their way. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “That drink wine in bowls…” : This is a fairly straightforward statement about their social customs. They enjoyed drinking wine, likely as part of a communal celebration or ritual. “…and anoint themselves with the chief ointments.” : This is where it gets interesting. "Chief ointments" suggests something luxurious and precious – probably oil used for religious purposes or to impress others. It implies they were treating themselves with great importance and perhaps even flaunting their wealth. “But they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.” This is the key part. “Joseph” refers to King Judah, who was facing a terrible time – a period of famine and oppression. The verse says they didn't seem bothered by this hardship. What does it mean? This is often interpreted as a commentary on the future of Israel under the rule of King Josiah (a ruler who was known for his righteousness). Some scholars believe that Amos, speaking through this verse, is warning us about the potential dangers of complacency and ignoring God’s judgment. Here's what it suggests: They were focusing on their own pleasure: They were so busy enjoying themselves and showing off their wealth that they weren’t paying attention to the problems looming over them (like famine). Ignoring God’s Will: It suggests a possible lack of faith or a willingness to ignore God's guidance, even when things are becoming difficult. They might have been prioritizing their own comfort over God’s will for his people. In short, the verse is saying that these people were living in a state of blissful indulgence while the world around them was facing serious challenges. Important Note: This interpretation has been debated for centuries, and there's no single definitive answer. It's a powerful verse with layers of meaning! --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding it? Talk about different interpretations of the verse?