Bobservations Column - Audio Version

The word “kine” in the Bible are the cows and heifers of God which graze on a thousand hills. And Baw-shawn is the region east and north of the Sea of Galilee.It brings to mind a pastoral scene of peace and tranquility. Today’s passage however brings a different image to mind from the peaceful country scene we might have imagined. While the cattle are grazing and getting fat on their diet, Amos speaks God’s word: “Listen up you cows!”  Suddenly that picturesque image has changed. God’s upset is tangible in His words to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judah. Their behaviors were no better than the heathen nations surrounding them! Idol worship and ignoring God’s commands and laws was the order of each day among His people, especially those that lived nearest to the Temple itself.