Ye kine of Bashan— See the note on Psalms 22:12 and Ezekiel 39:18. After having testified in the preceding chapter against the sumptuous palaces, the luxury and extravagance of Samaria, the prophet here attacks the covetousness, softness, and violence of the powerful women of this city; who abused their authority over their husbands, and employed their credit and power, like other Jezebels, to oppress the poor, and to perform all acts of cruelty and injustice. These women are represented in the next verse under the metaphor of fishes, wantoning in the streams, as they did in the midst of lascivious delights; but soon to be drawn out, and thrown aside.
Related Commentaries of Amos 4:1
Amos 4:1
1 Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.