עמוס, פרק ו׳, פסוק ז׳

The pampered and indifferent leaders of the nation are met with a perfectly fitting punishment, one that directly reverses their lives of luxury and high status into ruin and exile. Because these leaders ignored the suffering of their brothers and cared only for their own comfort, their downfall arrives early. They are destined to be the very first taken into captivity, even before the rest of Judah faces exile [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. This carries a bitter irony. In their days of wealth, these arrogant individuals always demanded the finest and foremost place at every indulgence. Therefore, they are given the first place in exile [אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, being placed at the head of the captives signifies experiencing the most severe and degrading form of banishment. Just as a title of leadership can describe the highest quality of good, it can also represent the absolute extreme of suffering [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

As their exile begins, a dual picture of destruction unfolds, centering on their lavish gatherings. The primary approach among commentators explains that the impending disaster will completely wipe away their grand, excessive feasts and musical celebrations [רש״י, אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ]. The banquets once hosted for these spoiled, arrogant people who lounge comfortably on their beds will abruptly end [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. These lounging individuals are further understood to be morally corrupt people for whom the extravagant parties were specifically thrown [מלבי״ם]. In contrast to the idea of feasts being removed, another perspective views the impending ruin as the arrival of intense grief. In this light, rather than a joyful gathering being taken away, a house of heavy mourning and lamentation is drawing near to these pleasure seekers [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

These two seemingly opposite interpretations are united by the underlying concept of raising one's voice. A loud gathering can just as easily describe the noise of a wild celebration as it can the loud wailing of tragedy [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Ultimately, the loud songs and endless partying of the wealthy leaders will very soon be replaced by the piercing sounds of weeping and sorrow.