1. Cows of Baoshan, hear God's word! (1-5)

Proud, greedy and pleasure-loving women were responsible for the corruption of Israel. They oppressed the poor, crushed the needy and brow-beat their husbands. Unless they repented of their idol worship--especially of their worship of the idol Jeremiah had put in Bethel--they would be taken away as captives.

2. He who turns the dawn into darkness (6-13)

The Lord is the Creator of mountains and wind. He knows the thoughts of all people. He gave his people empty stomachs so that they might repent and return to him. He sent plagues; he withheld rain; he sent locusts; he snatched a remnant of his people from the fire. He did these things so that they would repent and return to him. They did not repent, so the prophet's word to them is: 'Prepare to meet your God, O Israel' (12b).

Application: Lord, raise up prayerful women who love God and care about the poor and needy, and respect their husbands. Turn the hearts of our people to God. Bring a spirit of repentance to our nation.
One Word: Prepare to meet your God