wine by the bowlful: The word translated as bowl (Hebrew mizraq) is related to a verb meaning "sprinkle" or "splash" (Hebrew zaraq; see Exodus 24:6). The same word describes the basins used for sprinkling blood or water in religious ceremonies (see 2 Kings 12:13; 25:15), adding a sense of sacrilege to this description of their drunkenness.
over the ruin of Joseph: The Hebrew text reads of Joseph, referring to the northern kingdom of Israel; see study note on Amos 5:6.