Amos 5
BSB1 Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lamentation I take up against you: 2 “Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again. She lies abandoned on her land, with no one to raise her up." 3 This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will only see a hundred return, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel." 4 For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live! 5 Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. 6 Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it. 7 There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground. 8 He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name— 9 He flashes destruction on the strong, so that fury comes upon the stronghold. 10 There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. 11 Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted. 12 For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. 13 Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. 14 Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. 15 Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." 16 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Hosts, the Lord, says: “There will be wailing in all the public squares and cries of ‘Alas! Alas!’ in all the streets. The farmer will be summoned to mourn, and the mourners to wail. 17 There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass through your midst,” says the LORD. 18 Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. 19 It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake. 20 Will not the Day of the LORD be darkness and not light, even gloom with no brightness in it? 21 “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 25 Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 26 You have taken along Sakkuth your king and Kaiwan your star god, the idols you made for yourselves. 27 Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of Hosts.
Study Notes — Amos 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Amos 5
- Themes from Amos 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Amos 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Amos chapter 5 begins with a lamentation over the fallen virgin Israel, who has not returned to God despite His discipline (Amos 5:1-3). The chapter then warns the people against seeking Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, which were centers of idolatrous worship, and instead calls them to seek God and live (Amos 5:4-6). The people are condemned for their injustices and oppression of the poor, and are urged to hate evil and love good (Amos 5:7-15). The chapter ends with a description of the day of the Lord, which will be a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent (Amos 5:16-27).
Context for the Chapter
Amos chapter 5 is part of the book of Amos, which is a collection of prophecies given by the prophet Amos to the people of Israel during the reign of King Jeroboam II (Amos 1:1). The chapter is a call to repentance, warning the people of God's impending judgment if they do not turn from their sinful ways. It is set in the context of the divided kingdom, with Israel in the north and Judah in the south, and is part of the larger narrative of the Old Testament, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people.
Heart Application
The chapter's call to repentance and its emphasis on justice and righteousness are relevant to believers today, who are also called to seek God and to live a life that is characterized by fairness, compassion, and integrity. Believers should heed the chapter's warning against idolatry and should seek to live a life that is pleasing to God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Amos chapter 5 is a call to repentance, warning the people of Israel of God's impending judgment if they do not turn from their sinful ways. The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God and living a life of justice and righteousness, as seen in Amos 5:24. It also warns against idolatry and the oppression of the poor.
Voices from the Church
“The prophet Amos was sent to the people of Israel to call them to repentance and to warn them of God's impending judgment if they did not turn from their sinful ways.”
— John Calvin
“The day of the Lord is a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent, but it is a day of joy and celebration for those who have turned to God and are living a life of justice and righteousness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Lamentation over Israel (Amos 5:1-3) — The chapter begins with a lamentation over the fallen virgin Israel, who has not returned to God despite His discipline.
- Call to Repentance (Amos 5:4-6) — The chapter then calls the people to seek God and to live, warning them against seeking Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, which were centers of idolatrous worship.
- Condemnation of Injustice (Amos 5:7-15) — The people are condemned for their injustices and oppression of the poor, and are urged to hate evil and love good.
- The Day of the Lord (Amos 5:16-27) — The chapter ends with a description of the day of the Lord, which will be a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent.
- Conclusion (Amos 5:27) — The chapter concludes with a warning that God will send His people into exile if they do not repent.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including His people's lives and the nations of the world.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The chapter calls the people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and seeking God.
- The Danger of Idolatry
- The chapter warns against idolatry, emphasizing the danger of seeking other gods and the importance of worshiping the one true God.
- The Importance of Justice and Righteousness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the lives of God's people, suggesting that these virtues are essential for a right relationship with God.
Lessons from Amos 5
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God and living a life that is characterized by justice and righteousness.
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter warns against idolatry, emphasizing the danger of seeking other gods and the importance of worshiping the one true God.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter calls the people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and seeking God.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including His people's lives and the nations of the world.
- The Importance of Justice and Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the lives of God's people, suggesting that these virtues are essential for a right relationship with God.
Themes from Amos 5
- The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls the people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and seeking God.
- The Importance of Justice and Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the lives of God's people, suggesting that these virtues are essential for a right relationship with God.
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter warns against idolatry, emphasizing the danger of seeking other gods and the importance of worshiping the one true God.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including His people's lives and the nations of the world.
- The Day of the Lord — The chapter describes the day of the Lord, which will be a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Amos chapter 5?
- What is the significance of the day of the Lord in the chapter?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of justice and righteousness?
- What is the danger of idolatry, according to the chapter?
- How can believers today apply the chapter's call to repentance to their own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Lamentation over Israel (Amos 5:1-3)
| Amos 5:1 | The chapter begins with a lamentation over the fallen virgin Israel, who has not returned to God despite His discipline. |
| Amos 5:2 | The virgin Israel has fallen and will not rise again, suggesting that the people's rebellion against God has led to their downfall. |
2. Call to Repentance (Amos 5:4-6)
| Amos 5:4 | The chapter calls the people to seek God and to live, warning them against seeking Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, which were centers of idolatrous worship. |
| Amos 5:5 | The people are warned against seeking other gods and are urged to seek the Lord and live. |
3. Condemnation of Injustice (Amos 5:7-15)
| Amos 5:7 | The people are condemned for their injustices and oppression of the poor, and are urged to hate evil and love good. |
| Amos 5:8 | The people are called to seek the Lord and to live, and are warned against the darkness that will come upon them if they do not repent. |
4. The Day of the Lord (Amos 5:16-27)
| Amos 5:16 | The chapter describes the day of the Lord, which will be a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent. |
| Amos 5:17 | The people will mourn and wail on the day of the Lord, suggesting that it will be a time of great sorrow and regret. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Amos chapter 5?
The main theme of Amos chapter 5 is the call to repentance, warning the people of Israel of God's impending judgment if they do not turn from their sinful ways (Amos 5:4-6).
What is the significance of the day of the Lord in the chapter?
The day of the Lord is a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent, but it is a day of joy and celebration for those who have turned to God and are living a life of justice and righteousness (Amos 5:16-27).
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of justice and righteousness?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness by condemning the people's injustices and oppression of the poor, and by urging them to hate evil and love good (Amos 5:7-15).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 5:4 → Deuteronomy 4:29 | The call to seek God in Amos 5:4 is similar to the call to seek God in Deuteronomy 4:29, emphasizing the importance of seeking God with all one's heart and soul. |
| 2 | Amos 5:6 → Hosea 12:6 | The warning against seeking other gods in Amos 5:6 is similar to the warning in Hosea 12:6, emphasizing the danger of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God. |
| 3 | Amos 5:7 → Micah 6:8 | The call to hate evil and love good in Amos 5:7 is similar to the call in Micah 6:8, emphasizing the importance of living a life of justice and righteousness. |
| 4 | Amos 5:8 → Psalm 104:20-23 | The description of God's power and majesty in Amos 5:8 is similar to the description in Psalm 104:20-23, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all things. |
| 5 | Amos 5:10 → Isaiah 1:17 | The call to hate evil and love good in Amos 5:10 is similar to the call in Isaiah 1:17, emphasizing the importance of living a life of justice and righteousness. |
| 6 | Amos 5:11 → James 2:6-7 | The condemnation of the oppression of the poor in Amos 5:11 is similar to the condemnation in James 2:6-7, emphasizing the importance of treating all people with fairness and respect. |
| 7 | Amos 5:12 → 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 | The description of the people's corruption and injustice in Amos 5:12 is similar to the description in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, emphasizing the importance of living a life of purity and righteousness. |
| 8 | Amos 5:14-15 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The call to seek good and not evil in Amos 5:14-15 is similar to the call in Matthew 25:31-46, emphasizing the importance of living a life of justice and righteousness. |
| 9 | Amos 5:18 → Zephaniah 1:14-18 | The description of the day of the Lord in Amos 5:18 is similar to the description in Zephaniah 1:14-18, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the day of the Lord by living a life of repentance and righteousness. |
| 10 | Amos 5:24 → Hebrews 1:3 | The call to let justice roll on like a river in Amos 5:24 is similar to the call in Hebrews 1:3, emphasizing the importance of living a life of justice and righteousness. |
Sermons on Amos 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Discernment - Part 1 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discernment in the Church today. He emphasizes that spiritual truth may seem foolish to the natural man, but it can only be |
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Getting to Know the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the importance of getting to know the Holy Spirit as described in John 14:16. It emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit, including comfort, sonship, and |
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Dvd 02 - Jewish Unbelief by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of boldly sharing the gospel with the Jewish community, highlighting the need for believers to be willing to endure rejection, insults, and su |
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God Is Inescapable by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of outward religious practices without true inward devotion. He emphasizes that this message from the book of Amos is not just ancie |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |
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Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2 by Melody Green | In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i |
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War on Earth - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the topic of demons, distinguishing them from devils and exploring their potential origins as disembodied spirits. It recounts a personal experience of deli |
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(Through the Bible) Amos 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, as everyone will ultimately stand before Him in judgment. The preacher describes a vision of all th |
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Call for the Wailing Women - Part 2 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon emphasizes the urgent call to wake up from complacency and recognize the troubles in our society, homes, and churches. It highlights the prevalence of sin, brokenness, |
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Through the Bible - Amos, Obadiah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the evil and luxurious lifestyle of the people in Judah and Israel. He criticizes their complacency and lack of concern for the state of the |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Amos 5
In his commentary on Amos 5, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of seeking God and living a life of justice and righteousness. He notes that the chapter is a call to repentance, warning the people of Israel of God's impending judgment if they do not turn from their sinful ways. Henry also emphasizes the danger of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God, citing Amos 5:4-6 as a warning against seeking other gods. He concludes by noting that the day of the Lord will be a day of darkness and not light for those who do not repent, but a day of joy and celebration for those who have turned to God and are living a life of justice and righteousness, as seen in Amos 5:16-27. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Discipline
The chapter begins with a lamentation over the fallen virgin Israel, who has not returned to God despite His discipline. This suggests that God's discipline is not always successful in turning people back to Him.
The Importance of Justice
The chapter emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in the lives of God's people, suggesting that these virtues are essential for a right relationship with God.
The Danger of Idolatry
The chapter warns the people against seeking Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, which were centers of idolatrous worship, suggesting that idolatry is a major threat to a right relationship with God.