Amos 5:14
Amos 5:14 in Multiple Translations
Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed.
Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be with you, as ye say.
Go after good and not evil, so that life may be yours: and so the Lord, the God of armies, will be with you, as you say.
Do what is right, and not evil, so you may live. Then the Lord God of power will be with you, as you claim he is.
Seeke good and not euil, that ye may liue: and the Lord God of hostes shalbe with you, as you haue spoken.
Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live, And it is so; Jehovah, God of Hosts, [is] with you, as ye said.
Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of Armies, will be with you, as you say.
Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Seek ye good, and not evil, that you may live: and the Lord the God of hosts will be with you, as you have said.
In order to remain alive, you must stop doing what is wrong, and start doing what is right. If you do that, the Commander of the armies of angels will be with you like you claim that he always is.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 5:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Amos 5:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דִּרְשׁוּ
ט֥וֹב
וְ/אַל
רָ֖ע
לְמַ֣עַן
תִּֽחְי֑וּ
וִ/יהִי
כֵ֞ן
יְהוָ֧ה
אֱלֹהֵֽי
צְבָא֛וֹת
אִתְּ/כֶ֖ם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אֲמַרְתֶּֽם
דִּרְשׁוּ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
תִּֽחְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וִ/יהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
כֵ֞ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵֽי
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
צְבָא֛וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
אִתְּ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
אֲמַרְתֶּֽם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 5:14
דִּרְשׁוּ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לְמַ֣עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תִּֽחְי֑וּ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וִ/יהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כֵ֞ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵֽי
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
צְבָא֛וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
אִתְּ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֲמַרְתֶּֽם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Amos 5:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 5:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 5:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 5:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 5:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 5:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 5:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 5:14
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 5:14
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 5:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 5:14
- Sermons on Amos 5:14
Context — A Call to Repentance
12For 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.
13Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.
14Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed.
15Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” 16Therefore 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 1:9 | Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” |
| 2 | Matthew 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. |
| 3 | Micah 6:8 | He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? |
| 4 | Philippians 4:8–9 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. |
| 5 | Micah 3:11 | Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 6 | 2 Timothy 4:22 | The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all. |
| 7 | Psalms 34:12–16 | Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth. |
| 8 | Genesis 39:2–3 | And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, |
| 9 | Isaiah 48:1–2 | “Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness— who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 28:20 | David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. |
Amos 5:14 Summary
[Amos 5:14 teaches us to choose good over evil so that we may truly live. This means making daily choices that please God, like treating others with kindness and fairness, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23. By doing so, we can experience God's presence in our lives, just as He promises to be with us. This is not just about our actions, but also about our heart's attitude towards God and others, reflecting the love and grace shown in Ephesians 2:8-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'seek good' in Amos 5:14?
Seeking good in Amos 5:14 means to pursue righteousness and justice, as seen in other scriptures like Micah 6:8, which says to 'do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly' with God. This involves actively choosing to do what is right in God's eyes.
How can I know if I am seeking good or evil?
The Bible teaches that our hearts can be deceived, but in 1 John 3:18, it says we should 'not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.' So, we should examine our actions and motivations to see if they align with God's will, as expressed in Amos 5:14 and other scriptures like Psalm 119:105, which guides our steps.
What is the promise in Amos 5:14 if we seek good?
The promise is that the Lord, the God of Hosts, will be with us, as stated in Amos 5:14. This is reminiscent of God's promise in Joshua 1:9 to be with us wherever we go, and in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age.
Is seeking good a guarantee of living a long life?
While Amos 5:14 says 'so that you may live,' this does not necessarily mean a long physical life. As seen in Psalm 37:37, it can also mean living a life that is fulfilling and pleasing to God, reflecting the concept of eternal life as mentioned in John 17:3, which is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently seeking evil instead of good, and how can I change those habits to align with God's will?
- How does my daily pursuit of righteousness reflect my claim to be a follower of the Lord, the God of Hosts?
- In what ways can I establish justice in my community, as hinted at in the context of Amos 5:14, to demonstrate my love for good?
- What does it mean for the Lord, the God of Hosts, to be with me, and how should this truth influence my daily decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 5:14
Seek good, and not evil,.... Seek not unto, or after, evil persons and evil things; not the company and conversation of evil men, which is infectious and dangerous; nor anything that is evil, or has
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 5:14
Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 5:14
Seek good; turn to the law of God, study it, that ye may do the good it requireth in works of piety, justice, and charity. And not evil: you have devised evil, and done it in works of impiety, injustice, and cruelty. Or this may be the same with , which see. That ye may live: see . The Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you; the eternal glorious God, who is Lord of all, and can help you, having all the hosts of heaven and earth at his disposal; he will be with you to bless and save you yet, notwithstanding all your former sins. As ye have spoken; you have boasted his being with you, you think he is bound to be with you and own you; so he will indeed, but it is if you repent, cease from idols and violence.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 5:14
Amos 5:14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.Ver. 14. Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live] See Amos 5:4; Amos 5:6. Oh seek, seek, seek, saith our prophet; as some of the martyrs cried out, Pray, pray, pray: Mr Sanders and Mrs Askew repeated those words two different times together, Mr Marsh once, adding, Never more need. To seek God is to seek good, and to find life; for with him is the fountain of life, Psalms 36:9. To seek evil is to seek the devil, who is that evil one (οπονηρος): it is, as Solomon saith in a like case, "a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death," Proverbs 21:6. And so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you] To assist and accept you in seeking good; to protect and provide for you in shunning evil. Deal courageously, therefore, and God shall be with the good, 2 Chronicles 19:11, as your seven-fold shield (επραβοειος), and exceeding great reward, Genesis 15:1. As ye have spoken] Ut praedicatis et iactitatis, as ye boast and bear yourselves bold upon; saying, as Micah 2:11, "Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us." But that is as you make it; for ye are upon your behaviour. The fault is not in God, but wholly in yourselves, if ye live not happily, reign not everlastingly, - at Paris ut vivat regnetque beatus Cogi posse negat (Horat. Ephesians 2:1-22).
God is far from men’ s hearts; and therefore far from their help: for "can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 5:14
(14, 15) Break in like a beam of sunshine in the darkness. The fearful doom, already spoken of, is after all conditional. Let a moral change be wrought in them, and even now Jehovah, God of hosts, may deign to be with them. Enlist your passions on the right side. No virtue is safe till it is enthusiastic.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 5:14
Verse 14. Seek good, and not evil] Is there a greater mystery in the world, than that a mall, instead of seeking good, will seek evil, knowing that it is evil? And so the Lord] As God is the Fountain of good, so they who seek the supreme good seek him: and they who seek shall find him; for the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with him.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 5:14
14–15. Amos reiterates more earnestly the exhortation of Amo 5:4; Amos 5:6 : if Israel will but amend its ways, perchance even yet there may be a remnant to which Jehovah will be gracious. Seek] The same word as Amos 5:4; Amos 5:6, but followed by an abstract object, in the sense of be studious, anxious about (cf. Isaiah 1:17, ‘seek judgment.’ and so … as ye say] and Jehovah will then be with you to defend you in reality, exactly as you say (cf. Micah 3:11) that He actually is now. For the thought, cf. Amos 5:18 : the Israelites, so long as their material prosperity continued, imagined that Jehovah was with them, as their patron and defender; Amos replies that the real condition of His being with them is the moral goodness of their lives. Jehovah’s power to defend is hinted at significantly by the title ‘God of hosts’ (on Amos 3:13). So points on to, and strengthens, the following as, exactly as in Exodus 10:10.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 5:14
Seek good and not evil - that is, and “seek not evil.” Amos again takes up his warning, “seek not Bethel; seek the Lord.” Now they not only “did evil,” but they “sought” it diligently; they were
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 5:14
14, 15. In spite of the apparent hopelessness, the prophet renews his appeal, declaring that, if the exhortation is heeded, Jehovah may yet be gracious to a remnant of Joseph.
Sermons on Amos 5:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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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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Holiness to the Lord (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize reading and loving the Bible over watching television. He highlights the danger of allowing sin to bec |
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The Country Preacher Who Came to Town - Vance Havner by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Vance Hafner discusses the message brought by the prophet Amos in a time of prosperity in the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and ind |
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Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honesty and repentance, highlighting the consequences of habitual lying and the need for genuine confession and transformation. It addresse |
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National Sins and Miseries by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on the theme of national sins and the resulting miseries, drawing parallels between the sins of ancient Israel and contemporary England. He emphasizes that the |