4 For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel , " Seek Me that you may live . 5 "But do not resort to Bethel And do not come to Gilgal , Nor cross over to Beersheba ; For Gilgal will certainly go into captivity And Bethel will come to trouble . 6 " Seek the Lord that you may live , Or He will break forth like a fire , O house of Joseph , And it will consume with none to quench it for Bethel ,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 5:4-6
Commentary on Amos 5:1-6
(Read Amos 5:1-6)
The convincing, awakening word must be heard and heeded, as well as words of comfort and peace; for whether we hear or forbear, the word of God shall take effect. The Lord still proclaims mercy to men, but they often expect deliverance from such self-invented forms as make their condemnation sure. While they refuse to come to Christ and to seek mercy in and by him, that they may live, the fire of Divine wrath breaks forth upon them. Men may make an idol of the world, but will find it cannot protect.