51 Hear this word which I take up for you as a dirge , O house of Israel : 2 She has fallen , she will not rise again - The virgin Israel . She lies neglected on her land ; There is none to raise her up. 3 For thus says the Lord GOD , "The city which goes forth a thousand strong Will have a hundred left , And the one which goes forth a hundred strong Will have ten left to the house of Israel ."
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 , 7 For those who turn justice into wormwood And cast righteousness down to the earth ." 8 He who made the Pleiades and Orion And changes deep darkness into morning , Who also darkens day into night , Who calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the surface of the earth , The Lord is His name . 9 It is He who flashes forth with destruction upon the strong , So that destruction comes upon the fortress . 10 They hate him who reproves in the gate , And they abhor him who speaks with integrity . 11 Therefore because you impose heavy rent on the poor And exact a tribute of grain from them, Though you have built houses of well-hewn stone , Yet you will not live in them; You have planted pleasant vineyards , yet you will not drink their wine . 12 For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great , You who distress the righteous and accept bribes And turn aside the poor in the gate . 13 Therefore at such a time the prudent person keeps silent , for it is an evil time . 14 Seek good and not evil , that you may live ; And thus may the Lord God of hosts be with you, Just as you have said ! 15 Hate evil , love good , And establish justice in the gate ! Perhaps the Lord God of hosts May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 5:1-15
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.
Commentary on Amos 5:7-17
(Read Amos 5:7-17)
The same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy, and as easily turn the prosperity of daring sinners into utter darkness. Evil times will not bear plain dealing; that is, evil men will not. And these men were evil men indeed, when wise and good men thought it in vain even to speak to them. Those who will seek and love that which is good, may help to save the land from ruin. It behoves us to plead God's spiritual promises, to beseech him to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within us. The Lord is ever ready to be gracious to the souls that seek him; and then piety and every duty will be attended to. But as for sinful Israel, God's judgments had often passed by them, now they shall pass through them.