Amos 5:16-17

Divine wrath anticipated

16 Truly, the LORD proclaims, the God of heavenly forces, the Lord: Crying will be heard in all the squares. In all the streets they will say, "Oh no! Oh no!" They will call upon the farmers to wail, and those skilled in mourning to lament.
17 In all the vineyards there will be bitter crying because I will pass through your midst,

Amos 5:16-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO AMOS 5

In this chapter the prophet exhorts Israel to hear his lamentation over them for their impending ruin, Am 5:1-3; nevertheless to seek the Lord, and all that is good; to forsake their idols, and repent of their sins, in hopes of finding mercy, and living comfortably; or otherwise they must expect the wrath of God for their iniquities, especially their oppression of the poor, Am 5:4-15; otherwise it would be a time of weeping and wailing, of darkness and distress, however they might harden or flatter themselves, or make a jest of it, Am 5:16-20; for all their sacrifices and ceremonial worship would signify nothing, so long as they continued their idolatry with them Am 5:21-26; and therefore should surely go into captivity, Am 5:27.

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