Amos 5 “But let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.”

What’s up Beautiful,

Yeah. We know this verse very well and hear it all the time.

Now, let’s back up several verses and go back to the top and discuss those verses for a minute. Specifically, 4 and 6, SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE. The Lord references a few places that the people are seeking or trying to go to, Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, see verse 5. But the LORD tells them not to go there because there will be destruction, these places will go into exile, those cities will be reduced to nothing. But rather seek God. Meaning seek justice and that which is right, regardless. This is righteousness. People were turning justice into bitterness in courthouses, persecuting truthful witnesses, oppressing the innocent, taking bribes to deprive the poor in court and tax them unfairly as well.

MUCH OF LIKE TODAY RIGHT???

Well, Amos 5 tells us that The Day of the Lord will be scary for many. It will be a day of darkness with not a ray of brightness. A person will run from one thing like a lion but only to meet a bear. A person will enter their house for safety only to be bitten by a snake. Amos 5 goes on to tell us that instead of the religious festivals and assemblies and religious songs and music, He desires people to be just and righteous and obedient which is a sacrifice to Him and not idols. This is why Amos 5:24 is so often quoted. We are to be just toward one another for as long as it takes because unjust acts causes harm. Hence, God will not relent on punishment.

What do you think? How do you interpret this chapter?

Until next time, stay well Beautiful!

Goodbye.

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