Amos 5:15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Amos 5:4-15

This is a message from God to the house of Israel, in which, I. They are told of their faults, that they might see what occasion there was for them to repent and reform, and that, when they were called to return, they might not need to ask, Wherein shall we return? 1. God tells them, in general (Amos 5:12), ?I know your manifold transgressions, and your mighty sins; and you shall be made to know them too.? In our penitent reflections upon our sins we must consider, as God does in his judicial... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Amos 5:15

Hate the evil, and love the good ,.... Evil is not only not to be sought, but to be hated, especially the evil of sin, because of its evil nature, and pernicious effects and consequences; and, if it was for no other reason but because it is hateful and abominable unto God, therefore they that love him should hate evil, even with a perfect hatred; as all good men do, though it is present with them, and cleaves unto them, and they do it, Psalm 97:10 ; and "good" is to be loved for its... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 5:15

Hate the evil, and love the good - What ruins you, avoid; what helps you, cleave to. And as a proof that you take this advice, purify the seats of justice, and then expect God to be gracious to the remnant of Joseph - to the posterity of the ten tribes. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 5:15

Verse 15 The Prophet inculcates the same truth; and he did this designedly; for he saw that nothing was more difficult than to bring this people to repentance, who, in the first place, were by nature refractory; and, in the second place, were hardened by long habit in their vices. For Satan gains dominion by degrees in the hearts of men, until he renders them wholly stupid so that they discern not between right and wrong. Such, then, was the blindness which prevailed among the people of Israel:... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:14-15

The nation with which God will dwell. The opening words of this presage imply a history. Israel "not only did evil, but they sought it out and the occasions of it" (Pusey). They gave evil their special attention, never failing to do it when they had opportunity, and seeking opportunities when none presented themselves. In fact, they did it with an amount of method and pains which they are now called upon to direct into a new channel, and apply to the doing of good. I. THE PRESENCE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:14-15

The great alternative. The coincidence between religion and morality is brought very strikingly before us in such passages as these. How different are such appeals as these, made by the prophet in the name of the Lord, from the requirements of merely formal religion! The highest conception of good is revealed, the noblest standard of right is exhibited; and all the sanctions furnished by the authority and the loving kindness of the Eternal are brought to bear upon human nature to induce to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:15

Reverse your former conduct, undo what ye have done ( Amos 5:10 ). This verse emphasizes the preceding; hating and loving are more real and hearty than mere seeking. The LXX . makes this clause to be what the people said, ον τρόπον εἴπατε , μεμισήκαμεν τὰ πονρὰ καὶ ἠγαπήσαμεν τὰκαλά , "As ye said, We have hated evil, and loved good." Establish judgment. Maintain justice in your tribunals (in contrast to Amos 5:7 ); then it may be that the Lord will have mercy on you or... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Amos 5:15

Hate the evil and love the good - Man will not cease wholly to “seek evil,” unless he “hate” it; nor will he “seek good,” unless he “love” it. Jerome: “He ‘hateth evil,’ who not only is not overcome by pleasure, but hates its deeds; and he ‘loveth good,’ who, not unwillingly or of necessity or from fear, doth what is good, but because it is good.” Dionysius: “Evil of sin must be hated, in and for itself; the sinner must not be hated in himself, but only the evil in him.” They hated him, who... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Amos 5:14-15

Amos 5:14-15. Seek good, and not evil Give your minds to the practice of true piety and virtue. Do that which is just and good, and endeavour to make others do the same. That ye may live That it may be well with you, your families, and the whole kingdom. And so the Lord God of hosts The eternal, glorious God, who is Lord of all, and can help you, having all the hosts of heaven and earth at his disposal; shall be with you To bless and save you yet, notwithstanding all your former... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Amos 5:1-15

God requires repentance (5:1-15)The prophet again recalls past warnings that the people had consistently ignored. He sees vividly that the result of the people’s stubbornness will be the destruction of Israel. Samaria will be conquered and most of Israel’s army wiped out (5:1-3).What God wants is not an increase in religious ceremonies but a turning in heart and life to him. He does not want processions to religious holy places (which, in any case, will be destroyed) but the administration of... read more

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