Amos 5:4

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 5:4

For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel ,.... Or "yet" F1 כי "attamen", Grotius. , notwithstanding all this, though such judgments were threatened and denounced, and such desolations should certainly come, in case of impenitence, and an obstinate continuance in a course of sin; yet hopes are given of finding mercy and kindness upon repentance and reformation, at least to the remnant of them; see Amos 5:15 ; seek ye me ; seek my fear, as the Targum; fear and reverence,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 5:4

Seek ye me, and ye shall live - Cease your rebellion against me; return to me with all your heart; and though consigned to death, ye shall be rescued and live. Deplorable as your case is, it is not utterly desperate. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 5:4

Verse 4 Amos here again exhorts the Israelites to repentance; and it was an address common to all, though the greater part, as we have said, were altogether past recovery; but it was necessary, as long as they continued a chosen people, to call them to repentance; for they had not been as yet abdicated. We further know, that the Prophets preached in order to invite some to God, and to render others inexcusable. With regard to the end and design of public teaching, it is, that all should in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:4

The more formal proof that Israel has merited her punishment here begins. In calling her to repentance the prophet contrasts God's requirements with her actual conduct. Seek ye me, and ye shall live . Two imperatives: "Seek me, and (so) live;" duty and its reward. "Seek me in the appointed way, and ye shall be saved from destruction" (comp. Genesis 42:18 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:4

Seek the Lord. Man is by nature a seeker. He desires good, of one kind or another, and what he desires he makes the object of his quest, more or less diligent and persevering. Hence the restlessness, the energy, the effort, so distinctive of human life. Religion does not destroy or repress natural characteristics; it hallows and dignifies them. Religion gives to human search a just direction and noble aim. I. THE REASONS IN MAN 'S NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:4

Seeking the Lord. "For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live." It is impossible to read this chapter without noticing the tenderness of the prophet, his compassion and pitifulness, his yearning wish to help and save. This feeling is the more remarkable because Amos belonged to the tribe of Judah, and felt thus towards the neighbouring and hostile kingdom of Israel. Such pity is ever a sign of Divine inspiration. Thus Isaiah ( Isaiah 22:4 ) says,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 5:4-6

The seeking that is life. This passage contains at once a vindication of the coming destruction on Israel, and a last offer of escape. All past evil had been justly incurred by departure from God. All coming evil might yet be avoided by return to him. "Seek ye me" was the direction on their treatment of which the whole issue turned. I. EVEN THE FOREDOOMED ARE NOT ABANDONED OF GOD . The antediluvians were preached to for a century after their destruction was denounced.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Amos 5:4

Seek ye Me and ye shall live - Literally, “seek Me; and live.” Wonderful conciseness of the word of God, which, in two words, comprises the whole of the creature’s duty and his hopes, his time and his eternity. The prophet users the two imperatives, inoneing both, man’s duty and his reward. He does not speak of them, as cause and effect, but as one. Where the one is, there is the other. To seek God is to live. For to seek God is to find Him, and God is Life and the Source of life. Forgiveness,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Amos 5:4-5

Amos 5:4-5 . For Or rather, nevertheless, seek ye me, and ye shall live That is, ye shall be prosperous again; for life, in the Scripture language, is used to express prosperity, or happiness. This shows, that what was said in the 2d verse, of their being fallen to rise no more, is to be taken as it is there explained; namely, in case they did not repent, but continued in their wickedness. But seek not Beth-el, nor enter into Gilgal, &c. The places here named, it is probable,... read more

Group of Brands