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Matthew Henry

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

John Gill

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

But seek not Bethel ,.... Do not go to Bethel, the place where one of Jeroboam's calves was set up and worshipped, to consult the oracle, idols, and priests there; or to perform religious worship, which will be your ruin, if not prevented by another course of living: nor enter into Gilgal ; another place of idolatry, where idols were set up and worshipped See Gill on Amos 4:4 ; and pass not to Beersheba ; a place in the further part of the land of Israel; it formerly belonged to... 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

Adam Clarke

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

But seek not Beth-el - There was one of Jeroboam's golden calves, and at Gilgal were carved images; both were places in which idolatry was triumphant. The prophet shows them that all hope from those quarters is utterly vain; for Gilgal shall go into captivity, and Beth-el be brought to naught. There is a play or paronomasia on the letters and words in this clause: לאון יהיה אל ובית יגלה גלה הגלגל haggilgal galoh yigleh , ubeith el yiheyeh leaven . "This Gilgal shall go captive into... 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

John Calvin

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

Verse 5 But Amos afterwards defines the character of true repentance, when he says, Seek not Bethel, go not to Gilgal, pass not over to Beersheba Some think that the Prophet here repudiates all the disguises, which are usually pretended by hypocrites. We indeed know that when God calls such men to himself, that they seek indirect and tortuous courses; for none of them return sincerely and willingly to God. Men indeed see that they are justly reproved for having departed from God: but when they... 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

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