Amos 5:23

23 Take away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy instruments.

Amos 5:23 Meaning and Commentary

Amos 5:23

Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs
The ten tribes, very probably, imitated the, temple music at Jerusalem, both vocal and instrumental, and had their songs and hymns of praise, which they sung to certain tunes; but the music of these is called a noise, being very disagreeable to the Lord, as coming from such carnal and wicked persons; and therefore he desires it might cease, be took away, and he be no more troubled with it: for I will not hear the melody of thy viols:
which may be put for all instruments of music used by them, as violins, harps, psalteries the sound of which, how melodious soever, the, Lord would turn a deaf ear unto, and not regard.

Amos 5:23 In-Context

21 I hate, I despise your solemnities, and I will not savour your assemblies.
22 Though ye offer me your burnt offerings and your presents, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
23 Take away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy instruments.
24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
25 Did you perchance offer me any sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness in forty years, O house of Israel?
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010