Amos 6:5

5 who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and, like David, compose tunes on musical instruments;

Amos 6:5 Meaning and Commentary

Amos 6:5

That chant to the sound of the viol
Or psaltery; an instrument of twelve cords, and that gave twelve sounds, as Josephus

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 says, being stricken with the fingers; and to these sounds these men chanted or quivered, made like sounds with their voice, which they raised higher or lower, according to the sound of the instrument: they "particularized", as the word signifies ^F25; or observed the divisions and distinctions of notes and sounds, by the modulation of their voice: [and] invent to themselves instruments of music, like David:
not content with old ones, such as were used in former times, they invented new instruments and new tunes, and new songs to sing to them; as David made songs and invented several instruments of music to sing them upon and to, in religious worship, and for the praise and glory of God; so these men invented new ones to indulge their carnal mirth and jollity, in which they thought themselves to be justified by the example of David.
F24 Antiqu. l. 7. c. 19. sect. 3.
F25 (Myjrwph) "particularizantes", Montanus; "qui particularia habent cantica", Pagninus; "qui particulatim canunt", Vatablus, Mercerus; "variis modulationibus concinunt", Tigurine version.

Amos 6:5 In-Context

3 Doom to those who ignore the evil day and make violent rule draw near:

4 who lie on beds of ivory, stretch out on their couches, eat lambs from the flock, and bull calves from the stall;

5 who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and, like David, compose tunes on musical instruments;

6 who drink bowls of wine, put the best of oils on themselves, but who aren't grieved over the ruin of Joseph!

7 Therefore, they will now be the first to be taken away, and the feast of those who lounged at the table will pass away.