Amos 5:24

24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Amos 5:24 Meaning and Commentary

Amos 5:24

But let judgments run down as waters
Or "roll" ^F15; in abundance, with great rapidity, bearing down all before them, which nothing can resist; signifying the plenty of justice done in the land, the full and free exercise of it, without any stoppage or intermission: and righteousness as a mighty stream;
the same thing expressed in different words; though some think that not the execution of judgment and justice by men is here exhorted to, but the vindictive justice of God is threatened; which like a mighty torrent of water should come down, overwhelm, bear away, and destroy all before it, even all the transgressors in Israel.

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 (lgyw) "volvatur", Munster, Mercerus, Liveleus, Drusius; "volvat se", Montanus, Vatablus; "revolvet se", Piscator; "provolvatur", Cocceius.

Amos 5:24 In-Context

22 If you bring me your entirely burned offerings and gifts of food— I won't be pleased; I won't even look at your offerings of well-fed animals.

23 Take away the noise of your songs; I won't listen to the melody of your harps.

24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

25 Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings during the forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?

26 You will take up Sakkuth your king, and Kaiwan your star-god, your images, which you made for yourselves.