Amos 6:5

5 They improvise songs^[a] to the sound of the harp and invent^[b] their own musical instruments like David.

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 You dismiss any thought of the evil day and bring in a reign of violence.

4 They lie on beds [inlaid with] ivory, sprawled out on their couches, and dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall.

5 They improvise songs to the sound of the harp and invent their own musical instruments like David.

6 They drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils but do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

7 Therefore, they will now go into exile as the first of the captives, and the feasting of those who sprawl out will come to an end.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hb obscure
• [b]. Or compose on