Amos 6:5

5 You like to compose songs, as David did, and play them on harps.

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


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 refuse to admit that a day of disaster is coming, but what you do only brings that day closer.
4 How terrible it will be for you that stretch out on your luxurious couches, feasting on veal and lamb!
5 You like to compose songs, as David did, and play them on harps.
6 You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest perfumes, but you do not mourn over the ruin of Israel.
7 So you will be the first to go into exile. Your feasts and banquets will come to an end.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.