Amos 5:21-24

21 “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.

22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.

23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Amos 5:21-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO AMOS 5

In this chapter the prophet exhorts Israel to hear his lamentation over them for their impending ruin, Am 5:1-3; nevertheless to seek the Lord, and all that is good; to forsake their idols, and repent of their sins, in hopes of finding mercy, and living comfortably; or otherwise they must expect the wrath of God for their iniquities, especially their oppression of the poor, Am 5:4-15; otherwise it would be a time of weeping and wailing, of darkness and distress, however they might harden or flatter themselves, or make a jest of it, Am 5:16-20; for all their sacrifices and ceremonial worship would signify nothing, so long as they continued their idolatry with them Am 5:21-26; and therefore should surely go into captivity, Am 5:27.

Cross References

• 1. Jeremiah 44:4
• 2. S Leviticus 26:31; S Hosea 2:11
• 3. S Ezekiel 23:18; Isaiah 1:11-16
• 4. Leviticus 26:31
• 5. S Jeremiah 7:21
• 6. S Psalms 40:6
• 7. Jeremiah 14:12; S Amos 4:4; Micah 6:6-7
• 8. Isaiah 1:11-16; S Isaiah 66:3
• 9. Amos 6:5
• 10. S Jeremiah 22:3
• 11. S Isaiah 45:8
• 12. Micah 6:8