Amos 5: Seeking the Lord in Justice and Righteousness – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

✨ Executive Summary: Lament for Israel and the Call to True Worship ✨

Amos 5, a potent chapter within the Book of Amos, serves as a profound lament for the spiritual decay of Israel, urging them to abandon empty ritualism and instead Seek the Lord in Justice and Righteousness. The prophet Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, boldly confronts the Israelites for their moral failings, social injustices, and superficial religious practices. He warns of impending judgment if they fail to repent and turn back to God with genuine hearts. This chapter isn’t merely a condemnation; it’s a fervent appeal for genuine transformation, a call to seek God not through outward displays but through righteous living and heartfelt repentance. The chapter emphasizes the critical importance of justice, righteousness, and true worship in the life of faith – principles that resonate deeply within Coptic Orthodox tradition and are equally relevant for believers today. The urgency of Amos’s message compels us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our faith is not merely a facade but a genuine reflection of God’s love and justice.

Amos 5 is a powerful call to genuine worship and social justice. It challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that our faith is not merely superficial but is rooted in a deep commitment to God and to our fellow human beings.

📖 Commentary Sections: Verse-by-Verse Analysis 📖

Amos 5:1-3 – Lament for Israel’s Fall

Amos 5:1 (KJV): Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.

Amos 5:1 (NKJV): Hear this word which I take up over you, a lamentation, O house of Israel:

Amos begins with a stark pronouncement – a lamentation (קינה, *qinah* in Hebrew) over the house of Israel. This isn’t just a prophecy of doom; it’s a sorrowful elegy for a nation already teetering on the brink of destruction. The very act of “taking up” this lamentation suggests a burden, a deep grief that the prophet is compelled to express. The use of *qinah*, a specific poetic form associated with mourning, emphasizes the profound sense of loss and impending tragedy. This lament echoes the cries of the Theotokos at the foot of the cross. (Luke 2:35)

Spiritual Application: We are called to mourn for the sins of our own communities and to intercede for those who are lost. ✨ Let us not be complacent in the face of injustice and spiritual decay, but rather, let our hearts be moved to compassion and prayer.

Amos 5:2 (KJV): The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.

Amos 5:2 (NKJV): The virgin of Israel has fallen; She will rise no more. She lies forsaken on her land; There is no one to raise her up.

Here, Israel is personified as a “virgin,” a symbol of potential purity and unspoiled beauty. However, this virgin has fallen, and there is no one to raise her up. This paints a devastating picture of helplessness and abandonment. The phrase “she shall no more rise” underscores the severity of Israel’s spiritual condition. They’ve not just stumbled; they’ve fallen into a state of complete prostration, devoid of any apparent hope for recovery. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes about sin as such a force of degradation, “…the soul, once pure and inviolate, is defiled and corrupted by sin and becomes incapable of rising again to its former integrity without the grace of God.” (*Commentary on Amos*, PG 72, 1044C). We see echoes of this in the hymns we sing in the Coptic Orthodox Church, calling upon the Theotokos to intercede for us, recognizing our fallen state and our need for divine assistance.

Spiritual Application: Recognize our own vulnerability to sin and our dependence on God’s grace for restoration. 🕊️ Never allow pride to keep you from seeking help and repentance when you fall.

Amos 5:3 (KJV): For thus saith the Lord God; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel.

Amos 5:3 (NKJV): For thus says the Lord God: “The city that goes out by a thousand Shall have a hundred left, And that which goes out by a hundred Shall have ten left to the house of Israel.”

This verse speaks of a catastrophic decimation of the population. Cities sending out a thousand soldiers will only have a hundred return, and those sending a hundred will only have ten. This is a vivid depiction of the widespread devastation that will result from God’s judgment. The extreme reduction in numbers highlights the scale of the impending disaster. This is not just about physical warfare; it reflects the spiritual warfare that is raging and the devastation sin brings to communities. This also echoes the narrative of the flood, and how few remained to carry on the line of righteousness.

Spiritual Application: Be mindful of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God’s protection. 🛡️ Support and encourage others to remain faithful, especially during times of adversity.

Amos 5:4-6 – Seek the Lord and Live

Amos 5:4 (KJV): For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:

Amos 5:4 (NKJV): For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live;

Amidst the lament and the warnings, there is a glimmer of hope. God Himself commands the house of Israel: “Seek Me, and you shall live.” This is a direct invitation to repentance and reconciliation. The very essence of life, both physical and spiritual, is tied to seeking God. This echoes the words of Christ: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Seeking God is not merely an intellectual exercise; it’s a deliberate act of turning one’s heart and mind towards Him. We read in the book of Wisdom 1:1, “Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in simplicity of heart.”

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious effort to seek God in all aspects of your life – through prayer, scripture reading, acts of service, and fellowship with other believers. 🙏 Prioritize your relationship with God above all else.

Amos 5:5 (KJV): But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought.

Amos 5:5 (NKJV): But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, And Bethel shall come to nothing.

Here, Amos specifically warns against seeking God in certain places – Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba. These were centers of worship, but they had become corrupted and associated with idolatry. God is not interested in empty ritualism or hollow religious practices. The verse highlights that God is not bound to specific locations; He desires genuine worship from the heart. “The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” (John 4:23)

Spiritual Application: Examine your own religious practices. Are they truly heartfelt and sincere, or have they become empty rituals? 🧐 Avoid relying on external appearances of piety without genuine internal transformation.

Amos 5:6 (KJV): Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.

Amos 5:6 (NKJV): Seek the Lord and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it for Bethel.

This verse reiterates the urgency of seeking the Lord. The consequences of not seeking Him are severe – God’s judgment will come like a consuming fire upon the house of Joseph (representing the northern kingdom of Israel). The phrase “none to quench it in Bethel” emphasizes the futility of seeking help from idols or false gods. Only true repentance and a genuine relationship with God can avert the impending disaster. St. Athanasius tells us in *Against the Heathen* (3.10): “For the holy and truly blessed teaching of God, even the knowledge of the Father, is sufficient of itself for the destruction of all evil.”

Spiritual Application: Don’t delay in seeking God. 🔥 Procrastination can have devastating consequences. Turn to Him now, before it’s too late.

Amos 5:7-9 – Justice Turned to Wormwood

Amos 5:7 (KJV): Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

Amos 5:7 (NKJV): You who turn justice to wormwood, And lay righteousness to rest in the earth,

Amos condemns those who pervert justice and abandon righteousness. “Wormwood” (לענה, *la’anah* in Hebrew) is a bitter herb, symbolizing the corruption and bitterness that have replaced justice. The phrase “lay righteousness to rest in the earth” suggests that righteousness has been buried, hidden away, and forgotten. This reflects a complete disregard for God’s law and a blatant disregard for the well-being of others. This act of injustice is a common theme throughout the old testament. A true Christian cannot stand by while such evils occur.

Spiritual Application: Stand up for justice and righteousness in your community. ⚖️ Be a voice for the voiceless and fight against oppression and corruption.

Amos 5:8 (KJV): Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The Lord is his name:

Amos 5:8 (NKJV): He makes the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning And makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth; The Lord is His name.

This verse emphasizes God’s power and sovereignty. He is the creator of the constellations (the “seven stars” likely refers to the Pleiades, and “Orion” is a well-known constellation), He controls the cycle of day and night, and He commands the waters of the sea. By highlighting God’s immense power, Amos underscores the folly of rebelling against Him. Who are we to stand against such a God?

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit to His will. 🌌 Recognize that He is in control of all things and trust in His wisdom and power.

Amos 5:9 (KJV): That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.

Amos 5:9 (NKJV): He rains ruin upon the strong, So that fury comes upon the fortress.

God has the power to bring ruin upon the strong and to empower the weak. He can overturn the established order and bring judgment upon those who oppress others. The “fortress” represents a place of security and power, but even the strongest defenses cannot withstand God’s judgment. This verse reinforces the theme of social justice and God’s concern for the vulnerable. Even in the face of a great fortress, the Lord is there to defend those who are just.

Spiritual Application: Remember that God is on the side of the oppressed. He will ultimately bring justice to those who have been wronged. 🙏 Trust in His power to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

Amos 5:10-13 – Hating the Truth

Amos 5:10 (KJV): They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.

Amos 5:10 (NKJV): They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, And they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.

Here, Amos highlights the people’s aversion to truth and correction. Those who dare to speak out against injustice and corruption are hated and abhorred. “The gate” was the place where legal proceedings and public discourse took place. Those who rebuked in the gate were challenging the status quo and exposing the wickedness of the people. This is often the case even today, those who speak out often stand alone and suffer ridicule.

Spiritual Application: Be willing to speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular. 🗣️ Don’t be afraid to challenge injustice and corruption, even if it means facing opposition.

Amos 5:11 (KJV): Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Amos 5:11 (NKJV): Therefore, because you tread down the poor And take grain taxes from him, Though you have built houses of hewn stone, You shall not dwell in them; Though you have planted pleasant vineyards, You shall not drink wine from them.

This verse condemns the exploitation of the poor. The wealthy are building lavish houses and planting vineyards, but they will not enjoy the fruits of their labor. This is a direct consequence of their injustice and oppression. God will not allow them to prosper at the expense of the vulnerable. This is a common theme throughout the old testament and reiterated in the teachings of Christ.

Spiritual Application: Use your resources to help the poor and needy. 💰 Don’t accumulate wealth at the expense of others. Be generous and compassionate in your dealings with those less fortunate.

Amos 5:12 (KJV): For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.

Amos 5:12 (NKJV): For I know your manifold transgressions And your mighty sins: You afflict the just and take bribes; You divert the poor from justice at the gate.

God knows the extent of their sins. They afflict the just, take bribes, and deny justice to the poor. These are grave offenses in God’s eyes. The phrase “manifold transgressions and your mighty sins” underscores the magnitude of their wickedness. The prophets of the old testament are often seen as angry and foreboding, but it is righteous anger born out of love.

Spiritual Application: Confess your sins and seek God’s forgiveness. 🙏 Be honest with yourself and with God about your shortcomings. Turn away from sin and pursue righteousness.

Amos 5:13 (KJV): Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

Amos 5:13 (NKJV): Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time.

This verse suggests that in such a corrupt and unjust society, it’s often better for the prudent to remain silent. Speaking out can be dangerous and ineffective. However, this is not necessarily an endorsement of silence. It’s a recognition of the pervasive wickedness of the time and the challenges of speaking truth to power. There are times when it is necessary to be silent to protect yourself. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” (Proverbs 31:8)

Spiritual Application: Discern when it’s appropriate to speak out and when it’s necessary to remain silent. 🤫 Pray for wisdom and courage to know how to respond to injustice in a way that is both effective and safe. Consider reaching out to local community services for support.

Amos 5:14-15 – Seek Good, Not Evil

Amos 5:14 (KJV): Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

Amos 5:14 (NKJV): Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the Lord God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken.

Amos once again calls for a radical change in behavior. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live.” This is a direct challenge to the people’s moral compass. They must actively choose to pursue righteousness and justice. Only then will God be with them. A true Christian is always seeking goodness in all things, to glorify God. “There is no one good but God alone.” (Mark 10:18)

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious effort to choose good over evil in every decision you make. ✨ Surround yourself with positive influences and avoid situations that could lead you astray.

Amos 5:15 (KJV): Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Amos 5:15 (NKJV): Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

This verse emphasizes the importance of both hating evil and loving good. It’s not enough to simply avoid evil; we must actively embrace righteousness. The phrase “establish judgment in the gate” reiterates the need for justice and fairness in all areas of life. Even after the destruction, there would be hope in a “remnant of Joseph.”

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a strong aversion to evil and a deep love for good. ❤️ Strive to create a just and equitable society where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Amos 5:16-17 – Lament and Judgment

Amos 5:16 (KJV): Therefore the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skillful of lamentation to wailing.

Amos 5:16 (NKJV): Therefore the Lord God of hosts, the Lord, says this: “There shall be wailing in all streets, And they shall say in all the highways, ‘Alas! Alas!’ They shall call the farmer to mourning, And skillful wailers to lament.”

This verse describes the widespread mourning that will result from God’s judgment. The streets will be filled with wailing, and even the farmers and professional mourners will be called upon to lament. This is a scene of utter devastation and despair.

Spiritual Application: Recognize the seriousness of sin and the consequences of rejecting God. 😭 Be prepared to mourn for the sins of your community and to intercede for those who are lost.

Amos 5:17 (KJV): And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the Lord.

Amos 5:17 (NKJV): In all vineyards there shall be wailing, For I will pass through you,” says the Lord.

The wailing will extend even to the vineyards, a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The phrase “I will pass through you” signifies God’s direct intervention and judgment. This is not just a natural disaster; it’s a divine visitation. The passing through is reminiscent of the exodus from Egypt.

Spiritual Application: Be aware of God’s presence in your life, both in times of blessing and in times of judgment. 🌟 Remember that He is always watching over you and that you will be held accountable for your actions.

Amos 5:18-20 – Woe to Those Who Desire the Day of the Lord

Amos 5:18 (KJV): Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.

Amos 5:18 (NKJV): Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! For what good is the day of the Lord to you? It will be darkness, and not light.

Amos pronounces woe upon those who long for the “day of the Lord.” They mistakenly believe that this day will be a time of victory and blessing for them. However, Amos warns that for the unrepentant, the day of the Lord will be a day of darkness and judgment. The word ‘woe’ (הוֹי, *hoy* in Hebrew) is often translated as “alas” and is an expression of grief or distress. It is more akin to a curse in this verse, as the Israelites are misguided. (Isaiah 5:20)

Spiritual Application: Be careful what you ask for. 🙏 The day of the Lord will be a time of judgment for all, both believers and unbelievers. Make sure you are ready to meet Him.

Amos 5:19 (KJV): As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

Amos 5:19 (NKJV): It will be as though a man fled from a lion, And a bear met him; Or as though he went into the house, leaned his hand on the wall, And a serpent bit him.

This verse uses vivid imagery to illustrate the inescapability of God’s judgment. It’s like fleeing from a lion only to encounter a bear, or escaping into a house only to be bitten by a serpent. There is no escape from God’s wrath for those who reject Him. “Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:4)

Spiritual Application: Don’t try to run away from God. 🏃 He knows where you are, and He will eventually catch up with you. Repent and turn to Him now, before it’s too late.

Amos 5:20 (KJV): Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

Amos 5:20 (NKJV): Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it?

This verse emphasizes the utter darkness and hopelessness of the day of the Lord for those who are unprepared. There will be no light, no comfort, and no escape. This echoes the language of the book of Revelation, describing the great and terrible day of the Lord.

Spiritual Application: Prepare yourself for the day of the Lord by living a life of righteousness and holiness. 💡 Let your light shine brightly so that you may be ready to meet Him when He comes.

Amos 5:21-24 – God Desires Justice, Not Empty Ritual

Amos 5:21 (KJV): I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

Amos 5:21 (NKJV): “I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies.

God expresses His disgust for their feast days and solemn assemblies. He hates and despises their religious observances because they are not accompanied by genuine repentance and righteous living. Their worship is hypocritical and offensive to Him. This denouncement of ritual is not a rejection of worship itself, but rather the lack of sincerity and change in the hearts of the Israelites. This echoes the teachings of Christ.

Spiritual Application: Ensure that your worship is genuine and heartfelt. ❤️ Don’t just go through the motions; let your heart be truly engaged with God.

Amos 5:22 (KJV): Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.

Amos 5:22 (NKJV): Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings.

God refuses to accept their sacrifices and offerings. Even their most elaborate religious rituals are meaningless to Him because they are not accompanied by justice and righteousness. God desires obedience more than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

Spiritual Application: Don’t think that you can buy God’s favor with outward displays of religiosity. 🎁 He is looking for a heart that is truly devoted to Him.

Amos 5:23 (KJV): Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

Amos 5:23 (NKJV): Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.

God rejects their songs and music. Even their most beautiful and elaborate musical performances are offensive to Him because they are not accompanied by genuine repentance and righteous living. True worship involves more than just beautiful music; it requires a heart that is aligned with God’s will.

Spiritual Application: Let your worship be sincere and heartfelt. 🎶 Don’t just sing the words; let your heart be filled with love and devotion for God.

Amos 5:24 (KJV): But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Amos 5:24 (NKJV): But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.

This is the climax of Amos’s message. God desires justice to “run down as waters” and righteousness to flow “as a mighty stream.” This is a powerful image of justice and righteousness permeating every aspect of society. It’s not enough to simply have isolated acts of justice; God wants justice and righteousness to be a constant and overwhelming force in the land. This is a reminder that the world needs to be watered with the goodness of the gospel.

Spiritual Application: Strive to create a just and equitable society where all people are treated with dignity and respect. 🌊 Let your life be a testament to God’s righteousness.

Amos 5:25-27 – Idolatry and Exile

Amos 5:25 (KJV): Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?

Amos 5:25 (NKJV): “Did you offer Me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?

God questions whether the Israelites truly offered Him sacrifices and offerings during their forty years in the wilderness. This is not necessarily a denial of their sacrifices, but rather a challenge to their motives. Were they truly worshipping God, or were they merely going through the motions? The Israelites were saved from slavery, and offered many sacrifices, but turned from God. (Exodus 32:1)

Spiritual Application: Examine your motives for serving God. 🧐 Are you doing it out of genuine love and devotion, or are you simply trying to earn His favor?

Amos 5:26 (KJV): But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.

Amos 5:26 (NKJV): You also carried Sikkuth your king and Kiyyun, your idols, The star of your gods which you made for yourselves.

This verse accuses the Israelites of carrying the tabernacle of their pagan gods, Moloch and Chiun. This is a clear indictment of their idolatry and their rejection of God. These pagan gods represented a false form of worship and a departure from the true faith. The acceptance of pagan gods is a rejection of the Lord, and a breaking of the covenant.

Spiritual Application: Be careful not to allow idols to creep into your life. 👿 Anything that takes the place of God in your heart is an idol, whether it’s money, possessions, power, or pleasure.

Amos 5:27 (KJV): Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the Lord, whose name is The God of hosts.

Amos 5:27 (NKJV): Therefore I will send you into captivity beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts.

As a result of their idolatry and injustice, God will send them into captivity beyond Damascus. This is a prophecy of the Assyrian exile, which would ultimately come to pass. The phrase “The God of hosts” emphasizes God’s power and authority. He is the Lord of all creation, and He has the power to bring judgment upon those who reject Him. The Lord is with all who love righteousness. (Psalm 145:18)

Spiritual Application: Be faithful to God and obedient to His commands. 🙏 Don’t allow sin and idolatry to lead you astray. Remember that God is always watching over you and that you will be held accountable for your actions.

❓ FAQ ❓

• Q: What is the main message of Amos 5?

  A: The main message is a call to genuine repentance and a rejection of empty ritualism. It urges the Israelites to seek the Lord through justice, righteousness, and a sincere heart, rather than through superficial religious practices.

• Q: Why does God reject the sacrifices and feasts in this chapter?

  A: God rejects them because they are not accompanied by genuine repentance and righteous living. The people were engaging in outward displays of piety while continuing to oppress the poor and pervert justice.

• Q: How does this chapter apply to Christians today?

  A: It reminds us that our faith must be more than just outward appearances. We must live lives of justice, righteousness, and compassion, and our worship must be sincere and heartfelt.

• Q: What does it mean to “Seek the Lord”?

  A: To seek the Lord means to actively pursue a relationship with Him through prayer, scripture reading, obedience to His commands, and a life of righteousness. It involves turning away from sin and embracing God’s will.

🕊️ Conclusion: A Timeless Call to Seek the Lord in Justice 🕊️

Amos 5 serves as a potent and timeless reminder of the importance of seeking the Lord in justice and righteousness. It’s not enough to simply go through the motions of religious observance; God desires a heart that is truly devoted to Him and a life that reflects His character. The chapter challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that our faith is not merely a facade but a genuine expression of our love for God and our commitment to justice. The call to Seek the Lord in Justice and Righteousness resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, echoing the teachings of the Church Fathers and the example of Christ himself. May we heed the prophet Amos’s warning and strive to live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to our fellow human beings.

Tags

Amos, Amos 5, Coptic Orthodox, Bible commentary, Seek the Lord, Justice, Righteousness, Repentance, Lament, Old Testament

Meta Description

A Coptic Orthodox verse-by-verse commentary on Amos 5, exploring the call to Seek the Lord in Justice and Righteousness, and rejecting empty ritualism. Understand its message today!