Amos 5:4-5 For thus said the LORD to the house of Israel, Seek you me, and you shall live: I. THE SEARCH WHICH ENDS IN LIFE. The end of such search is life. "Ye shall live." Doubtless that form was given to the promise because of the calamities which were impending over the State. But there is something more than preservation from the scourge of sin. Life of the soul — full exercise of its powers, full pleasure in its blessings, with that "life for evermore" which God gives to those who seek Him. II. THE SEARCH WHICH ENDS IN RUIN. Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba were the centres of idol worship in Israel (Amos 4:4; Amos 8:14). They could not keep themselves from ruin, what then must be the fate of their worshippers? The deluded people brought their sacrifices; but when trouble came it was in vain to turn to Bethel and Gilgal — even their deities perished. Application. Verse 6 shows that God would punish the nation, and none would be able to stay His hand. From Bethel in the days of vengeance there should be no deliverance. The sinner must meet his Judge, whom he had despised and refused to seek, and meet Him alone. (J. Telford, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:WEB: For thus says Yahweh to the house of Israel: "Seek me, and you will live; |
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