The Day of the Lord

Catherine Booth, along with her husband William Booth, co-founded the Christian Revival Association, a precursor to the Salvation Army. She pioneered the women’s work for that movement, and she was so well-loved that when she died, 36,000 people attended her funeral. A tireless w … More

Worship

Failure to honor the dead was considered horrible in Israel, so loud wailing was common at funerals. Paid mourners, usually women, cried and mourned loudly. Amos said there would be so many funerals that there would be a shortage of professional mourners, so farmers would be called from the fields to help (vv. 16-17).

The people of Israel perceived the “the day of the Lord” as a day of victory for themselves and a day of judgment for their enemies (vv. 18-27). Amos corrected that popular misconception. Perhaps Amos felt the same way as the illustration above as he preached to the people of Israel. On the surface there seemed to be considerable religious interest. Many people claimed they longed for the Day of the Lord, perhaps interpreted by them as a day when God would give them a decisive victory over their enemies. Amos corrected their thinking by pointing out that the Day of the Lord would be a day of judgment. He warned that for the unprepared, it would be an unremitting series of calamities. He compared the people of Israel to a fugitive who runs away from one threat only to find another (vv. 18-20).

The Israelites kept “feast days,” attended sacred assemblies, and offered “burnt offerings” but neglected justice and righteousness (vv. 21-22). God hates false worship by people who go through the motions out of pretense or for show (vv. 21-23). He wants justice and righteousness from His people (v. 24) Sikkuth and Chiun were heathen gods (v. 25-26). Prior to this Israel had turned to worshiping stars and planets, preferring nature over natures God.

Application

If I am living a sinful life and using religious ritual while trying to make myself look good God will despise my worship and will not accept what I offer.

Amos 5:16-27 (English Standard Version)


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