51 Hear this word, Israel, this lament I take up concerning you:
51 Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.
51 Hear this word that I take up over you in lamentation, O house of Israel:
51 Listen to this, family of Israel, this Message I'm sending in bold print, this tragic warning:
51 Hear this word which I take up against you, a lamentation, O house of Israel:
51 Listen, you people of Israel! Listen to this funeral song I am singing:
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 5:1
Commentary on Amos 5:1-6
(Read Amos 5:1-6)
The convincing, awakening word must be heard and heeded, as well as words of comfort and peace; for whether we hear or forbear, the word of God shall take effect. The Lord still proclaims mercy to men, but they often expect deliverance from such self-invented forms as make their condemnation sure. While they refuse to come to Christ and to seek mercy in and by him, that they may live, the fire of Divine wrath breaks forth upon them. Men may make an idol of the world, but will find it cannot protect.