Verse Meaning and Commentary

Amos 5:14 is a call for the people of Israel to align themselves with God's righteousness by seeking good and rejecting evil. This verse underscores the key theme in the book of Amos, which condemns social injustices and the neglect of true worship.

• Contextual Background: Amos was a shepherd called by God to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. During a time of prosperity, the social injustices were rampant, and Amos was sent to remind the people of their covenant obligations.
• Seeking the Good: The imperative to "seek good" emphasizes a proactive stance in pursuing justice and mercy. Matthew Henry notes that this pursuit is essential for a harmonious relationship with God.
• Rejecting Evil: The instruction to "not seek evil" aligns with the biblical principle of holiness. Adam Clarke elaborates on how genuine worship comes from social justice and moral uprightness.
• Divine Presence: The promise of God's presence with those who pursue good is a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Albert Barnes points out that God's blessing follows those who align themselves with His will.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

According to Matthew Henry, the essence of living a righteous life is to actively seek the things that align with God's moral character. He emphasizes that seeking good is not merely an avoidance of evil but an active pursuit of righteousness.

Albert Barnes further explains that the fiery purpose of Amos is to awaken a sense of moral obligation in the hearts of his listeners, reminding them that true religion involves ethical action.

Adam Clarke suggests that this verse reflects the broader theological narrative found in the prophetic literature, where a call to repentance is often coupled with the assurance of God's restoration and blessing.

Related Bible Cross-References

• Micah 6:8: "Megmondta néked, ó ember, mi a jó..." - A hasonló üzenet a jóságról és az igazságosságról.
• Isaiah 1:17: "Tanuljátok meg a jót cselekedni..." - Felhívás a jótett keresésére és a rossz elkerülésére.
• Romans 12:21: "Ne győztesd meg a rosszat a jóval." - A jónak a rossz felett aratott győzelme.
• Psalms 34:14: "Kerüld el a gonoszt, és cselekedj jót..." - A zsoltár is megerősíti a jó keresésének fontosságát.
• James 4:7: "Ellenálljatok az ördögnek, és elfut tőletek." - A gonosz elkerülésének aktív módja.
• Galatians 6:9: "Tegyük a jót..." - Az állhatatosság jelentősége a jó cselekedetekben.
• Proverbs 21:21: "Aki jót cseleked, életet, jóságot és tisztességet talál." - A jó keresése és a jutalom.

Application of Amos 5:14

To apply Amos 5:14 in today's context, believers are called to...

• Seek justice in their communities, reflecting God's nature.
• Engage with social issues and advocate for the marginalized.
• Be proactive in their faith, demonstrating love and mercy.

Exploring Biblical Themes Through Cross-References

Understanding the connections between Bible verses helps to deepen our Bible verse explanations and enrich our Bible verse interpretations. By cross-referencing Amos 5:14 with other scriptural texts, we can grasp the overarching motifs of justice, righteousness, and God's unwavering desire for His people to embody His values.

For example, connecting this verse with Micah 6:8 allows us to see a cohesive theme of ethical living as a prerequisite for true worship. Likewise, comparisons can be made with Isaiah 1:17, which clearly advocates for social action as an expression of faith.