Amos 6 5

Amos 6:5 kjv

That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;

Amos 6:5 nkjv

Who sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments, And invent for yourselves musical instruments like David;

Amos 6:5 niv

You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.

Amos 6:5 esv

who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,

Amos 6:5 nlt

You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp
and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David.

Amos 6 verses

Amos 6 5 Meaning

This verse describes the practice of musical extravagance and heedless enjoyment by those who are at ease in Zion and secure in Samaria. They are oblivious to the suffering and distress of others, highlighting their spiritual complacency and moral decay.

Amos 6 5 Context

Amos 6:5 is part of a larger prophetic oracle condemning the sins of Israel, particularly the northern kingdom of Samaria, and the spiritual elite of Judah, "Zion." The prophet Amos, from humble origins, was sent to pronounce judgment on a nation that had achieved political stability and economic prosperity. However, this prosperity led to moral decay, social injustice, and a complacent, self-indulgent lifestyle among the wealthy and powerful. They were secure in their fortified cities and enjoyed lavish feasts and entertainments, completely ignoring the plight of the poor and the looming threat of divine judgment. The surrounding nations' cultural practices often influenced Israel's materialism and sensuality, creating a direct polemic against such ways of life that deviated from God's covenant.

Amos 6 5 Word Analysis

• "They compose songs with the sound of the harp."
  • Hebrew: "põleq" (פֹּ֣לֶק) - likely a variant or less common form related to instrumental music or melody. The emphasis is on intentional, manufactured musical accompaniment for pleasure.
• "and invent for themselves musical instruments like David."
  • Hebrew: "kînôr" (כִּנּ֜וֹר) - traditionally translated as "lyre" or "harp."
  • Hebrew: "le'amîyt" (לְעַמִּ֗ית) - this word is somewhat challenging. Some suggest it might mean "equal," "like," or "inventing for oneself." The NIV translates it as "invented for themselves," emphasizing self-originated enjoyment apart from divine prescribed worship.
  • "like David" (כְּדָוִ֗יד) - David was known as a skilled musician and Psalmist. However, this phrase here seems to suggest they are aping the form or style of David’s musical talents for their own carnal pleasures, rather than using music in a way that honors God as David often did in his Psalms. This contrasts true worship with empty entertainment.
• "They drink wine in bowls,"
  • Hebrew: "m'šālîn" (מְשָׁאֵי) - implies large mixing bowls for wine.
  • Hebrew: "ga'alîym" (גָּעִי) - most transliterated as "bowls" or "wine bowls." Suggests copious drinking and elaborate feasting.
• "and anoint themselves with the finest oils,"
  • Hebrew: "mšôqeqîm" (מְשֹׁוחִ֥ים) - "anoint." This practice was common for celebrations but taken to excess here.
  • Hebrew: "pô'ôret" (פָּרִ֣י) - commonly understood as "finest" or "best" oils. Refers to rich perfumes and ointments used for luxury.
• "but they are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph."
  • Hebrew: "lô' 'adabîm" (לֹ֣א יֵאָנ֗וּ) - "not grieved," "do not ache," "do not groan." The lack of any remorse or concern for the nation's spiritual and social brokenness.
  • Hebrew: "šaber 'anpî šalyûḥâ" (עַל־שֶׁ֙בֶר֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף) - "over the break of Joseph." "Joseph" here is a metonymy for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, symbolizing its suffering and impending destruction. The core sin is the callous disregard for their brethren's (or the nation's) affliction and the absence of repentance.

Amos 6 5 Bonus Section

The reference to "musical instruments like David" is a poignant critique. While David was a man after God's own heart and used music to express devotion and lamentation (e.g., in the Psalms), these people have perverted music into a tool of carnal revelry and self-adoration. Their skill in music, rather than leading them to humility and worship, amplifies their self-indulgence and separates them further from genuine concern for the well-being of their society. This points to a common danger where gifts and talents, when detached from their God-given purpose, can become instruments of sin. The "ruin of Joseph" specifically refers to the spiritual and societal fragmentation and oppression within the Northern Kingdom, for which these comfortable elites show no empathy.

Amos 6 5 Commentary

This verse condemns a luxurious and decadent lifestyle, particularly among the affluent in Zion and Samaria. Their indulgence in fine arts, copious drinking, and rich anointing oils are contrasted with their profound indifference to the spiritual and societal decay, the impending judgment, and the suffering of the common people or the broader nation (represented by "Joseph"). They use musical arts not for godly expression or worship, but for personal, self-centered entertainment. This disconnect between outward pleasure and inner insensitivity highlights their deep spiritual apostasy and the arrogance born of false security, setting them up for inevitable divine judgment.