Amos 5:7

There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground.

Study Bible

You who turn
This phrase addresses the people directly, indicating a deliberate action. The Hebrew root for "turn" is "הָפַךְ" (haphak), which means to overturn or transform. This suggests a willful distortion of what is right and just. Historically, this reflects the societal corruption in Israel, where leaders and judges were perverting justice for personal gain.

justice
The Hebrew word for justice is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses not only legal judgments but also the broader concept of moral and ethical rightness. In the context of ancient Israel, justice was a foundational principle of the covenant community, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people.

into wormwood
"Wormwood" is translated from the Hebrew "לַעֲנָה" (la'anah), a bitter plant often associated with sorrow and calamity. This metaphor indicates that justice, which should be sweet and life-giving, has been corrupted into something bitter and harmful. The imagery of wormwood would resonate with the Israelites, as it was a common symbol of divine judgment and bitterness in the Old Testament.

and cast
The Hebrew root "שָׁלַךְ" (shalak) means to throw or hurl with force. This conveys a sense of disdain and rejection, emphasizing the active and intentional nature of the people's actions against righteousness. It suggests a complete disregard for what is holy and just.

righteousness
The word "righteousness" comes from the Hebrew "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which refers to right relationships and ethical conduct according to God's standards. In the biblical context, righteousness is not merely personal piety but involves social justice and fairness, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness.

to the ground
This phrase implies a degradation or devaluation of righteousness. The ground, or "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) in Hebrew, often symbolizes the lowest point or a place of humiliation. By casting righteousness to the ground, the people of Israel were not only neglecting God's commands but actively debasing them, leading to societal decay.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, who was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity and moral decay.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, which was experiencing economic prosperity but was spiritually and morally corrupt, leading to social injustices and idolatry.

3. Justice and Righteousness
Central themes in the prophetic message of Amos, representing God's standards for ethical behavior and fair treatment of others, which were being perverted by the people of Israel.

4. Wormwood
A bitter plant used metaphorically to describe the corruption and bitterness that result from perverting justice.

5. The Day of the Lord
An event often referenced by the prophets, including Amos, as a time of divine judgment and reckoning for the nations, particularly Israel in this context.

Teaching Points

The Perils of Moral Corruption
Amos warns against the distortion of justice and righteousness, which leads to societal decay. Believers are called to uphold God's standards in all areas of life.

The Bitterness of Injustice
Just as wormwood is bitter, so is the experience of injustice. Christians are encouraged to be agents of justice and righteousness, reflecting God's character in their communities.

The Call to Repentance
Amos's message is a call to repentance. Believers should regularly examine their lives for areas where they may be compromising God's standards and seek His forgiveness and guidance.

The Importance of Authentic Worship
God desires genuine worship that is reflected in just and righteous living. Christians should ensure their worship is not merely ritualistic but is accompanied by a life that honors God.

The Role of Prophets Today
While the office of prophet as in the Old Testament may not be present today, the church is called to be a prophetic voice in society, speaking truth and advocating for justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of "wormwood" in Amos 5:7 help us understand the impact of perverting justice in our own society?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our pursuit of justice aligns with God's standards as outlined in the Bible?

3. How can the church today serve as a prophetic voice in addressing social injustices, similar to the role of Amos?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice. How did it affect your understanding of God's call to righteousness?

5. How can we balance the call to justice with the need for mercy and humility, as seen in Micah 6:8, in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 5:20
This verse speaks to the perversion of moral values, similar to how Amos describes the turning of justice into bitterness.

Micah 6:8
This verse emphasizes what God requires of His people: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, contrasting with the actions condemned in Amos 5:7.

Proverbs 21:3
Highlights the importance of justice and righteousness over ritual sacrifices, aligning with Amos's critique of Israel's superficial religiosity.