Amos 5:16

Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Hosts, the Lord, says: "There will be wailing in all the public squares and cries of 'Alas! Alas!' in all the streets. The farmer will be summoned to mourn, and the mourners to wail.

Study Bible

Therefore
The word "therefore" serves as a pivotal transition, indicating a conclusion or result based on previous statements. In the context of Amos 5, it connects the preceding calls for justice and righteousness with the impending consequences. The Hebrew word used here is "לָכֵן" (lakhen), which often introduces divine judgment or a prophetic declaration. It underscores the inevitability of God's response to Israel's persistent disobedience and injustice.

this is what the Lord, the God of Hosts, says
This phrase emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of God. "The Lord" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, reminding Israel of their special relationship with Him. "The God of Hosts" (אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאוֹת, Elohei Tseva'ot) portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, highlighting His power and ability to execute judgment. This introduction assures the reader that the message is not from Amos alone but from God Himself, demanding attention and reverence.

There will be wailing in all the public squares
"Wailing" (מִסְפֵּד, misped) refers to a loud, mournful lamentation, often associated with funerals or great distress. The "public squares" (רְחֹבוֹת, rechovot) were central places in ancient cities where people gathered for social, economic, and judicial activities. The prophecy indicates that the judgment will be so severe and widespread that every aspect of public life will be affected, turning places of commerce and community into scenes of mourning.

They will cry out in all the streets
The phrase "cry out" (יֹאמְרוּ, yomru) suggests a vocal expression of grief and despair. "Streets" (חוּצוֹת, chutzot) refers to the thoroughfares of the city, emphasizing that the lamentation will permeate every corner of society. This imagery conveys the totality of the impending disaster, leaving no place untouched by sorrow.

‘Alas! Alas!’
The repetition of "Alas" (הוֹי, hoy) is a traditional expression of woe or lament. It is often used in prophetic literature to announce impending doom or to express deep sorrow. The double usage intensifies the emotional impact, underscoring the severity of the situation and the depth of the people's anguish.

They will summon the farmers to wail
"Summon" (קָרָא, qara) implies a call or invitation, often for a specific purpose. The "farmers" (אִכָּרִים, ikkarim) represent the rural population, those who work the land. Their inclusion in the wailing signifies that the calamity will extend beyond urban centers, affecting the agricultural backbone of society. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment, impacting both city and countryside.

and the mourners to lament
"Mourners" (יֹדְעֵי נֶהִי, yode'ei nehi) were often professional lamenters hired to express grief at funerals. Their role here suggests that the scale of the disaster will require organized expressions of sorrow. The use of "lament" (נֶהִי, nehi) further emphasizes the depth of the emotional response to the divine judgment, as the community collectively acknowledges their loss and suffering.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD, the God of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly armies, underscoring His ability to execute judgment.

2. Public Squares and Streets
These are the communal areas of the city where people gather, indicating that the judgment and mourning will be public and widespread.

3. Farmers
Typically seen as individuals connected to the land and daily life, their involvement in mourning signifies the depth of the calamity affecting all societal levels.

4. Mourners
These are individuals who are either professional mourners or those who are deeply affected by the events, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

5. Wailing and Cries of 'Alas! Alas!'
These expressions of grief and despair indicate the severity of the judgment and the people's recognition of their dire situation.

Teaching Points

The Universality of God's Judgment
God's judgment affects all areas of life, from public spaces to personal livelihoods. We must recognize that sin has consequences that permeate every aspect of society.

The Role of Community in Mourning
The communal nature of the mourning in Amos 5:16 reminds us of the importance of coming together in times of crisis. As believers, we should support one another in prayer and compassion during difficult times.

The Call to Repentance
The wailing and cries of 'Alas!' serve as a call to repentance. We should examine our lives and turn back to God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

The Impact of Sin on Society
The involvement of farmers and mourners indicates that sin's impact is not limited to the individual but affects the entire community. We should strive to live righteously, understanding that our actions have broader implications.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the title "the LORD, the God of Hosts" in Amos 5:16 influence our understanding of God's authority and power in executing judgment?

2. In what ways can we see the effects of sin and judgment in our own communities today, similar to the public mourning described in Amos 5:16?

3. How can we, as a church community, better support each other in times of crisis and mourning, reflecting the communal aspect of mourning in Amos 5:16?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in a way that honors God and avoids the consequences of judgment seen in Amos 5:16?

5. How do the themes of mourning and repentance in Amos 5:16 connect with the broader biblical account of redemption and restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 3:26
This verse also speaks of mourning and lamentation in the streets, connecting the theme of public grief due to divine judgment.

Jeremiah 9:10
Jeremiah's lament over the land's desolation parallels the mourning described in Amos, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God.

Joel 1:11-12
The call for farmers to mourn in Joel due to the devastation of crops mirrors the call in Amos, highlighting the impact of divine judgment on agriculture and livelihood.