Amos 5:21-24 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.… I. The Divinely ABHORRENT. The same aversion from the ceremonial observances of the insincere and rebellious Israelites which Jehovah here expresses He afterwards employed Isaiah to declare to the Jews (Amos 1:10). The two passages are strikingly parallel, only the latter prophet amplifies what is set forth in a more condensed form by Amos. It is also to be observed, that where Amos introduces the musical accompaniments of the sacrifices, Isaiah substitutes the prayers: both concluding with the Divine words, "I will not hear." "Take thou away from Me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols." The singing of their psalms was nothing more to God than a wearisome word which was to be brought to an end. Singing and playing on harps was a part of the worship of the temple (1 Chronicles 16:40; 1 Chronicles 23:5, 25.). Nothing seems more abhorrent to the holy eye and heart of Omniscience than empty ceremony in religion. No sacrifices are acceptable to Him, however costly, unless the offerer has presented himself. II. The Divinely DEMANDED. "Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." We prefer to see justice rolling on like mighty waters, and righteousness as a swelling and ever-flowing stream, to crowded churches. "Show me your faith by your works." Show me your worship by your morality; show me your love to God by your devotion to your fellow-men. " If we love one another, God dwelleth in us." ( Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.WEB: I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can't stand your solemn assemblies. |
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