But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Expositors read this passage variously: some take it as rebuke of hypocrites clinging to ceremonies while lacking interior purity; others see the fruits of true renovation, justice and righteousness, set forth as what God chiefly requires. I hold to the second reading: the Prophet calls them back from their vain fictions to a holy and pure life, plain uprightness.
AI summary
Their feasts and assemblies, their songs and viols, all were abominations to Him because their hearts were not with Him. Nothing is more hateful than this hypocrisy, this pretense of respect when none exists. God will not smell what is offensive; He despises services meant to buy leave to go on sinning.
AI summary
Commenting on Amos 5:21-27
Let judgments roll in abundance with great rapidity, bearing down all before them, signifying justice done in plenty, full and free exercise of it without stoppage or intermission. Some read this as God's own vindictive justice, like a mighty torrent overwhelming all transgressors in Israel.
AI summary