Amos 5:6

KJV

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour [it], and [there be] none to quench [it] in Bethel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068}, and ye shall live {H2421}; lest he break out {H6743} like fire {H784} in the house {H1004} of Joseph {H3130}, and devour {H398} it, and there be none to quench {H3518} it in Bethel {H1008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you seek ADONAI, you will survive. Otherwise, he will break out against the house of Yosef like fire, devouring Beit-El, with no one to quench the flames.

Berean Standard Bible

Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it.

American Standard Version

Seek Jehovah, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 5:6 delivers a profound and urgent ultimatum to the Northern Kingdom of Israel: "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live." This divine command is immediately followed by a stark warning that failure to do so will result in God's fiery judgment breaking out against the "house of Joseph," consuming it irrevocably, particularly in the idolatrous center of Bethel. The verse encapsulates a critical choice between genuine repentance leading to life and persistent spiritual rebellion leading to inescapable destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 5:6 is situated within a broader section of the book (chapters 3-6) where Amos pronounces a series of "Woe" oracles and laments against Israel for their social injustice and religious hypocrisy. Chapter 5 itself opens with a funeral dirge for the fallen house of Israel, immediately followed by a repeated call to "Seek the LORD and live" (Amos 5:4, 6, 14). This verse intensifies the warning, specifying the nature and location of the impending judgment, contrasting the false security of their ritualistic worship at places like Bethel with the true path to life. The preceding verses lament Israel's spiritual fall, while the subsequent verses continue to expose their injustice and call for righteousness to "roll down like waters" [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel (c. 760-750 BC). This was a period of significant economic prosperity and political stability for both kingdoms, but it was also marked by deep moral decay, social stratification, and widespread syncretistic worship. King Jeroboam I had established golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem for worship [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1-kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves at Bethel and Dan"). Bethel, meaning "house of God," had become a prominent center of this idolatrous worship, a place where people felt religiously secure despite their spiritual deviation. "The house of Joseph" is a prophetic term for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referring specifically to the dominant tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, highlighting the judgment against the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos. The central theme is the **Call to Repentance**, emphasizing that true life is found only in turning back to God. This call is juxtaposed with the theme of **Divine Judgment**, which is presented as a fierce, consuming fire, illustrating God's righteous wrath against unrepentant sin. The specific mention of "the house of Joseph" and "Bethel" underscores the theme of **False Security in Ritualism and Idolatry**, demonstrating that religious affiliation or sacred places offer no protection from God's justice when genuine obedience and righteousness are absent. This echoes the broader prophetic critique of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and their failure to uphold justice and righteousness, as seen in passages like [Amos 2:6-8](/amos/2-6-8 "Amos 2:6-8 - Israel's Transgressions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This word (H1875) is a primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," and by implication, "to follow (for pursuit or search)," "to seek or ask," and specifically "to worship." It denotes a diligent, earnest, and persistent inquiry or pursuit. It is not a casual or superficial act but implies a deep, active engagement and a turning of one's entire being towards the object of the search. In this context, it means to diligently pursue the LORD's will, presence, and righteousness, moving beyond mere ritual.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This word (H2421) is a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively." It encompasses physical survival, spiritual vitality, flourishing, and revival. It contrasts sharply with the "devour" imagery of judgment. The promise of "life" here is comprehensive, signifying not just avoiding death but experiencing true well-being, restoration, and a vibrant relationship with God, both in the present and eternally.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_):** This proper noun (H1008), derived from "house" (H1004, _bayith'_) and "God" (H410, _ʼÊl'_), literally means "house of God." Ironically, by Amos's time, it had become a prominent center of idolatrous worship in the Northern Kingdom, where Jeroboam I had set up a golden calf. Its mention highlights the profound spiritual corruption of a place once sacred, emphasizing that even a site bearing God's name would not be spared His judgment if it harbored rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seek the LORD, and ye shall live":** This opening clause presents a direct, urgent, and gracious command, coupled with a conditional promise. "Seeking the LORD" implies a turning away from idolatry and injustice, a return to covenant faithfulness, and a diligent pursuit of God's will and presence. The promise "ye shall live" signifies not just physical preservation from the impending judgment, but also spiritual vitality, flourishing, and a restored relationship with the life-giving God. It is an invitation to choose life over death through genuine repentance.
* **"lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph":** This clause introduces the dire consequence of failing to seek the LORD. The phrase "lest he break out" (from H6743, _tsâlach'_, meaning to push forward or prosper, but here used in a sense of bursting forth violently) vividly portrays God's judgment as an unstoppable, sudden, and destructive force. The simile "like fire" emphasizes the consuming, purifying, and unquenchable nature of divine wrath. "The house of Joseph" refers to the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel, indicating that the judgment would be national in scope, affecting all its inhabitants.
* **"and devour [it], and [there be] none to quench [it] in Bethel":** This final clause intensifies the imagery of destruction and highlights its finality. "Devour" (H398, _ʼâkal'_) underscores the complete consumption of the nation by God's wrath. The chilling phrase "none to quench [it]" emphasizes the utter hopelessness and irreversibility of this judgment once it is unleashed. The specific mention of "Bethel," a prominent center of false worship, serves as a poignant symbol. It signifies that even their most revered, albeit corrupted, religious sites would offer no refuge or means to avert the divine conflagration, underscoring the futility of their idolatrous practices.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 5:6 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**, primarily through the striking **Simile** of God's judgment breaking out "like fire." This imagery evokes the consuming, purifying, and destructive power of God's wrath, reminiscent of biblical depictions of divine presence (e.g., the burning bush, Mount Sinai). The fire here is not merely an external force but an expression of God Himself, a **Metaphor** for His holy indignation against sin. The phrase "house of Joseph" functions as a **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (Joseph's descendants) stands for the whole (the Northern Kingdom of Israel), or a prominent ancestral name represents the entire nation. Similarly, "Bethel" serves as a powerful **Symbol** of Israel's apostasy and false security, representing their corrupted religious system. The stark contrast between "live" and "devour" creates a powerful **Antithesis**, highlighting the binary choice presented to the people. The overall tone is one of urgent **Warning** and **Lament**, characteristic of prophetic discourse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 5:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, the necessity of true worship, and the consequences of spiritual rebellion. It reveals God as both merciful, extending an offer of life, and just, ready to execute judgment against unrepentant sin. The call to "seek the LORD" is a foundational biblical principle, emphasizing that humanity's ultimate well-being is intrinsically linked to a right relationship with its Creator, characterized by active pursuit and obedience rather than mere ritual or nominal affiliation. The imagery of unquenchable fire underscores the severity of divine wrath against idolatry and injustice, reminding us that God's holiness demands a response to sin. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true security lies not in religious institutions or outward practices, but in a genuine, heart-felt turning to the living God.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6-7 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 5:6 speaks with enduring relevance to individuals and communities today. It confronts the human tendency to seek security in external forms of religiosity or material prosperity rather than in a genuine, active pursuit of God. The call to "seek the LORD" challenges us to examine the depth of our spiritual commitment: Is our faith merely nominal, or is it characterized by a diligent, earnest desire for God's presence, His will, and His righteousness? The warning of unquenchable fire serves as a sobering reminder that God's patience has limits, and His justice will ultimately prevail against unrepentant sin and spiritual apathy. This verse urges us to abandon any false sense of security derived from religious heritage or outward observance and to instead embrace a vibrant, living relationship with God that transforms our hearts and actions. It compels us to live lives that reflect His justice and mercy, knowing that true life and lasting peace are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on false security (e.g., religious routine, past experiences, material possessions) instead of genuinely seeking the LORD?**
* **What does "seeking the LORD" practically look like in my daily life, beyond attending services or engaging in religious rituals?**
* **How does the imagery of God's unquenchable fire challenge my understanding of His holiness and justice, and what response does it demand from me?**
* **Considering the consequences faced by the "house of Joseph" and Bethel, how can I ensure my faith is authentic and active, rather than merely superficial or complacent?**

### FAQ

**What does "the house of Joseph" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "The house of Joseph" is a prophetic term used by Amos and other Old Testament prophets to refer to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Joseph was the father of Ephraim and Manasseh, whose descendants formed two of the most prominent and influential tribes in the Northern Kingdom. Often, "Ephraim" or "Joseph" would be used as a metonymy for the entire kingdom, especially its dominant and rebellious elements. In Amos 5:6, it signifies that God's judgment would fall upon the entire nation of Israel, not just specific individuals or cities.

**Why is Bethel specifically mentioned as a place where judgment would be unquenchable?**

Answer: Bethel, meaning "house of God," held significant historical and religious importance. It was where Jacob had his dream of a ladder to heaven [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), marking it as a holy place. However, after the division of the kingdom, King Jeroboam I established a golden calf at Bethel as an alternative place of worship to Jerusalem, leading Israel into idolatry [1 Kings 12:29](/1-kings/12-29 "1 Kings 12:29 - Jeroboam sets up a calf at Bethel")). By Amos's time, Bethel had become a primary center for this corrupted worship. Its mention in Amos 5:6 is highly ironic and symbolic: the very place they considered sacred and a source of security due to its religious activity would be the site where God's judgment would be most evident and unquenchable, precisely because it had become a hub of rebellion and false worship. It underscores that false piety offers no protection from divine wrath.

**How can God be described as "fire" in this context?**

Answer: The description of God breaking out "like fire" is a powerful biblical metaphor for His holy wrath and consuming judgment. Throughout Scripture, fire is often associated with God's presence, purity, and judgment. For example, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - The Burning Bush")), descended on Mount Sinai with fire [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai in Fire")), and is later described as a "consuming fire" [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). In Amos 5:6, the fire imagery conveys the fierce, irresistible, and destructive nature of God's judgment against sin. It highlights His absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate unrighteousness, and the thoroughness with which He will execute justice against those who refuse to repent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 5:6, with its urgent call to "seek the LORD" for life and its dire warning of unquenchable judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "life" promised to those who seek the LORD is fully realized in Him, for Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the embodiment of the life that God offers, a life that is eternal and abundant [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Came to Give Life Abundantly")). Furthermore, the terrifying prospect of God's unquenchable fire breaking out against sin is addressed by Christ's atoning work. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against humanity's sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that "quenched" the fire of judgment for all who believe in Him [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Through faith in Christ, believers are spared the consuming fire of judgment, finding refuge and reconciliation with God. Thus, Amos's call to "seek the LORD" becomes a call to seek Jesus, the only one who can truly grant life and deliver from the wrath to come [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1-thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from the Coming Wrath")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Amos 5:4

¶ For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:

Amos 5:14

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

Mark 9:43

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Mark 9:48

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.