That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;
That chant {H6527} to the sound {H6310} of the viol {H5035}, and invent {H2803} to themselves instruments {H3627} of musick {H7892}, like David {H1732};
You make up wild songs at your parties, playing the lute and inventing other instruments - [imagining that you're] like David!
You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments.
that sing idle songs to the sound of the viol; that invent for themselves instruments of music, like David;
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Isaiah 5:12
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. -
Amos 5:23
Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. -
Amos 8:3
And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: [there shall be] many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast [them] forth with silence. -
Genesis 31:27
Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? -
1 Peter 4:3
For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: -
Ecclesiastes 2:8
I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, [as] musical instruments, and that of all sorts. -
Revelation 18:22
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Amos 6:5 is part of a powerful lament and denunciation by the prophet Amos against the complacent and self-indulgent elite of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria). This verse specifically highlights their frivolous misuse of leisure and artistic talent, serving as a stark contrast to true devotion.
Context of Amos 6:5
The book of Amos delivers a message of judgment against Israel and surrounding nations for their social injustice, moral corruption, and spiritual apathy. Chapter 6 opens with a "woe" directed at those who are "at ease in Zion" and "secure in the mountain of Samaria" (Amos 6:1). Despite a period of relative prosperity, the leaders and wealthy citizens lived in extravagant luxury, ignoring the suffering of the poor and the impending divine judgment. Amos 6:5 focuses on their excessive entertainment, which underscores their detachment from God and their responsibilities.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The "viol" (Hebrew: נֵבֶל, nevel) mentioned in the verse likely refers to a stringed instrument, possibly a type of harp or lute, commonly used in ancient Israel. The phrase "chant to the sound of the viol" evokes a leisurely, perhaps self-satisfied, singing. The crucial contrast lies in "invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David." While David was indeed a gifted musician and credited with developing musical instruments and arrangements for temple worship (1 Chronicles 23:5), his musical skill was rooted in a deep, humble devotion to God. The elite in Amos's day possessed similar artistic talent and ingenuity but lacked David's heart for God. Their music was a symbol of their decadent lifestyle, not sincere worship or reflection.
Practical Application
Amos 6:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today:
Ultimately, Amos 6:5 serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and calls us to a life of intentionality and authentic devotion, ensuring that our lives, resources, and talents are used to honor God and serve His kingdom.