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Amos 6:5

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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;

Commentary

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

  • Spiritual Complacency and Indulgence: The verse paints a picture of a people lost in their own pleasures, oblivious to the spiritual decay and the warnings of judgment. Their focus is entirely on personal gratification and amusement, rather than on God or the needs of their nation.
  • Perversion of Gifts and Tradition: The phrase "like David" is central. King David was a renowned musician and psalmist who used his musical gifts for worship and praise to God (2 Samuel 6:5, Psalm 150:3). The Israelites in Amos's time mimicked David's musical ingenuity, even inventing new instruments, but their purpose was entirely different. They used music for self-serving revelry, not for glorifying God, thus perverting a sacred tradition.
  • Blindness to Impending Judgment: Their constant pursuit of entertainment and luxury served as a distraction, preventing them from acknowledging their sin and the serious consequences that awaited them. This complacency ultimately led to their downfall.

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:

  • Examine Our Priorities: We must be careful not to become so consumed with comfort, entertainment, or personal pursuits that we neglect our spiritual responsibilities or the needs of others. Prosperity can be a test, and spiritual apathy often accompanies a focus on self-indulgence.
  • Purpose of Our Talents: God gives each of us gifts and talents. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are using them for selfish gratification or for His glory and the benefit of others, as exhorted in 1 Peter 4:10. Our creativity and ingenuity should be consecrated to God's purposes.
  • Authenticity of Faith: True faith goes beyond outward religious activity or imitating past spiritual heroes. It requires a genuine, heartfelt devotion to God that impacts our choices and priorities. We are called to have a heart like David's, not merely mimic his actions.

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.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 5:12 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

  • Amos 8:3 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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;