Amos 5:6a
6 Seek the LORD, and ye shall live;
The prophet Amos had just ended a lamentation over the impending death of the people of the “house of Israel” (5:1-5). A “lament” is a poem of grief sung at a funeral. Prophets used this poetic form to mourn the death of a city, people or nation (cf. Jeremiah 9:10-11, 17-22; Lamentations 1-5; Ezekiel 19; 26:17-18). Though Israel had been enjoying material prosperity under Jeroboam II, her judgment was so certain that Amos lamented her fall as though it had already happened. To his listeners, his lament would have been like listening to their own obituary being read out to them.
Despite the certainty of national judgment, individuals were encouraged to seek the LORD and live. Unless they would repent of their idolatry and wickedness, God Himself would see to their destruction. The admonition of the prophet is: “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” (v. 6). Though Bethel (which means “house of God”) was a place of worship and blessing, they had desecrated it with their idols. All their activities of worship were an abomination to God. What matters was not the location, but their heart’s devotion to God. So, if they would continue to stay in Bethel but would not turn to God, they would inevitably experience what He has revealed Himself to be in Deuteronomy 4:24 – “the LORD thy God is a consuming fire”!
The command to seek the LORD has been repeated four times in this chapter (vv. 4, 6, 8, 14). It means that they must turn to Him at once. They should not hesitate nor procrastinate in returning to the LORD. Neither should they approach Him in ritualistic, disingenuous worship. Their hearts must seek Him with sincere love and fervent devotion.
The LORD promised that they shall live if they seek Him. The LORD promised to rescue them from the threat of impending calamities which were looming over the nation. But there was something more than their preservation from the impending peril. Turning to the LORD would also guarantee their souls’ eternal life. The LORD is merciful and calls sinners to turn to Him to enjoy the blessings of His good pleasure. “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 33:11).