NOTES for Amo 5:1-20

Along with rebukes and calls to repentance, the prophet Amos develops another theme: the Day of the Lord. At that time Israel is in an extremely difficult position: it is surrounded by hostile pagan states, wages endless and not very successful wars, and the people suffer... But one hope remains, one trust: the Lord, God Almighty, will come, and on that day - the Day of Yahweh, the Day of the Lord - God Himself will set this world in order, punish all the pagans, and establish a prosperous kingdom for Israel, as in the days of David and Solomon.

Of course, people were waiting intensely for the coming of that day. But this is what the prophet says: "You expect that day to be darkness for the pagans and light for you? You are mistaken: it will be darkness for you too, because by your transgressions you are no better than the pagans." But it is not too late to change everything: for this one must renounce evil and seek the Lord.