Amos 5:5

Pass not to Beer-sheba] People living in the northern kingdom would have to 'pass,' to cross over, the territory of Judah to reach the famous sanctuary in the extreme S. of the land. In the reference to Gilgal there is one of those plays on sound which are so common in impassioned speech: 'Hag-Gilgâl galôh yigleh.' And in that to Beth-el a play on ideas: Bethel ('House of God') shall become Aven ('Nothing'). Hosea actually calls it Beth Aven, 'House of Nothing' (Hosea 4:15; Hosea 5:8; Hosea 10:5), and also Aven (Hosea 10:8). Bethel is now called Beit-in.

6. The better reading would be: 'Lest he send forth fire' (cp. Amos 1:4; Amos 1:7; Amos 1:10; Amos 1:12; Amos 2:2; Amos 2:5) 'upon the house of Joseph and there be none to quench it for Bethel.' Israel is entitled the house of Joseph, because Ephraim, the descendant of Joseph, is the chief tribe in the northern kingdom.

7. Instead of justice there is injustice, bitter as wormwood.

8, 9. Cp. Amos 4:13, and see Job 38:31; Isaiah 13:10; Isaiah 25:2; Isaiah 25:12.