Definition: Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing [shall be] in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 5:16. It's a really powerful message about judgment and repentance. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is very upset with people who are not sorry for their wrongdoings. He’s calling them to weep and mourn, and he’s making it clear that they need to change. Let's break it down word by word: “Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, saith thus…” - This establishes the context. It’s talking about a very powerful and righteous God. "The Lord" is referring to God himself, and "the host" means he’s incredibly angry. “…Wailing [shall be] in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas!…” - This is the core of the message. "Wailing" suggests a deep, prolonged sadness – not just a little bit of sorrow, but an overwhelming feeling of regret and remorse. “Wailing” also implies a collective lament, like many people are crying together. “All the streets” refers to cities and towns, and “all the highways” refers to roads and travel routes. “…and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.” - This is a really striking image. It’s comparing people to a farmer who has lost their harvest (the husbandman). It means that those who are not sorry for their mistakes are being called to mourning – to feel deeply sad and regretful. And the ones skilled at lamenting – at expressing sorrow – are encouraged to join in with the weeping. What’s the message? Amos is telling people to repent (change their ways) immediately! He's warning them that if they don’t show remorse for their sins, God will punish them through widespread misery and sadness. It’s a strong call to take responsibility for your actions and turn away from sin. In short: God is incredibly angry with people who aren’t sorry for what they’ve done, and he wants everyone to experience the pain of repentance. Important Note: This verse has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It's a powerful reminder that God holds us accountable for our actions. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its context within the larger story of Amos?