Definition: And in all vineyards [shall be] wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 5:17. It’s a really important and slightly dramatic part of the book. Here's the explanation in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God is coming to visit the people of Israel. He’s going to be passing by, and he’s very aware of their situation – specifically, they’re in vineyards. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Amos 5:17” : This is the name of the passage itself – a chapter in the Old Testament. “And in all vineyards [shall be] wailing” : This means that God will be listening and observing their lives. “Wailing” suggests a feeling of sadness, worry, or perhaps even distress. It’s not a joyful sound – it's a mournful one. “For I will pass through thee” : This is the key part! God is going to be physically present with them. He's going to be moving through their land. So, what does this all mean practically? It’s essentially a warning and a call to action. God isn’t just observing; he’s deliberately moving towards them. This suggests that God is concerned about their behavior – perhaps they are being wasteful, neglecting the Lord, or engaging in sinful ways. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of judgment. It's a reminder that God is watching over his people and that he doesn’t tolerate sin. It’s a gentle but firm call to repentance – to change their ways before it’s too late. In short, Amos 5:17 means God is coming to visit, and he’s paying attention to what’s happening in Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its historical context?) Give you some examples of how this verse might be interpreted in the Bible? Explore why it's considered a significant passage?