Definition: [Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 5:20. It's a really powerful and important message about God's judgment and the future. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God’s coming judgment will be devastating, and it will be incredibly bleak. It suggests that even after we make mistakes and sin, God’s punishment will be so severe that it feels like the end of everything. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Shall not the day of the LORD be…” – This is a metaphorical way of saying "It will happen." The “day of the Lord” refers to God’s active intervention, his time of judgment. “…be darkness, and not light?” – Darkness represents sin, wrongdoing, and despair. Light represents God’s grace, righteousness, and hope. When it's dark, there’s no good or clear way forward. “Even very dark, and no brightness in it?” – This emphasizes the intensity of the darkness. It’s not just a little bit gloomy; it’s a profound and overwhelming darkness that feels hopeless. It suggests a complete absence of hope and joy. What does this mean practically? It's about consequence: This verse isn’t just about God being angry; it’s about the result of our choices. Our actions will have consequences, and those consequences will be severe. It’s a warning: It’s telling us to turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness. It's urging us to repent (change our ways) before it’s too late. It speaks of judgment: The verse is essentially an announcement of God’s coming justice, a time when His wrath will be unleashed upon those who have disobeyed Him. In short, Amos 5:20 warns us that sin will ultimately lead to God's judgment, and it's a very dark time. Does this mean we’re doomed? Not necessarily! It doesn't say our lives are over. It says that we need to act right now – to turn away from sin and seek God’s forgiveness – to avoid the consequences of our choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you some examples of what "darkness" might look like?