4:5 sacrifice . . . leavened. The covenant law made it clear that they were not to burn leavened bread as a sacrifice (Lev. 2:11; 6:17; 7:12). Amos sarcastically urges them to continue in their disobedience.

for so you love. In the ancient Near East, the term to love had special significance in covenants: the vassal’s “love” for the sovereign entailed obedience (Deut. 6:5; cf. John 14:15). The nation’s disobedience made it apparent that Israel loved rituals and idolatry rather than the Lord.