ESV Reformation Study Bible – Amos 5:10
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Amos chevron-right Amos 5:10
Amos 5:10

5:10 They hate . . . they abhor. This verse contrasts with vv. 11, 12, which are in the second person. Such shifts of person are common in ancient Near Eastern writings of all kinds, and no significant difference of tone seems intended here.

who reproves . . . who speaks the truth. A reference to those who reprove falsehood in court and bear true witness there. Israel had come to hate such men, presumably because they threatened practices of corruption and dishonest gain (2:6 and note).

in the gate. Much of a city’s legal business was transacted in its gate, a large passageway with adjoining rooms.