Amo 5:23, 7:13 | JFB | STEP | 23. Take . . . away from me —literally, "Take away, from upon Me"; the idea being that of a burden pressing upon the bearer. So , "They are a trouble unto Me (literally, 'a burden upon Me'): I am weary to bear them." the noise of thy songs —The hymns and instrumental music on sacred occasions are to Me nothing but a disagreeable noise. I will not hear —Isaiah substitutes "prayers" ( ) for the "songs" and "melody" here; but, like Amos, closes with "I will not hear."

Amos 5:23

23. Take . . . away from me—literally, "Take away, from upon Me"; the idea being that of a burden pressing upon the bearer. So Isa 1:14, "They are a trouble unto Me (literally, 'a burden upon Me'): I am weary to bear them."

the noise of thy songs—The hymns and instrumental music on sacred occasions are to Me nothing but a disagreeable noise.

I will not hear—Isaiah substitutes "prayers" (Isa 1:15) for the "songs" and "melody" here; but, like Amos, closes with "I will not hear."

Amos 7:13

13. prophesy not again— (Am 2:12).

at Beth-el—Amaziah wants to be let alone at least in his own residence.

the king's chapel—Beth-el was preferred by the king to Dan, the other seat of the calf-worship, as being nearer Samaria, the capital, and as hallowed by Jacob of old (Ge 28:16, 19; 35:6, 7). He argues by implication against Amos' presumption, as a private man, in speaking against the worship sanctioned by the king, and that in the very place consecrated to it for the king's own devotions.

king's court—that is, residence: the seat of empire, where the king holds his court, and which thou oughtest to have reverenced. Samaria was the usual king's residence: but for the convenience of attending the calf-worship, a royal palace was at Beth-el also.