Definition: Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from Amos 5:22. It's a really important message about Godās judgment and a call to repentance. Hereās what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is deeply disappointed with the way people are practicing their religious rituals ā particularly offering sacrifices. He doesnāt want to be involved in these practices anymore. Let's unpack it piece by piece: āThough ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offeringsā¦ā - This refers to sacrifices that were made in ancient Israel. These weren't just about showing respect; they were very important rituals with a specific purpose ā offering something precious to God as a sign of gratitude and devotion. āā¦I will not accept themā¦ā - God is saying, āYou are doing this wrong.ā Heās rejecting these offerings because he feels they aren't genuine or heartfelt. āNeither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beastsā¦ā ā This is where it gets a little more complex. "Fat beasts" likely refers to large, expensive animals like oxen and cattle. The āpeace offeringsā were often presented as a sign of goodwill and harmony with God. However, this verse says God will not acknowledge or value these offerings anymore. What does it mean for us today? This verse is a warning about the importance of repentance . Itās telling us that: We need to change our ways: Itās not enough to just perform rituals; we must actually change our hearts and lives . God is judging us: He's observing our actions and demanding accountability. He wants a genuine relationship with him: True worship isnāt about empty gestures, but about a sincere connection with the divine. In essence, Amos is telling us that God doesn't want to be involved in practices that are based on outward show rather than real faith and devotion. Itās a reminder that true worship comes from within. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some examples of how this applies to our lives today?