Definition: Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour [it], and [there be] none to quench [it] in Bethel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 5:6. It’s a really powerful and important message about God’s care for us. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to turn to God and seek Him constantly. It’s saying that if we don't, God will eventually come down on us like fire – destructive and overwhelming! It’s a warning about the potential for disaster if we don’t listen to God. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Amos 5:6” : This is the verse itself, coming from the book of Amos in the Bible. “Seek the LORD” : This means actually look for and focus on God . It's about recognizing that God is the most important person in our lives and that we should spend time thinking about Him. “And ye shall live” : This isn’t just a suggestion; it promises a positive outcome – a fulfilling and blessed life. It means living according to God's will and enjoying His blessings. “Lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph…” : This is where it gets interesting. "Joseph" refers to the Israelites, specifically to their land and their prosperity. The image is that God’s presence will become so strong and powerful, it could destroy everything – their wealth, their security, even their lives! Think of it like a firestorm. “…and devour [it]” : This means that this destruction would be devastating and take away everything good. It’s not just a simple loss; it's the annihilation of something precious. “[there be] none to quench [it] in Bethel.” : This is the crucial part. “Bethel” is an important city, a place of significance for the Israelites. “There be none to quench it” means that God will protect and sustain everything He has created, even if it’s facing hardship or challenges. It promises that God will work through our problems and keep us safe. In simpler terms: God wants us to always look to Him. If we don't, there's a real risk of disaster – destruction – but God is committed to protecting us and ensuring our well-being. It’s a call to constant devotion and trust in God. Why is this verse important? This verse emphasizes that God loves us and wants us to be happy and safe. It's a reminder that we shouldn’t take our lives for granted and that we should always turn to Him when things get difficult. It’s about recognizing that God’s presence is ultimately safeguarding us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example? Discuss the significance of “Bethel”?