1. Amos 5:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does Amos mean with the phrase "it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious"?

Amos 5:15 (ESV)

15 Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

The words may be express humility before a sovereign God who is not under compulsion to be gracious.1 Amos is not doubting the certainty of God’s promises (Amos 5:4) but recognizing that one must come humbly to the Lord.