The first woe is directed against Israel’s misplaced confidence in worship as a means of ensuring that the day of the Lord will go well for them (Amos 5:18–24). From the Lord's response (Amos 5:21–24) it is clear that this worship was in accordance with what God expected from them. Albeit at the wrong places (Gilgal & Bethel, aww Amos 4:4; Amos 5:5), Israel was brining the right sacrifices, keeping the right festivals, and singing the right songs. Despite this, however, it seems as if they were thinking in their hearts: As long as we do these things God will be happy with us and we can live as we please.

Instead of humbly trusting in God and worshipping him because he is the Creator, Ruler, and Judge (Amos 5:8–9), Israel was trusting in their worship to make them right with God. This worship was also divorced from the rest of their conduct. The people failed to realize that the way they behave in the marketplace or how they judge at the gate was just as much a part of worship as singing and bringing sacrifices. They thought religious activity was a substitute for genuine repentance and faith.¹

The danger of trusting in rituals rather than God remains with us today. It is very easy to think that religious activity is what makes us right with God and keeps us safe from his judgment. The warning of Amos is especially relevant for those who find themselves in church—if we are not seeking to listen to God, then our worship is hypocrisy.