1. Amos 4:5 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What was wrong about Israel doing these religious activities?

Amos 4:5 (ESV)

5 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!”declares the Lord GOD.

Israel was doing these things for the wrong reasons. Their motivations were selfish, they appeased their consciences, and they looked good in the eyes of their neighbours. Ultimately their worship was about performing rituals with no real concern for God and his glory. By contrast, proper worship is a humble response to the presence of God who is holy (Genesis 12:7–8; Genesis 28:12–22; Exodus 3:1–6; Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10–11).1