Amos 5:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In their contrition, they seemed to pledge to God that they would amend their ways, declaring, "We hate the evil and love the good." Therefore, it is said, "Call for good and not evil, that you may obtain the good of life and salvation, and that the Lord God, who has power over all things, may be with you." Furthermore, you should establish justice at the gates, being righteous judges: do not render unjust decisions against the vulnerable, do not pervert justice, nor crush the afflicted beneath your feet (v. 11), and ensure the path of the humble is not obstructed. Through this, God may show compassion to the descendants of Joseph, who survived the earlier captivities.

In referring to Ephraim, or the ten tribes—Ephraim being a descendant of Joseph—it highlights the need for us to think rightly, aligning our thoughts with what pleases God, and engaging in virtuous actions. We must uphold a life of righteousness and be ardent advocates for justice, for in doing so, we will have the Almighty as our protector and supporter.

Many commit wrongdoing and later experience remorse as their passions cool, yet those who not only act evilly but also take pride in such acts fulfill the words: ‘when the sinner comes into the depths of evil, he does not care’ (Proverbs 18:3). Therefore, seek goodness and turn away from evil. By seeking good, you inherently reject evil; without first renouncing evil, you cannot truly seek what is good, thus fulfilling the Psalmist’s call: ‘Turn away from evil, and do good’ (Psalm 36:27). When you pursue righteousness and shun wickedness, you will abide in Him who declares, ‘I am the life’ (John 14:6). Goodness is sought by those who believe in Him, who proclaims in the Gospel, ‘I am the good shepherd’ (John 10:11). Evil is avoided by those who shun what is said: ‘the world lies in evil’ (1 John 5:19). The Lord's Prayer implores, ‘deliver us from the evil one’ (Matthew 6:13). As you strive for righteousness and avoid wickedness, you will truly live, and the Lord God of Hosts will be with you, just as you have asserted due to your descent from Abraham. However, it is insufficient merely to seek good and avoid evil; you must actively despise evil and cherish goodness. One who abhors evil is not overcome by temptation and detests its deeds, while one who loves goodness acts not out of mere obligation or fear of the law but because it is virtuous, seeking the commendation of a good conscience and a love for righteousness. Thus the Apostle says, ‘God loves the cheerful giver’ (2 Corinthians 9:7). Not every act of charity is pleasing to God; only that which is given freely and joyfully. When you turn from evil and cling to goodness, you will restore justice at the gates, mentioned above, so that as wrongdoing is cast aside, truth may be reestablished. If you do this, perhaps the Lord God Almighty will show mercy to the remnant of Joseph from the tribe of Ephraim and the ten tribes, granting them deliverance from captivity. This message also extends to those in error; they must abandon their misguided beliefs, return to the Church, reject their former doctrines, embrace the truth found in the Lord's Church, and restore righteousness amidst vice and virtue, leaving behind the former and committing to the latter. Those who achieve this may hope to evade the snares of the devil and receive forgiveness. Referring to the LXX, a clearer understanding can be attained by rearranging the phrasing: as you declare, ‘We have hated evil and loved good,’ strive for goodness and avoid wickedness that you may live; and since the Lord God Almighty is with you, restore justice at the gates, so that He may show mercy to the remnant of Joseph.