Amos 4:5

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiuing with leauen, and proclaime and publish the free offrings; for this liketh you, O yee children of Israel, saith the Lord God. Amos 4:5 (KJV)

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim

and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. Amos 4:5 (KJV)

The book of Amos belongs to the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophet Amos delivered his message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a period of relative prosperity that was nevertheless marked by widespread social injustice and spiritual corruption. In Amos 4:5 the Lord addresses the people directly, calling them to “offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings.”

Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

In Israelite worship, sacrifices were central expressions of devotion and obedience. A thanksgiving offering, often a grain offering, signified gratitude for God’s provision. By invoking a thanksgiving sacrifice, the Lord emphasizes the need for heartfelt gratitude.

Leaven

Leaven was normally excluded from most offerings because it symbolised sin and corruption (cf. Leviticus 2:11; 6:16). However, the peace offering and certain other rites permitted leavened bread (Leviticus 7:13). The inclusion of leaven here highlights a specific ritual context and also serves to draw attention to the contrast between outward ritual and inward purity.

Proclaim and Publish

The command to “proclaim and publish the free offerings” indicates that gratitude should not remain a private act. The Israelites were to announce their offerings publicly, allowing the community to witness their devotion and to give glory to God.

“For this liketh you” – an Ironical Tone

The phrase “for this liketh you” is spoken with irony. While the people thought these external rituals pleased them, their hearts were far from God, as evidenced by continued disobedience and injustice. The Lord’s words expose the emptiness of mere outward religiosity when it is not accompanied by genuine righteousness.

Application for Today

Amos 4:5 challenges modern believers to offer authentic worship that springs from a sincere heart. Gratitude must be expressed not only in private prayer but also in public testimony that bears witness to God’s faithfulness. True thanksgiving is inseparable from a life that seeks justice, righteousness, and heartfelt devotion, reflecting the deeper intent of the ancient prophetic call.