5:14 that ye may live. Amos 5:14-15 comprises the two middle verses of the book of Amos. Their succinct message (“seek good, not evil” and “hate evil, love good”) is the central theme of the book. If obeyed, they would “live,” the Lord would be with them and be gracious to them.

5:15 remnant. Here is an implied promise that a “remnant”—even of Joseph (that is, Ephraim, or Israel) would eventually be restored.