Amos 5:16
Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Hosts, the Lord, says:
What it says
The LORD announces widespread wailing in streets, squares, and fields because He will pass through the people.
What it is doing
This verse opens the section with public grief under divine visitation.
In context
16Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Hosts, the Lord, says: 17There will be wailing in all the vineyards, 18Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! 19It will be like a man who flees from a lion, 20Will not the Day of the LORD 21“I hate, I despise your feasts! 22Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, 23Take away from Me the noise of your songs! 24But let justice roll on like a river, 25Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings 26You have taken along Sakkuth your king 27Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,”