But let justice roll on like rivers, And righteousness like a mighty stream.
      II. What it was that he required in order to the acceptableness of their sacrifices and without which no sacrifice would be acceptable (Amos 5:24; Amos 5:24): Let judgment run down as waters, among you, and righteousness as a mighty stream, that is 1. "Let there be a general reformation of manners among you; let religion (God's judgment) and righteousness have their due influence upon you; let your land be watered with it, and let it bear down all the opposition of vice and profaneness; let it run wide as overflowing waters, and yet run strong as might stream." (2.) "In particular, let justice be duly administered by magistrates and rulers; let not the current of it be stopped by partiality and bribery, but let it come freely as waters do, in the natural course; let it be pure as running waters, not muddied with corruption or whatever may pervert justice; let it run like a might stream, and not suffer itself to be obstructed, or its course retarded, by the fear of man; let all have free access to it as a common stream, and have benefit by it as trees planted by the rivers of waters." The great thing laid to Israel's charge was turning judgment into wormwood (Amos 5:7; Amos 5:7); in that matter therefore they must reform, Zechariah 7:9. This was what God desired more than sacrifices,Hosea 6:6; 1 Samuel 15:22.