Who strum on the strings of a harp; Who invent for themselves instruments of music, like David;
Clever as this interpretation appears, however, it cannot be correct; the key element being overlooked in it is that the passage makes it quite clear that what David did was wrong.  If, as this interpretation suggests, the action of the nobles was sinful, that being clear enough from the text, how was it "as" or "like" what David did?  The incredible, fanciful view that their worshipping their belly was in any way comparable to David's "honouring his God" is too fantastic to be accepted.  On the other hand, if the passage is viewed as the sinful action of David in introducing instruments into God's worship, and the action of the nobles (also sinful) who were likewise introducing the instruments of music into the alleged worship of "God" at Bethel, then the comparison is perfect; and that is exactly what we believe to be taught here.  It is clearly and uniquely a "religious thing" that is evident, not only in this verse, but in  Amos 6:6, immediately following, where the "sacrificial bowls" were being profaned by these gluttonous and drinking nobles.  (See the notes on  Amos 6:6, below.)