Charles Ellicott Commentary Amos 5:6

"Seek Jehovah, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el." — Amos 5:6 (ASV)

Repent, lest he rush down like fire on the house of Joseph (i.e., the Northern Kingdom). For “in Bethel” read “for Bethel.” Let the blending of mercy with judgment be here observed: Seek Jehovah and live, lest this evil befall you. The curse is still conditional.