Amos 5:15

The remnant] At best a mere fraction will escape.

16, 17. Streets] RV 'broad ways': what we call squares and open spaces. The wailing is the tremulous, high-pitched lament for the dead. The most necessary occupations are suspended because of the great number of deaths. Where the merry shout of the grapegatherers had been common, sounds of woe may now be heard. The skilful of lamentation are the professional mourners (Matthew 9:23 : cp. 2 Samuel 3:31; Jeremiah 34:5; Ezekiel 26:17; Ezekiel 27:32).

I will pass through, etc.] as the destroying angel passed through Egypt (Exodus 12).