Amos 7:7

This is what He showed me: Behold, the Lord was standing by a wall true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand.

Study Bible

This is what He showed me
The phrase introduces a divine vision given to Amos, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the message. The Hebrew root for "showed" is "ra'ah," which means to see or perceive. This indicates that the vision is not just a physical sight but a spiritual revelation. In the context of Amos, a shepherd and fig tree farmer, this vision signifies God's direct communication with His chosen messenger, underscoring the importance and authenticity of the prophecy.

The Lord was standing
The image of the Lord standing conveys authority and readiness to act. In Hebrew, "standing" (עֹמֵד, 'omed) suggests a position of judgment or decision. This posture indicates that God is not passive but actively engaged in the affairs of Israel. Theologically, it reflects God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge of His people.

by a wall built true to plumb
The wall symbolizes the nation of Israel, constructed according to divine standards. The phrase "true to plumb" implies precision and correctness, derived from the Hebrew word "anak," meaning to be straight or upright. This imagery suggests that Israel was initially established according to God's righteous standards. Historically, walls were crucial for protection and identity, and a wall built true to plumb would be strong and reliable, symbolizing the intended moral and spiritual integrity of Israel.

with a plumb line in His hand
The plumb line is a tool used to ensure that structures are vertically true, symbolizing God's standard of righteousness and justice. The Hebrew term "anak" for plumb line indicates a measure of alignment with divine law. In the prophetic context, the plumb line represents God's examination of Israel's faithfulness to His covenant. The presence of the plumb line in God's hand signifies His active role in assessing and correcting His people, highlighting the theme of divine judgment and the call to repentance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord
The sovereign God of Israel, who is revealing His judgment and standards to the prophet Amos.

2. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to Israel.

3. The Wall
Symbolizes the nation of Israel, built according to God's standards but now subject to His judgment.

4. The Plumb Line
A tool used to ensure structures are vertically true, symbolizing God's standard of righteousness and justice.

5. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, which is being measured against God's standards and found wanting.

Teaching Points

God's Standard of Righteousness
The plumb line represents God's unchanging standard of righteousness. Just as a wall must be straight, so must our lives align with God's Word.

Divine Judgment
God's use of the plumb line signifies His impending judgment. It serves as a warning that deviation from His standards will lead to consequences.

Call to Repentance
The vision is a call for Israel to recognize their moral and spiritual failings and return to God's ways.

Personal Reflection
Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives against God's standards, seeking areas where they may need to realign with His will.

Community Accountability
Just as Israel was measured as a community, the church today must hold itself accountable to God's standards, promoting righteousness and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the plumb line in Amos 7:7 help us understand God's expectations for His people?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are "built true to plumb" according to God's standards?

3. How does the concept of divine judgment in Amos 7:7 relate to the New Testament teachings on accountability and grace?

4. What are some practical steps we can take as a church community to align ourselves with God's standards of righteousness and justice?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God was using a "plumb line" in your life. How did it lead to personal growth or change?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 28:17
This verse also uses the imagery of a plumb line to describe God's standard of justice and righteousness.

2 Kings 21:13
The plumb line is used metaphorically to describe God's judgment against Jerusalem, similar to its use in Amos.

Ephesians 2:20-22
Paul speaks of believers being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, emphasizing the importance of alignment with God's standards.