◄ Amos 7 ►
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The Locusts, Fire, and Plumb Line (Joel 2:1–11) 1This is what the Lord GOD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts just after the king’s harvest, as the late spring crop was coming up.a 2And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land, I said, “Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” 3So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen,” He said. 4This is what the Lord GOD showed me: The Lord GOD was calling for judgment by fire. It consumed the great deep and devoured the land. 5Then I said, “Lord GOD, please stop! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” 6So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen either,” said the Lord GOD. 7This is what He showed me: Behold, the Lord was standing by a wall true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand. 8“Amos, what do you see?” asked the LORD. “A plumb line,” I replied. “Behold,” said the Lord, “I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them: 9The high places of Isaac will be deserted, and the sanctuaries of Israel will be laid waste; and I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with My sword.” Amaziah Accuses Amos 10Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words, 11for this is what Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’” 12And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. 13But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.” 14“I was notb a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the sonc of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. 15But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ 16Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ 17Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be divided by a measuring line, and you yourself will die on pagand soil. And Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’” Footnotes: 1 a LXX A swarm of locusts coming from the east; and, behold, one grasshopper, king Gog. 14 b Or I am not 14 c Or nor am I the son 17 d Hebrew unclean Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Amos 7 Summary The Locusts, Fire, and Plumb Line Verses 1–3 – First Vision: Locust Swarm and Mercy God shows Amos a devastating swarm of locusts poised to strip the spring crop after the king’s harvest. Amos pleads, “Sovereign LORD, please forgive! How can Jacob stand? He is so small!” (7:2). The LORD relents; the judgment is withheld. Verses 4–6 – Second Vision: Consuming Fire and Mercy A second vision pictures a fire so intense it dries up subterranean waters and threatens to consume “the great deep” and the land. Again Amos intercedes, and again the LORD says, “This will not happen either” (7:6). Verses 7–9 – Third Vision: The Plumb Line and Imminent Judgment The LORD stands beside a wall with a plumb line: “I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them” (7:8). The shrines of Isaac and high places of Israel will be laid waste, and the house of Jeroboam will fall by the sword. Verses 10–17 – Conflict with Amaziah and Prophetic Consequences Amaziah, priest of Bethel, accuses Amos of treason and orders him to leave Israel. Amos answers that he is no hired prophet but a shepherd called by God. He foretells Amaziah’s family tragedy, Israel’s exile, and Jeroboam’s doom. The word of the LORD will stand. Amos 7 delves into the prophetic visions of divine judgment given to the shepherd-turned-prophet, Amos. His messages are not only direct but confrontational, inciting resistance from powerful religious figures. Yet, amid impending doom, Amos intercedes for his people, showcasing the profound courage and compassion within him. Historical Setting • Date: c. 760–750 BC, during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23–29). • Location: Northern Kingdom of Israel, with Bethel as a royal sanctuary (1 Kings 12:28–33). • Social climate: Wealthy elite enjoyed luxury while justice eroded (Amos 6:4–6). External peace masked spiritual rot; Assyria was rising in the east. Literary Structure and Flow 1. Three rapid-fire visions, each more severe. 2. Two successful intercessions, then a final irreversible verdict. 3. A narrative break (vv. 10-17) illustrating real-time resistance to God’s word. The shift from mercy to certainty underscores a tipping point: persistent sin cancels reprieve. Key Themes and Theology • God’s patience and justice: Twice He yields to prayer; the third time He enforces the standard. • Prophetic responsibility: Amos stands “in the gap” (cf. Ezekiel 22:30). • Objective standard: The plumb line symbolizes God’s unchanging measure of right and wrong (Isaiah 28:17). • Accountability of leaders: Jeroboam’s dynasty and Amaziah’s household bear special blame (James 3:1 reminds that teachers are judged more strictly). • Inevitable exile: The sword and scattering forecast 2 Kings 17:6, when Assyria deports Israel. Prophetic Intercession Amos prays, the LORD relents (7:3, 6). This mirrors: • Moses for Israel after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14). • Hezekiah for Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:14-20). God invites partnership yet keeps final sovereignty; sin can reach a point where no plea avails (Jeremiah 15:1). The Plumb Line Explained • Ancient builders used a weight on a cord to test verticality; archaeology has uncovered bronze and stone plummets in Iron-Age Israelite sites. • Symbol: not negotiation but measurement. Israel’s “wall” is crooked; demolition, not repair, follows. • Personal parallel: 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges believers to “examine yourselves” against God’s line. Amaziah vs. Amos: Clash of Authority • Amaziah: State-appointed priest guarding a politically useful shrine. • Amos: Non-professional, “a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore figs” (7:14). • Message: Authentic call outranks institutional position (Acts 4:19-20 contrasts Peter/John with the Sanhedrin). Consequences Amos pronounces: – Wife becomes a prostitute in the city (captivity context). – Sons and daughters fall by the sword. – Land divided; Amaziah dies in exile. Each detail fits Assyrian invasion practices—families shattered, land reassigned, elites deported. Archaeological Insights • Bethel excavation: Burn layer and altar fragments from 8th-century destruction match prophetic warnings. • Samaria ivories and luxury houses show the wealth Amos decried. • Assyrian annals of Tiglath-Pileser III list tribute from “Jehoahaz of Israel,” confirming mounting pressure before the 722 BC fall. Links to Other Scriptures • Amos 7 → 2 Kings 17: Assyrian exile fulfillment. • Amos 7:8 → Isaiah 34:11, Zechariah 2:1-2: measuring tools as judgment. • Amos 7:15 – Calling of unlikely prophets parallels Jeremiah 1:6-7 and Matthew 4:18-22. • Amos 7:17 – Land parceled to “others” echoes Deuteronomy 28:30. • New Testament echo: Acts 7:52 charges Israel’s leaders with resisting prophets “from Abel to Zechariah,” showing the pattern continues. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Pray boldly for mercy, yet accept God’s final word. • Evaluate life by God’s straight standard, not shifting culture. • Faithfulness may invite opposition; stand firm like Amos. • Leadership brings heightened accountability—integrity matters. • National prosperity is not proof of divine approval; righteousness is. Conclusion Amos 7 captures the tension between divine patience and holy standards. God listens, God measures, and God acts. The plumb line still hangs beside every life and nation, urging straight living while mercy is yet offered. Connections to Additional Scriptures Intercessory Prayer Genesis 18:22-33 (Abraham intercedes for Sodom) James 5:16 (The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective) God's Standards Isaiah 28:17 (Justice as a measuring line) Matthew 5:48 (Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect) Courage in Proclamation Acts 4:19-20 (Peter and John before the Sanhedrin) 2 Timothy 1:7 (God gave us a spirit not of fear) Teaching Points Vision of Locusts (Amos 7:1-3) God shows Amos a vision of locusts devouring the land after the king's harvest. This symbolizes a severe judgment that would leave Israel desolate. Amos intercedes, pleading with God to forgive, and God relents, showing His mercy in response to sincere prayer. Vision of Fire (Amos 7:4-6) The second vision depicts a consuming fire that would devour the land. Again, Amos intercedes, and God relents, highlighting the power of intercessory prayer. This vision emphasizes the severity of God's judgment and the need for repentance. Vision of the Plumb Line (Amos 7:7-9) God shows Amos a plumb line, symbolizing His standard of righteousness. Israel is found wanting, and judgment is declared. This vision underscores God's justice and the importance of aligning with His standards. Confrontation with Amaziah (Amos 7:10-17) Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, opposes Amos, accusing him of conspiracy and trying to silence his prophetic message. Amos stands firm, declaring God's message despite opposition, illustrating the courage required to speak God's truth. Practical Applications Intercessory Prayer Like Amos, we are called to intercede for our nation and communities, trusting in God's mercy and power to change hearts. Aligning with God's Standards Regularly examine our lives against God's plumb line, seeking to align our actions and attitudes with His righteousness. Courage in Proclaiming Truth Be prepared to stand firm in proclaiming God's truth, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding. Repentance and Mercy Recognize the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance, while also embracing the hope of God's mercy. People 1. Amos Amos is the primary figure in this chapter, a prophet called by God to deliver messages to Israel. He is known for his visions and prophecies concerning the judgment of Israel. The name "Amos" (Hebrew: עָמוֹס, 'Amos) means "burden" or "burden-bearer," reflecting his role in carrying God's message. 2. The Lord GOD Referred to as "the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh), He is the one who reveals visions to Amos and commands him to prophesy. The use of both "Adonai" and "Yahweh" emphasizes God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. 3. King Jeroboam Jeroboam II is the king of Israel during the time of Amos's prophecy. He is mentioned in Amos 7:10-11, where Amos predicts that Jeroboam will die by the sword. Jeroboam's reign is marked by both prosperity and idolatry. 4. Amaziah Amaziah is the priest of Bethel, who opposes Amos and reports his prophecies to King Jeroboam. He accuses Amos of conspiracy and tries to send him back to Judah. The name "Amaziah" (Hebrew: אֲמַצְיָה, 'Amatsyah) means "Yahweh is mighty." Places 1. Israel Israel is the primary setting for the prophecies of Amos. In Amos 7, the prophet delivers messages concerning the fate of Israel, warning of impending judgment due to the nation's sins. The Hebrew root for Israel is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), meaning "God prevails" or "He who struggles with God." 2. Bethel Bethel is mentioned as a significant religious center in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It was a site of idol worship, which Amos condemns. The Hebrew root for Bethel is "בֵּית־אֵל" (Beit-El), meaning "House of God." In Amos 7:13, Bethel is referred to as the king's sanctuary and a royal residence, highlighting its importance in the religious and political life of Israel. Events 1. Vision of Locusts Amos receives a vision from the Lord where He is preparing a swarm of locusts after the king's harvest. Amos intercedes, saying, "O Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?" (Amos 7:2). The Lord relents, showing His mercy and willingness to forgive upon intercession. 2. Vision of Fire The Lord shows Amos a vision of a consuming fire that devours the great deep and the land. Again, Amos pleads, "O Lord GOD, please stop! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?" (Amos 7:5). The Lord relents once more, highlighting His compassion and responsiveness to prayer. 3. Vision of a Plumb Line The Lord shows Amos a vision of a plumb line, symbolizing the standard by which He will judge Israel. The Lord declares, "I will spare them no longer" (Amos 7:8). This signifies a shift from mercy to judgment, as Israel has not measured up to God's standards. 4. Amaziah’s Opposition Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sends a message to King Jeroboam of Israel, accusing Amos of conspiracy and saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel" (Amos 7:10). This event highlights the resistance faced by prophets when delivering God's message. 5. Amaziah’s Confrontation with Amos Amaziah tells Amos to flee to Judah and prophesy there, forbidding him to prophesy at Bethel, "for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple" (Amos 7:13). This reflects the tension between religious authority and prophetic truth. 6. Amos’s Response to Amaziah Amos responds by affirming his divine calling, stating, "I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees" (Amos 7:14). He emphasizes that his message is from God, not from personal ambition. 7. Prophecy Against Amaziah Amos delivers a prophecy against Amaziah, declaring that his wife will become a prostitute, his children will die by the sword, his land will be divided, and he will die in a pagan country. "And Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland" (Amos 7:17). This prophecy underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's word. Lessons from Amos 7 1. The Power of Intercession In Amos 7, we witness the profound impact of intercessory prayer. When God shows Amos visions of impending judgment, Amos pleads for mercy, saying, "O Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?" (Amos 7:2). This heartfelt plea leads God to relent. This teaches us that prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful tool to intercede for others, reminding us of James 5:16, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." 2. God’s Sovereignty in Judgment Amos 7 reveals God’s sovereignty as He shows Amos visions of locusts and fire, symbolizing judgment. These visions remind us that God is in control, and His judgments are just. As believers, we are called to trust in His divine wisdom and justice, knowing that "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" (Psalm 145:17). 3. The Plumb Line of Righteousness The vision of the plumb line in Amos 7:7-8 is a powerful metaphor for God’s standard of righteousness. Just as a plumb line ensures a wall is straight, God’s Word is the standard by which we measure our lives. "I will spare them no longer," God declares, emphasizing the importance of aligning our lives with His truth. Let us strive to live according to His Word, which is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). 4. The Courage to Speak Truth Amos demonstrates remarkable courage in delivering God’s message, despite opposition. When Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, tries to silence him, Amos stands firm, saying, "I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees" (Amos 7:14). This teaches us to boldly proclaim God’s truth, regardless of the challenges we face, echoing Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:19 to "fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." 5. The Danger of Complacency Amos 7 warns against complacency in our spiritual lives. The Israelites had become comfortable in their sin, ignoring God’s warnings. This serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and not grow complacent in our faith. As 1 Peter 5:8 advises, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 6. God’s Reluctance to Punish Despite the visions of judgment, God’s willingness to relent shows His reluctance to punish. "The Lord relented concerning this," Amos 7:3 and 7:6 repeat, highlighting God’s mercy. This reassures us of His desire for repentance and restoration, aligning with 2 Peter 3:9, which states, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 7. The Role of Prophets Amos 7 underscores the vital role of prophets as God’s messengers. Prophets like Amos are called to deliver God’s message, even when it’s unpopular. This reminds us of the importance of listening to God’s messengers today, as they guide us in truth and righteousness. As Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us, "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets... but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son." 8. The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Word Amaziah’s rejection of Amos’s message illustrates the consequences of ignoring God’s Word. God’s response is clear: "Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword" (Amos 7:17). This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding God’s Word, as Jesus warns in Matthew 7:26, "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand." 9. The Call to Repentance Amos’s message is ultimately a call to repentance. God’s warnings are not meant to condemn but to lead His people back to Him. This aligns with the heart of the Gospel, as Jesus calls us to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). Let us respond to His call with humility and a desire to turn from our ways. 10. The Hope of Restoration Even amidst judgment, there is hope for restoration. God’s relenting in response to Amos’s intercession shows His desire to restore His people. This echoes the promise in Joel 2:25, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." As believers, we can hold onto the hope of restoration through Christ, who makes all things new. Topics 1. The Vision of Locusts (Amos 7:1-3) In this vision, the Lord shows Amos a swarm of locusts that devours the land after the king's mowing. Amos intercedes, pleading for Jacob, and the Lord relents, saying, "It shall not be." The Hebrew word for "relents" (נָחַם, nacham) indicates a change of mind or compassion, highlighting God's mercy in response to intercession. 2. The Vision of Fire (Amos 7:4-6) Amos sees a vision of a consuming fire that devours the great deep and the land. Again, Amos intercedes, and the Lord relents, saying, "This too shall not be." The repetition of God's relenting emphasizes His willingness to withhold judgment in response to sincere prayer. 3. The Vision of the Plumb Line (Amos 7:7-9) The Lord shows Amos a plumb line, symbolizing the standard by which He will judge Israel. God declares that He will no longer spare Israel, indicating a coming judgment due to their failure to align with His standards. The plumb line (אֲנָךְ, anak) represents divine justice and righteousness. 4. Amaziah’s Opposition to Amos (Amos 7:10-13) Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, accuses Amos of conspiracy and tells him to flee to Judah. He instructs Amos not to prophesy at Bethel, the king's sanctuary. This opposition highlights the resistance faced by true prophets when delivering God's message. 5. Amos’s Defense and Prophecy Against Amaziah (Amos 7:14-17) Amos responds by affirming his divine calling, stating that he was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet but a shepherd and a fig farmer. He delivers a prophecy against Amaziah, foretelling the priest's personal calamity and the exile of Israel. This section underscores the authority and authenticity of Amos's prophetic mission, rooted in God's direct commissioning. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and Mercy Amos 7 begins with visions of judgment that God shows to Amos, such as the locusts and fire. These visions highlight God's impending judgment on Israel due to their sins. However, Amos intercedes, and God relents, demonstrating His mercy. The Hebrew root for "relent" (נָחַם, nacham) indicates a change of mind or compassion, emphasizing God's willingness to show mercy when His people repent. 2. Prophetic Intercession In verses 1-6, Amos acts as an intercessor for Israel. His prayers lead God to relent from sending the full measure of judgment. This theme underscores the power and importance of intercessory prayer, as seen in Amos's plea: "O Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?" (Amos 7:2). 3. The Plumb Line: Standard of Righteousness The vision of the plumb line in verses 7-9 symbolizes God's standard of righteousness and justice. The plumb line (אֲנָךְ, anak) is used to measure the straightness of a wall, representing God's measure of Israel's faithfulness. This theme highlights the necessity for God's people to align with His standards. 4. Rejection of Prophetic Message In verses 10-13, Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, rejects Amos's prophecy and attempts to silence him. This theme reflects the resistance and hostility often faced by true prophets when delivering God's message. Amaziah's words, "Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not preach against the house of Isaac" (Amos 7:16), illustrate the rejection of divine truth. 5. Divine Authority and Commission Amos defends his prophetic calling in verses 14-15, emphasizing that his authority comes from God, not man. He states, "I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel'" (Amos 7:14-15). This theme underscores the divine origin and authority of true prophetic ministry. 6. Inevitable Consequences of Sin The chapter concludes with a pronouncement of judgment against Amaziah and Israel (verses 16-17). Despite intercession and warnings, persistent sin leads to inevitable consequences. The prophecy against Amaziah's family and Israel's exile serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine justice. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of intercession, asking God to give us a burden for our nation and the courage to stand in the gap. Ask God to reveal areas in our lives that need realignment with His standards and for the grace to make necessary changes. Pray for boldness to proclaim God's truth in love, even in the face of opposition. Seek God's mercy and forgiveness for our personal sins and the sins of our nation, trusting in His willingness to relent from judgment. Answering Tough Questions 1. Amos 7:3, 6 – If God is “unchanging,” why does He appear to change His decision in answer to Amos’s plea? 2. Amos 7:1–2 – Is there any archaeological or historical evidence for a locust plague of such magnitude as described here? 3. Amos 7:7–9 – How can the vision of the plumb line be reconciled with the lack of physical artifacts or direct records of such an event? 4. Amos 7:10–13 – Does the account of Amaziah’s accusation against Amos align with known historical records and political dynamics of Jeroboam’s reign? 5. Amos 7:11 – The text predicts Jeroboam’s death by the sword; does this claim conflict with other biblical or extra-biblical accounts regarding Jeroboam’s end? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Amos 7 challenge your understanding of the relationship between divine judgment and mercy? 2. How does Amos' intercession for Israel reflect his character and role as a prophet? 3. What does the vision of the plumb line symbolize and why is it significant? 4. How did Amaziah respond to Amos' prophecies, and what does it reveal about him? 5. How does Amos defend his prophetic mission to Amaziah? 6. What can we learn from Amos' response to confrontation? 7. How do you handle criticism or opposition in your spiritual journey? 8. What is the role of courage in fulfilling God's calling? 9. Can you identify a situation where you pleaded for divine intervention like Amos? 10. What aspects of Amos 7 can you apply to your understanding of current world events? 11. How do the visions in Amos 7 challenge you to confront sin and injustice in your community? 12. How would you respond to being accused of conspiracy for speaking truth, as Amos was by Amaziah? 13. How does Amos 7 affect your perspective on the responsibility of religious leaders? 14. How might you stand firm in your faith in face of societal or religious opposition? 15. What does this chapter teach us about the consequences of disobeying God's word? 16. How do you interpret the prophecy against Amaziah and his family? 17. What does Amos 7 teach us about the impact of our actions on our community and our families? 18. How would you handle a situation where your message of truth is rejected? 19. What does Amos 7 teach us about the balance between prophecy and intercession? 20. How does the courage of Amos inspire you in your own spiritual walk? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions