Amos Chapter 7 — Visions and Opposition
Amos receives visions of judgment from God but intercedes for Israel, eventually facing personal opposition from the priest Amaziah for his prophecies.
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Notable Verses
Amos 7:8
“The LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold, I will set a plumb line in the middle of my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more."”
The plumb line represents God's standard of righteousness and his measurement of Israel's spiritual state.
Amos 7:14-15
“Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs; and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’"”
This passage highlights Amos's humble background and the sovereignty of God's call over professional religious status.
Chapter Summary
Amos Chapter 7 presents three distinct visions of judgment: locusts, fire, and a plumb line. In the first two visions, Amos pleads with God to forgive and stop the destruction because Israel is small and vulnerable; in response, the Lord relents. However, in the third vision, God uses a plumb line to demonstrate that Israel is no longer upright and will not be spared further. This prophecy of destruction against the house of Jeroboam triggers a direct confrontation with Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. Amaziah accuses Amos of conspiracy and tells him to flee back to the land of Judah. Amos defends his ministry, explaining that he was not a professional prophet by training but was called by God while working as a herdsman and sycamore farmer. He concludes the chapter by reaffirming his message and pronouncing a severe personal judgment on Amaziah's household, confirming that Israel will indeed be led into captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
These visions represent potential judgments God was prepared to bring upon Israel. In both cases, Amos intercedes on behalf of the nation, pleading for mercy, and God chooses to relent and withhold the destruction.
Amaziah was the priest of Bethel who opposed Amos's message. He accused Amos of conspiring against King Jeroboam II and tried to force him to return to Judah and stop prophesying in the northern kingdom.
A plumb line is a tool used by builders to ensure a wall is perfectly vertical. God uses it as a metaphor to show that Israel has failed to stay upright according to His law and is now destined for judgment.
Study Note
The 'latter growth' mentioned in verse 1 refers to the second crop of the season, which was crucial for the survival of the common people after the king had taken his portion.
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