“"Then the Lord said, 'Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.'"”
Amos 7:8
Summary
Amos chapter 7 reveals a series of visions given to the prophet Amos, emphasizing the impending judgment against Israel. The chapter begins with Amos seeing locusts devour the land, posing a dire threat to the nation's sustenance. Amos prays for mercy, and the Lord relents. The second vision shows a consuming fire, and once again, Amos intercedes, resulting in God sparing Israel. The third vision presents a plumb line, symbolizing the standard by which God will measure Israel, indicating they have fallen short and judgment will no longer be withheld. The chapter also records a confrontation between Amos and Amaziah, a priest at Bethel, who accuses Amos of conspiracy. Despite being told to leave, Amos reasserts his divine commission to prophesy.