1. Vision of Locusts (7:1–3)
devastating drought, causing the underground water supplies to dry up and the fields to be consumed (cf. Deut. 32:22). Amos again pleaded Israel's cause (cf. Amos 7:2–3).
AMOS—NOTE ON 7:7–9 The true spiritual nature of Israel was here tested (and found wanting) by God's plumb line of righteousness in this third of five visions. The sword of judgment was to come from Assyria.
AMOS—NOTE ON 7:10–17 The words of Amos cut deep into the heart of Israel's leadership, causing them to accuse him of conspiracy against the king (cf. Jer. 26:11; 37:11–13; 38:1–6).
AMOS—NOTE ON 7:11 Amos has said. This most likely refers to v. 9.
AMOS—NOTE ON 7:17 go into exile. To Assyria c. 722 B.C.
AMOS—NOTE ON 8:1 summer fruit. In this fourth vision, as fruit was fully ripened by the summer's sun, so Israel was ripe for judgment
AMOS—NOTE ON 8:5 new moon. Based on a lunar calendar, Israel would celebrate the day with a festival. As on Sabbath, no work was to be done (1 Sam. 20:5–6; 2 Kings 4:23; Ezek. 46:3). The merchants' eagerness for the day to end revealed their appetite for greed. ephah small . . . shekel great. By dishonest weighing, the merchant decreased the actual amount received and increased the cost of the merchandise. See note on Prov. 11:1 for other passages on dishonest measures.
AMOS—NOTE ON 8:6 chaff of the wheat. This denotes the chaff, which was mixed into the good wheat to cheat the buyer.
AMOS—NOTE ON 8:7 pride of Jacob. As surely as the nation was filled with pride, so the Lord would not forget her works (cf. 6:8).
Five Visions of Amos
Five Visions of Amos 1. Vision of Locusts (7:1–3) 2. Vision of Fire (7:4–6) 3. Vision of the Plumb Line (7:7–9)