7:1ff The following series of visions conveyed God’s message to the people, using images that were familiar to them—grasshoppers, fire, and a plumb line.
7:1-6 Twice Amos was shown a vision of Israel’s impending punishment, and his immediate response was to pray that God would spare Israel. Prayer is a powerful privilege. Amos’s prayers should remind us to pray for our nation.
7:7-9 A plumb line is a device used to ensure the straightness of a wall. A wall that is not straight will eventually collapse. God wants people to be right with him; he wants the sin that makes us crooked removed immediately. God’s Word is the plumb line that helps us be aware of our sin. How do you measure up to God’s plumb line?
7:10 Prophets like Amos were often seen as traitors and conspirators because they spoke out against the king and his advisers, questioning their authority and exposing their sin. The kings often saw the prophets as enemies rather than as God’s spokesmen who were really trying to help them and the nation.
7:10ff Amaziah was the chief priest in Bethel, representing Israel’s official religion. He was not concerned about hearing God’s message; he was only worried about his own position. Maintaining his position was more important than listening to the truth. Don’t let your desire for prestige, authority, or money keep you tied to a job or position you should leave. Don’t let anything come between you and obeying God.
7:14, 15 Without any special preparation, education, or upbringing, Amos obeyed God’s call to “Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” Obedience is the test of a faithful servant of God. Are you obeying God’s call to you?