Amos 7:7-9

7-9. The master builder with the plumb line. The third vision differs from the preceding two in that it does not bring to view the judgment itself but Jehovah decreeing the same. Amos sees him as a master builder with plumb line in hand testing a city wall a figure of Israel as to its straightness. It is found crooked, and the decree goes forth that it must be torn down.

Upon R.V., “beside.”

A wall made by a plumb line Literally, a wall of a plumb line. The fact that the wall is now condemned cannot be used as an objection to the correctness of the reading. A wall may be built straight by the aid of a plummet, yet in time it may settle and become crooked. This is what happened to this wall; and if the latter represents Israel it is an accurate picture of the facts of Hebrew history (Hosea 9:10; Hosea 11:1, etc.).

With a plumb line He seeks to determine whether it is still straight and may be allowed to stand.

This time it is Jehovah who breaks the silence. To understand the lesson it was necessary that the prophet should not lose sight of any feature of the picture. To assure himself on this point and to prepare the way for the explanation Jehovah asks the question,

What seest thou? Compare Amos 8:2; Jeremiah 1:11; Jeremiah 1:13. The answer being satisfactory, Jehovah proceeds with the explanation, retaining the figure of the plumb line but interpreting that of the wall.

I will Or, I am about to (Amos 2:13).

Set a plumb line The plumb line serves as a standard by which both to build and to tear down (2 Kings 13:13; Isaiah 34:11). Whatever cannot stand the test of the plummet is condemned to destruction. What was the result of the test in this instance is not definitely stated, but the fact that an announcement of judgment immediately follows indicates that Israel was found wanting.

Pass by them Without noticing and punishing their guilt (compare Amos 5:17). Jehovah gives no opportunity for intercession; and the prophet, recognizing the justice of the proceedings, has nothing more to say.

Amos 7:9 describes the character of the judgment. It will strike with special force the religious centers and the ruling dynasty.

High places See on Hosea 4:13; Micah 1:5.

Isaac A poetic synonym of Israel (next clause; compare Amos 7:16).

Sanctuaries See on Amos 4:4; Amos 5:4; Amos 8:14. They will be utterly destroyed (Amos 3:14).

House of Jeroboam The ruling dynasty (Introduction, p.195). Whether the judgment will come during the lifetime of Jeroboam or later is not stated (compare Amos 7:11). Hosea also announces the doom of the same dynasty (Amos 1:4). On the fulfillment of the threat see p. 18.

Sword Of the invader (Amos 6:14).