Amos 7:1-9

Chapter 7 begins the last section of the book, a series of 5 visions that form the basis of the prophets message.  

Chapter 7 itself gives us the two sides of the prophet’s ministry: his compassionate standing before God on behalf of the people and then his standing before wicked men and calling out their sin.  Moses was known for his intercessions for Israel (e.g. Ex. 32:11-14).  Samuel said it would be a sin for him to cease praying for the people (1 Sam. 12:23).  These were two intercessors of note in Old Testament times (Jer. 15:1).  Nehemiah and Daniel prayed prayers of intercession as well.  Jeremiah was moved to intercede even when God told him not to pray for them (Jer. 14:11-12).  Remember too that Jesus is the greatest of all Intercessors who stands forever before God on our behalf.  Prophets got no joy in preaching God’s fury against Israel; they cared deeply for the people.

The first 3 visions are in today’s passage.  They are similar beginning with the phrase, Thus the Lord God (He) showed me (v1,4,7).  The judgments we believe are actual events set to occur in Amos’ time: a locus plague (v1-3) and a consuming fire (v4-6).  In each Amos is moved to intercede and God relents and does not send this judgment.  But in the third vision there is no intercession.  God indicates through the plumb line that judgment will be withheld no longer.

Some are surprised to see that God relents or repents (depending on your translation).  We also see this expression in the ministry of Moses (e.g. Exod. 32:14) and Jonah (Jon. 3:10).  In Moses’ case it is part of his own training, if you will, in the work of the prophet.  Moses must take ownership of the people and be willing to stand with them faithfully.  Perhaps the same is true of Amos who said, I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet (7:14).  

But in addition to this, God’s changing His mind is, as some call it, the language of appearance.  Better we would say God speaks of Himself as we would speak of ourselves as humans.  The judgments of locusts and fire are just and proper for the situation.  Yet God is merciful.  His mercy spilled out over Israel countless times.  But we also remember from Amos 1-2 that phrase For three transgressions and for four.  God will eventually reach the point where He will be merciful no longer.  That is the point in time we see in Amos 7.  Whether He judges or relents God is true to His character as merciful and righteous.

We should add one more thing about God’s relenting.  It speaks of the power of intercessory prayer.  That is a truth we must cling to in our own calling whatever it is.  All over Scripture there is a tension between God’s Sovereignty and man’s responsibility.  It constantly stretches our understanding.  But nevertheless what we see here is that a man prayed and he effected God’s plan.  Pity the day when God sees in our families and communities no one to stand in the gap on behalf of those people (Ezek. 22:30).