Amos 7:1

KJV

¶ Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, [it was] the latter growth after the king's mowings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus hath the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} shewed {H7200} unto me; and, behold, he formed {H3335} grasshoppers {H1462} in the beginning {H8462} of the shooting up {H5927} of the latter growth {H3954}; and, lo, it was the latter growth {H3954} after {H310} the king's {H4428} mowings {H1488}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what Adonai ELOHIM showed me: he was forming a swarm of locusts as the late crop was starting to come up, the late crop after the hay had been cut to pay the king's tribute.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts just after the king’s harvest, as the late spring crop was coming up.

American Standard Version

Thus the Lord Jehovah showed me: and, behold, he formed locusts in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king’s mowings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 7:1 introduces the first of five vivid prophetic visions granted to Amos, revealing the Lord GOD's impending judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. In this initial vision, God demonstrates His sovereign power by "forming" a devastating plague of grasshoppers (locusts) specifically timed to consume the "latter growth"—the crucial second harvest that sustained the common people after the king had taken his share. This vision serves as a stark warning of the severe economic and societal ruin that awaited Israel due to their persistent sin and rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 7:1 marks a significant shift in the book of Amos. Prior to this, Amos delivered a series of oracles of judgment against surrounding nations and, most prominently, against Israel itself, detailing their social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and idolatry. Chapters 1-6 primarily consist of prophetic pronouncements. With chapter 7, the book transitions into a sequence of five distinct visions (7:1-3, 7:4-6, 7:7-9, 8:1-3, 9:1-4) that visually depict the nature and inevitability of God's judgment. This first vision immediately sets the tone for the prophetic intercession that follows in [Amos 7:2-3](/amos/7-2-3 "Amos 7:2-3 - Amos's Intercession for Israel"), where Amos pleads with God to relent, highlighting the severity of the threatened destruction. The phrase "Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me" establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent revelation, aligning with the principle that God reveals His plans to His prophets, as stated in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered during the reign of Jeroboam II in Israel (c. 793-753 BC), a period characterized by remarkable economic prosperity and territorial expansion. However, this affluence was accompanied by deep-seated social injustice, oppression of the poor, and widespread idolatry, particularly the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. Agriculture was the bedrock of Israelite society, and the annual harvest cycle was critical for survival. The "king's mowings" refers to the first, most abundant cutting of hay or grain, which was typically collected as tribute or tax for the royal household and military. What remained for the common people and their livestock was the "latter growth" (or "aftergrowth"), a second, less robust crop that was nonetheless essential for sustenance through the year. A plague of "grasshoppers" (more accurately, locusts) consuming this vital second growth would lead to widespread famine, economic collapse, and immense suffering for the general populace, directly impacting their very means of survival.
* **Key Themes:** This vision powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Amos. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is not merely a passive observer but an active agent who "formed" and sent this plague as a deliberate act of judgment. This highlights God's absolute control over creation and His use of natural forces to achieve His righteous purposes against a rebellious nation. Secondly, the specific targeting of the "latter growth" highlights the theme of **Impending Economic Devastation** as a consequence of Israel's persistent social injustice and idolatry, which Amos vehemently condemned. The vision graphically illustrates the direct link between moral decay and severe material hardship. Finally, the very act of God showing this vision to Amos reinforces the theme of **God's Warnings and Revelation to His Prophets**. God reveals His intentions before executing judgment, offering a crucial, albeit often ignored, opportunity for repentance and a demonstration of His patience, even in the face of severe impending doom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title, appearing as H136 (ʼĂdônây) and H3069 (Yᵉhôvih), is highly significant. `ʼĂdônây` is an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name for God, denoting His absolute sovereignty and mastership. `Yᵉhôvih` is a variation of YHWH (the covenant name of God), specifically used after `ʼĂdônây` to avoid repeating the same sound (as Jews would pronounce YHWH as `ʼĂdônây`). Together, "Lord GOD" emphasizes both God's supreme authority and His covenant relationship with Israel, underscoring that the judgment comes from the one who is both sovereign Creator and faithful to His promises, even when those promises include consequences for disobedience.
* **formed (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** The Hebrew word H3335 (`yâtsar`) means "to mould into a form," "to fashion," or "to determine." It is the same verb used in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Forms Man from Dust") for God's creation of humanity from the dust. Its use here is crucial: it signifies that the plague of grasshoppers was not a random natural occurrence but a deliberate, intentional, and sovereign act of God. He actively shaped and brought forth this destructive force, demonstrating His direct involvement in the unfolding judgment.
* **latter growth (Hebrew, _leqesh'_):** The term H3954 (`leqesh`) refers to the "after crop" or "latter growth." This was the second, less substantial harvest that followed the initial "king's mowings." While smaller, it was absolutely vital for the common people and their livestock to survive the year, providing essential fodder and food. The targeting of this specific crop highlights the devastating economic impact of the judgment, as it would directly deprive the populace of their primary means of sustenance, leading to widespread famine and hardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and prophetic authority of the vision. Amos is not speaking his own words or opinions, but faithfully relaying a direct revelation from the sovereign and covenant-keeping God. This phrase validates the truthfulness and seriousness of the impending message.
* **"and, behold, he formed grasshoppers":** The phrase "behold" draws immediate attention to the miraculous and terrifying nature of what Amos saw. The critical detail is that God "formed" these destructive creatures. This emphasizes God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in bringing about the plague. The "grasshoppers" are more accurately understood as swarms of locusts, known in the ancient Near East for their devastating ability to consume all vegetation.
* **"in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth;":** This specifies the precise timing of the locust plague. It occurred just as the "latter growth" (the second crop) was beginning to sprout and emerge. This timing is crucial because it meant the crop was vulnerable and would be entirely consumed before it could mature, ensuring maximum devastation.
* **"and, lo, [it was] the latter growth after the king's mowings.":** This final clause reiterates and emphasizes the specific crop being targeted. The "king's mowings" refers to the first, primary harvest, which was typically taken as tribute by the king. The "latter growth" was what remained for the common people and their livestock. By destroying this particular crop, God's judgment would directly impact the sustenance of the entire population, signifying a complete and catastrophic economic collapse, leaving the people with nothing after the king had already taken his share.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 7:1 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic impact. The primary device is **Vision**, a common prophetic mode where God supernaturally reveals future events or spiritual truths to His chosen messenger. This vision is presented with vivid **Imagery**, painting a stark picture of a land consumed by swarms of locusts, specifically targeting the vulnerable "latter growth." The phrase "behold" (Hebrew: `hinneh`) acts as an **Interjection** or **Exclamation**, drawing the reader's attention to the immediacy and certainty of the divine revelation. There is also clear **Symbolism**, where the grasshoppers (locusts) symbolize God's instrument of judgment and the devastating consequences of Israel's sin. The deliberate timing of the plague, "after the king's mowings," employs **Contrast** to highlight the profound economic hardship that would befall the common people, who depended on the second crop for survival after the king had taken his due. Finally, the entire vision serves as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the impending and inevitable destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 7:1 powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to justice. The "forming" of the locusts underscores that natural disasters are not random occurrences but can be instruments in the hand of a sovereign God to accomplish His purposes, particularly in judgment against unrepentant sin. This vision connects to the broader biblical theme of covenant consequences, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Israel's persistent social injustice, idolatry, and disregard for God's commands had reached a point where divine intervention was necessary to bring about correction or consequence. The targeting of the "latter growth" emphasizes that God's judgment often strikes at the very foundations of a society's well-being, exposing their ultimate dependence on Him for provision.

* [Joel 1:4-7](/joel/1-4-7 "Joel 1:4-7 - Devastation by Locusts")
* [Deuteronomy 28:38-40](/deuteronomy/28-38-40 "Deuteronomy 28:38-40 - Curses of the Covenant")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 7:1 calls us to a profound reflection on God's character and our own posture before Him. It reminds us that God is not only loving and merciful but also just and holy, and He will not tolerate persistent sin indefinitely. The vision serves as a timeless warning: God often sends signs, circumstances, or even the consequences of our actions to call us to repentance before full judgment falls. We are challenged to discern God's hand in all of life's circumstances, whether in times of abundance or hardship, recognizing that He remains sovereign. This passage also prompts us to consider our own dependence on God's provision, not just for physical sustenance like the "latter growth," but for every aspect of our lives. Do we take His blessings for granted? Are we living justly and righteously, or are we, like ancient Israel, pursuing prosperity at the expense of spiritual and moral integrity?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize and respond to God's warnings in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **In what ways might I be taking God's provision for granted, and how can I cultivate a greater sense of dependence and gratitude?**
* **How does the concept of God "forming" judgment challenge or affirm my understanding of His sovereignty and justice?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "latter growth" being targeted by the grasshoppers?**

Answer: The "latter growth" (Hebrew: `leqesh`) was the second, less abundant crop that grew after the initial, primary harvest. In ancient Israel, the first harvest, known as "the king's mowings," was often collected as tribute or tax for the royal household and military. The "latter growth" was what remained for the common people and their livestock, providing essential sustenance for their survival through the year. By targeting this specific crop, the plague of grasshoppers (locusts) would have a devastating economic and social impact, directly leading to famine and widespread hardship for the general population. It signified a complete stripping away of the people's means of survival, leaving them with nothing after the king had already taken his share, highlighting the severity and precision of God's impending judgment on Israel for their sins. This detail underscores the profound vulnerability of the people and the comprehensive nature of the coming disaster, as seen in the broader context of God's covenant curses in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**Does God still send natural disasters as judgment today?**

Answer: The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, including natural phenomena. While Amos 7:1 describes a specific, divinely "formed" judgment tied to Israel's covenant disobedience, the principle of God's ultimate control over nature remains. Throughout Scripture, natural events like floods, droughts, and plagues are sometimes depicted as instruments of divine judgment or as calls to repentance (e.g., [Jonah 1:4](/jonah/1-4 "Jonah 1:4 - The Storm Sent by God")). In the New Testament, while the focus shifts to the spiritual judgment averted by Christ, there are still passages that speak of God's wrath and future judgments that will impact the physical world (e.g., [Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")). It is crucial to avoid simplistic interpretations that attribute every natural disaster directly to specific sins of individuals or groups, as this can lead to misjudgment and a lack of compassion. However, we can affirm that God remains sovereign over all things and can use any means to call humanity to Himself, to demonstrate His power, or to bring about His ultimate purposes, which include justice and the eventual restoration of all things through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 7:1, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment through a devastating plague, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Lord GOD" who "formed" the grasshoppers to execute judgment is the same God whose sovereign power is fully embodied in Christ, the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All Things")). The judgment against Israel for their sin foreshadows the universal reality of humanity's sin and the just wrath of God that it incurs. However, Christ Himself became the ultimate "latter growth," the essential provision for humanity's spiritual sustenance, offering His body as the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the "latter growth" was vital for physical survival, Jesus declares Himself to be "the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The warnings of judgment in Amos ultimately point to the good news that for those who believe in Christ, there is "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), because He bore the full weight of God's judgment on the cross. Thus, the terrifying vision of Amos 7:1, while revealing God's justice, ultimately directs us to the mercy and salvation found in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Amos 8:1

¶ Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Amos 4:9

I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured [them]: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 24:1

¶ The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

Ezekiel 11:25

Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me.

Nahum 3:15

There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.