Amos 7:1

Commentary on Amos 7:1 (KJV)

Amos 7:1 introduces the first of five prophetic visions given to the prophet Amos concerning the impending judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse sets a stark scene of devastating natural disaster, directly attributed to the Lord God.

Historical and Cultural Context

Amos, a shepherd and fig-gatherer from Tekoa in Judah, was called by God to prophesy during a time of relative prosperity but deep spiritual and moral decay in Israel under King Jeroboam II. The agricultural cycle was central to Israelite life. The phrase "the king's mowings" refers to the first cutting of hay or grain, which was typically collected as tribute or tax for the king. This initial harvest was substantial. The "latter growth" (or second crop/aftergrowth) was what remained for the common people and their livestock, essential for their survival through the year. For a plague of "grasshoppers" (more accurately, locusts) to consume this crucial second growth meant widespread famine and economic ruin, directly impacting the sustenance of the populace.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The vision emphasizes that God is actively involved in forming and sending this plague. It is not a random natural event but a deliberate act of divine judgment. This highlights God's absolute control over creation and His use of natural forces to achieve His purposes. The prophet clearly states, "Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers," underscoring God's direct orchestration.
• Impending Economic Devastation: The specific timing of the plague—targeting the "latter growth"—underscores the severity of the coming judgment. It would strip the Israelites of their most vital resources, leading to starvation and widespread hardship. This vision graphically illustrates the consequences of Israel's persistent social injustice and idolatry, which Amos frequently condemned.
• God's Warnings: This vision, like others in Amos, serves as a divine warning to Israel. God reveals His intentions to His prophets (compare Amos 3:7) before executing judgment, offering a chance for repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "grasshoppers" (KJV) is gob or arbeh in other contexts, often referring to a devastating swarm of locusts. The term "formed" (Hebrew: yatsar) is significant; it is the same word used in Genesis for God's creation of humanity, emphasizing a deliberate and intentional act of shaping or fashioning. This is not a passive observation by God, but an active, sovereign formation of the destructive force.

Practical Application

Amos 7:1 reminds us that God is sovereign over all aspects of creation, including natural events. It teaches us several valuable lessons:

• God's Justice is Real: While God is patient and merciful, He is also just. Persistent unfaithfulness and injustice, as seen in Israel, eventually lead to consequences.
• Warnings Precede Judgment: God often sends warnings through various means—prophets, circumstances, or even natural phenomena—to call people to repentance before full judgment falls.
• Reliance on God's Provision: The vision highlights how dependent humanity is on God's provision for sustenance. When His blessings are taken for granted or abused, the very source of life can be threatened. Just as the "latter growth" was crucial for survival, so is God's grace for spiritual life (see Jesus, the Bread of Life).