Amos 7:6

Context of Amos 7:6

Amos 7:6 is the conclusion of the second vision given to the prophet Amos, following the vision of the locusts (Amos 7:1-3). In this vision, Amos sees the Lord GOD calling for judgment by fire, which was about to consume the land. Just as with the locusts, Amos intercedes on behalf of Israel, crying out, "O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small." This verse records God's merciful response to Amos's heartfelt plea, showing His willingness to relent from the immediate, severe judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Mercy and Compassion: The phrase "The LORD repented for this" highlights God's profound mercy and His willingness to turn from an intended judgment when there is a change in circumstances, such as the sincere prayer of His prophet. It demonstrates that God is not rigidly bound by His pronouncements of judgment but is responsive to human intercession and compassion.
• The Power of Intercessory Prayer: This verse powerfully illustrates the impact of intercessory prayer. Amos's plea directly influences God's immediate course of action, averting the disaster by fire. It underscores the biblical principle that fervent prayer can indeed move the hand of God.
• God's Relenting, Not Changing: While the KJV uses "repented," implying a change of mind, it's crucial to understand this in the context of God's character. God does not change His ultimate nature or eternal purposes (Malachi 3:6). Rather, "repented" (Hebrew: nacham) signifies a change in His *expression* of judgment in response to a new development (Amos's prayer) or out of His inherent compassion. This is similar to how God relented from the disaster on Nineveh after their repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word in this verse is nacham (נחם), translated as "repented." This term, when applied to God, does not imply regret over a past mistake or a change in His holy character. Instead, it conveys a sense of "relenting," "feeling sorrow," or "changing His course of action" in response to a specific condition or out of compassion. It indicates that God is not indifferent to the plight of His people and is responsive to their pleas, even when judgment is deserved. The repetition of "This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD" emphasizes the divine authority and certainty of this merciful postponement.

Practical Application

Amos 7:6 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us of God's profound mercy and His responsiveness to prayer. We are called to:

• Pray Fervently for Others: Just as Amos interceded for Israel, we should pray for our families, communities, nations, and the world, especially in times of crisis or impending judgment. Our prayers can make a difference.
• Trust in God's Compassion: Even when circumstances seem dire, we can appeal to God's character of unfailing mercy and compassion. He desires not the death of the wicked but that they turn and live.
• Recognize God's Sovereignty: While God relents from immediate judgment, the underlying issues of sin and injustice remain. The subsequent visions in Amos show that ultimate judgment for Israel's unrepentant sin would eventually come. This teaches us that while God is merciful, His justice will ultimately prevail if genuine repentance does not occur.