Amos 7: Visions, Confrontations, and Prophetic Courage

Amos 7 is a reminder that while God's justice is real, so is His mercy. Intercession can change the course of events, even amid harsh predictions. However, justice cannot always be averted, especially when corruption persists. Despite opposition, we are called to stand firm in our faith and courageously proclaim God's truth.

Verses 1-3: Vision of the Locusts

God shows Amos a vision of locusts devouring Israel's crops. Recognizing the catastrophic aftermath, Amos pleads with God to spare Israel. God hears Amos and relents.

Verses 4-6: Vision of the Fire

Amos experiences another vision where God sends a consuming fire to destroy Israel. Again, Amos intercedes, pleading for mercy, and again, God relents.

Verses 7-9: Vision of the Plumb Line

In the third vision, God presents a plumb line, signifying impending judgment, not to be averted this time. The high places of Isaac will be desolate and the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste.

Verses 10-13: Confrontation with Amaziah

Amaziah, a priest of Bethel, reports Amos to king Jeroboam, accusing him of conspiracy. He then confronts Amos, advising him to flee to Judah to prophesy there and not to prophesy in Bethel anymore.

Verses 14-17: Prophecy against Jeroboam and Israel

Amos responds to Amaziah by emphasizing his divine calling and delivers a severe prophecy against him, his family, and Israel.

Amos 7 delves into the prophetic visions of divine judgment given to the shepherd-turned-prophet, Amos. His messages are not only direct but confrontational, inciting resistance from powerful religious figures. Yet, amid impending doom, Amos intercedes for his people, showcasing the profound courage and compassion within him.

Prophecy
Divine Judgment
Intercession
Divine Intervention
Spiritual Leadership
Courage
ConfrontationVision of the Locusts
Vision of the Fire
Vision of the Plumb Line
Confrontation with Amaziah
Prophecy against Jeroboam and IsraelAmos
The Lord
Amaziah
JeroboamBethel
Israel

1. How does Amos 7 challenge your understanding of the relationship between divine judgment and mercy?

2. How does Amos' intercession for Israel reflect his character and role as a prophet?

3. What does the vision of the plumb line symbolize and why is it significant?

4. How did Amaziah respond to Amos' prophecies, and what does it reveal about him?

5. How does Amos defend his prophetic mission to Amaziah?

6. What can we learn from Amos' response to confrontation?

7. How do you handle criticism or opposition in your spiritual journey?

8. What is the role of courage in fulfilling God's calling?

9. Can you identify a situation where you pleaded for divine intervention like Amos?

10. What aspects of Amos 7 can you apply to your understanding of current world events?

11. How do the visions in Amos 7 challenge you to confront sin and injustice in your community?

12. How would you respond to being accused of conspiracy for speaking truth, as Amos was by Amaziah?

13. How does Amos 7 affect your perspective on the responsibility of religious leaders?

14. How might you stand firm in your faith in face of societal or religious opposition?

15. What does this chapter teach us about the consequences of disobeying God's word?

16. How do you interpret the prophecy against Amaziah and his family?

17. What does Amos 7 teach us about the impact of our actions on our community and our families?

18. How would you handle a situation where your message of truth is rejected?

19. What does Amos 7 teach us about the balance between prophecy and intercession?

20. How does the courage of Amos inspire you in your own spiritual walk?