Take Two: Amos 7, Proverbs 2

I apologize for the sporadic nature of posting. Those who know what is going on...can understand. If you don't know...then please forgive me for my inconsistency and pick up with me now.

Amos 7 begins the next section of the book. The first part dealt with the "words" of Amos and the balance of the book deals with the "visions" of Amos. In the first two visions, God reveals an instrument of destruction. The prophet intercedes for the people and God relents from His intended judgment (Amos 7:1-6). Both visions are similar...with the exception of the fact that the instrument of judgment shifts from locusts to fire.

Amos 7:7-9 gives a vision fo the plumb line. A plumb line is used in constructing walls to insure that the walls are straight and will continue to stand. If a wall was not built straight (plumb), it would be destroyed by the builder or it would fail under the test of time. God revealed the significance of the plumb line to Amos and told him that He would examine and judge Israel...but the means of judgment is not revealed. Two reasons for the judgment are implied.

First, there is the mention of the high places and sanctuaries (Amos 7:9). This is an indictment against the religious structures. Second is due to the government of the nation which is symbolized by the King's mention.

Amos 7:10-17 details the resistance of the culture to Amos' words. The high priest of Bethel accuses Amos of sedition and treason to the king (Amos 7:10). The priest's loyalty was to the king and not to God. Amaziah discounts the vision of Amos and orders him gone...declaring that the worship center at Bethel was of the King (Amos 7:12-13). Amos declared that the visions and the impetus to prophesy were not his own...but were of God. He then prophesied against the high priest declaring that he and his children would die by the sword. Further, all of his holdings would be lost and his wife would become a prostitute to support herself. Also, Israel would still come under judgment.

Should you read this and think it harsh...remember that Israel had come to depend on their own prosperity rather than God. Therefore, the judgment was against that which took the place of God.

Proverbs 2:9 is the takeaway today. By acquiring wisdom, we gain the ability to discern in any given circumstance, that which is righteous, just, fair, and proper. It is not that God gives us some secret knowledge or some special dispensation necessarily; however, He does give us, through applying His Word, the ability to find the "God aspect" of a circumstance and act appropriately.

Grace,