What is the meaning of Amos 7:2? And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land • Amos is shown a devastating vision in which “the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land” (Amos 7:1-2). • Such total destruction echoes past judgments: the plague on Egypt where “nothing green remained” after the locusts (Exodus 10:14-15), and the covenant warnings that “locusts shall consume” the harvest (Deuteronomy 28:38-42). • The picture is literal—real loss of crops, animals, and livelihoods—but it also signals spiritual ruin. Joel 1:4 uses similar imagery to awaken repentance, and Revelation 9:3 shows God still able to employ locusts for judgment. • By letting Amos see the land stripped bare before the judgment actually falls, the Lord is inviting intercession before acting (cf. Ezekiel 22:30). I said • Immediately, the prophet steps in: “I said.” He does not stay silent in the face of disaster. • Amos follows a line of intercessors God has raised up—Abraham pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33), Moses for Israel after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14), Samuel for the nation (1 Samuel 12:19-23). • The pattern is clear: the Lord discloses judgment, a godly servant speaks up, and divine mercy is sought. God delights to involve His people in His purposes (Isaiah 62:6-7). Lord GOD, please forgive! • Amos’s first request is not “stop the locusts” but “please forgive!” Forgiveness addresses the root cause—sin—not just the symptom—loss of crops. • This plea mirrors David’s cry, “Be gracious to me, O God… blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1-2), and anticipates the promise, “If My people… turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear… and forgive” (2 Chronicles 7:14). • God’s character encourages such bold prayer: He “pardons iniquity” and “delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18-19), and “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). • True intercession begins with a recognition of guilt and a confident appeal to the Lord’s compassion. How will Jacob survive, since he is so small? • “Jacob” is a covenant name for the northern kingdom, reminding God of His promises to the patriarchs (Genesis 32:28). • Amos points to Israel’s frailty: “so small.” They are no powerhouse; without divine help they cannot stand. Moses once noted, “The LORD set His affection on you… because you were the fewest of all peoples” (Deuteronomy 7:7). • Isaiah later calls them “O worm Jacob” (Isaiah 41:14), underlining dependence on God. Psalm 103:13-14 adds that He “knows our frame.” • By stressing weakness, Amos appeals to God’s protective nature toward the humble (Psalm 34:18; James 4:6). summary Amos 7:2 shows a prophet witnessing impending judgment, then urgently pleading for forgiveness and mercy. The locust vision underscores total ruin without divine intervention. Amos takes his place among faithful intercessors, appealing to God’s forgiving heart and Israel’s vulnerability. In response to such prayer, verse 3 records, “So the LORD relented concerning this,” proving that earnest intercession rooted in God’s character can move His hand and spare His people. |
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