Topical Bible: Intercession: Additional Instances of Amos, for Israel

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Intercession, the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of others through prayer, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The prophet Amos, known for his messages of judgment and calls for repentance, also exemplifies the role of an intercessor for Israel. His intercessory actions are pivotal in understanding the relationship between God and His people, as well as the power of prayer in seeking divine mercy.

Amos 7:1-6: The Visions of Locusts and Fire

In Amos 7, the prophet receives a series of visions depicting impending judgment upon Israel. The first vision involves a swarm of locusts that threatens to devour the land's harvest. Amos, witnessing the devastation, pleads with the Lord:

"When they had finished devouring the vegetation of the land, I said, 'Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?' So the LORD relented from this plan. 'It will not happen,' said the LORD." (Amos 7:2-3)

Amos's intercession highlights his deep concern for Israel and his belief in God's capacity for mercy. His plea is not based on Israel's merit but on their vulnerability and need for divine compassion. The Lord's response, relenting from the planned destruction, underscores the effectiveness of sincere intercession.

The second vision involves a consuming fire that threatens to destroy the land. Again, Amos intercedes:

"Then I said, 'Lord GOD, please stop! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?' So the LORD relented from this plan. 'It will not happen either,' said the Lord GOD." (Amos 7:5-6)

Here, Amos's intercession once more results in God relenting from executing judgment. The repetition of the plea and the Lord's response emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer and God's willingness to listen to His prophets.

Amos's Role as a Mediator

Amos's intercessory actions are significant in the broader narrative of the prophetic tradition. As a mediator, Amos stands between God and Israel, advocating for mercy despite the nation's persistent sinfulness. His intercession is rooted in a profound understanding of God's character—His justice, but also His readiness to forgive.

The instances of intercession in Amos's ministry serve as a reminder of the importance of prayerful advocacy for others. They illustrate the potential for divine intervention when God's people earnestly seek His favor on behalf of those in need. Amos's example encourages believers to engage in intercessory prayer, trusting in God's compassion and willingness to alter the course of events in response to heartfelt petitions.

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Amos 7:2-6
And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech you: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.
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Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... But the greatest part of the instances above mentioned ... of prophets, appears from
those additional words at ... bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm

Footnotes
... to that protestation; and that upon the additional reason that ... passed upon him for
a sermon on Amos 3:2 ... He will make intercession for us and reconcile us to God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... in saving them by his atonement, mediation, and intercession; and the ... to the Son,
"Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I ... This is manifest by two instances. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... give you out of this book many such instances, for it ... the Lord shall all the seed
of Israel be justified ... right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... no purpose (Romans 9:16). Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness,
have not obtained it (v 30). Here, I do not understand ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm