Topical Bible: Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line

Bible > Topical > Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line

◄ Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line is a significant prophetic revelation found in the Book of Amos, specifically in Amos 7:7-9. This vision is one of several that the prophet Amos received from God, and it serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the standard of righteousness that God holds for His people, Israel.

Context and Background

Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, was called by God to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (circa 793-753 BC). The period was marked by economic prosperity and political stability, yet it was also a time of moral decay, social injustice, and religious idolatry. Amos's prophecies were directed against the complacency and corruption of Israel, calling the nation to repentance and warning of impending judgment.

The Vision

In Amos 7:7-9, the prophet describes the vision as follows:

"This is what He showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand. 'Amos, what do you see?' asked the Lord. 'A plumb line,' I replied. Then the Lord said, 'Behold, I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them: the high places of Isaac will be deserted, and the sanctuaries of Israel will be laid waste, and I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with My sword.'"

Symbolism of the Plumb-Line

The plumb-line is a tool used by builders to ensure that structures are vertically straight and true. In this vision, the plumb-line symbolizes God's perfect standard of righteousness and justice. By setting a plumb-line among His people, God is measuring Israel against His divine standard. The imagery suggests that Israel is found wanting, as their moral and spiritual state does not align with God's expectations.

Implications of the Vision

The vision indicates that God will no longer overlook the sins of Israel. The reference to the "high places of Isaac" and the "sanctuaries of Israel" highlights the religious corruption and idolatry prevalent in the land. These places, once intended for worship, had become centers of false religion and apostasy. The mention of the "house of Jeroboam" signifies the impending downfall of the ruling dynasty due to its failure to lead the nation in accordance with God's laws.

Theological Significance

The Vision of the Plumb-Line underscores the theme of divine justice and the necessity of aligning with God's standards. It serves as a reminder that God is not indifferent to sin and that His patience has limits. The vision calls believers to self-examination, urging them to measure their lives against the plumb-line of God's Word and to pursue righteousness and justice.

Relevance for Today

For contemporary readers, the Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line is a call to uphold God's standards in personal and communal life. It challenges individuals and societies to reflect on their spiritual condition and to seek alignment with God's will. The vision also serves as a warning against complacency and the dangers of departing from the truth, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and integrity in the eyes of the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Amos 7:7,8
Thus he showed me: and, behold, the LORD stood on a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Perfection to be Sought.
... The prophet Amos was one day shown a vision. "Behold, the Lord stood upon
a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in His hand. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlix perfection to be sought.htm

Amos
... 1-6, the vision of the plumbline, symbolical of ... end, viii.1-3, and the vision of
the ... supercilious courtier-priest of Bethel, and Amos's fearless reiteration of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/amos.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... ver.13-15); of the removal of household stuff (Ezek.12:3-7 compared with ver.8-12);
of the plumb-line (Amos 7:7 ... The prophet Amos has a vision of grasshoppers ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... from the standing-point of his inward vision, here speaks ... And,"what is completely
analogous,"in Amos 7:1-3 ... a fire, and in ver.7, under that of a plumb-line. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm