The term "plumbline" appears in the Bible as a metaphorical tool used by God to measure the righteousness and faithfulness of His people. It is a construction tool used to ensure that structures are vertically true, symbolizing divine standards of justice and moral integrity.

Biblical References:

1. Amos 7:7-8 : "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. 'Behold,' said the Lord, 'I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them.'"

In this passage, the prophet Amos receives a vision from God, where the plumbline represents God's standard of judgment. The imagery of the plumbline signifies that God is assessing Israel's faithfulness to His covenant. The use of the plumbline indicates that God will no longer overlook their transgressions, and judgment is imminent. This serves as a warning to the Israelites to return to righteousness and justice.

2. Isaiah 28:17 : "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place."

Here, the plumbline is used metaphorically to describe God's establishment of justice and righteousness as the standards by which He will judge His people. The imagery suggests that anything not aligned with these divine standards will be destroyed, emphasizing the importance of living according to God's laws.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The plumbline symbolizes God's unwavering standards of truth and morality. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate judge, and His standards are absolute. The use of a plumbline in these prophetic texts underscores the necessity for God's people to align their lives with His commandments and to maintain spiritual integrity.

In a broader theological context, the plumbline represents the idea that God's laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in His holy and unchanging nature. It calls believers to self-examination and repentance, urging them to measure their lives against the divine standard.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient construction, a plumbline was an essential tool for builders to ensure that walls were perfectly vertical. This practical application provides a vivid illustration of how God measures the spiritual "construction" of His people. Just as a builder would not tolerate a crooked wall, God does not tolerate deviation from His righteous standards.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the concept of the plumbline serves as a call to uphold God's standards in all aspects of life. It challenges Christians to evaluate their actions, thoughts, and intentions against the teachings of Scripture. The plumbline encourages a life of integrity, justice, and faithfulness, reflecting the character of God in a world that often strays from His truth.PLUMB-LINE; PLUMMET

plum'-lin, plum'-et, plum'-it.

See TOOLS.

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. ... And I said, A plumbline. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlix perfection to be sought.htm

Amos
... (c) Then follow visions of destruction from locusts and drought, vii.1-6, the vision
of the plumbline, symbolical of the straightness to which Israel has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/amos.htm

The Value of this Doctrine
... unity. It is the plumbline by which every creed needs to be measured, the
balance in which every human dogma must be weighed. It ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter twelve the value of.htm

The Trinity
... The Trinity is purely an object of faith; the plumbline of reason is too short to
fathom this mystery; but where reason cannot wade, there faith may swim. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/12 the trinity.htm

Plumbline (2 Occurrences)
...Plumbline (2 Occurrences). Amos 7:7 Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the LORD stood
upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. (KJV JPS). ...
/p/plumbline.htm - 7k

Plumb (6 Occurrences)

/p/plumb.htm - 9k

Seest (52 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Amos 7:8 And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest
thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the LORD, Behold ...
/s/seest.htm - 23k

Plumb-line (2 Occurrences)
Plumb-line. Plumbline, Plumb-line. Plummet . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PLUMB-LINE; PLUMMET. ... Plumbline, Plumb-line. Plummet . Reference Bible.
/p/plumb-line.htm - 7k

Shewed (105 Occurrences)
... (KJV YLT). Amos 7:7 Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the LORD stood upon a wall made
by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. (KJV YLT). Continued... ...
/s/shewed.htm - 36k

What is a plumb line in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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