April 24, 2026
April 24
The Plumb Line
[ READ ] Amos 7–9
The Restoration of Israel
11 “In that day I will raise up
the booth of David that is fallen
and repair its breaches,
and raise up its ruins
and rebuild it as in the days of old,
12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations who are called by my name,”
declares the Lord who does this.
Amos 9:11-12
11 “In that day I will raise up
the booth of David that is fallen
and repair its breaches,
and raise up its ruins
and rebuild it as in the days of old,
12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations who are called by my name,”
declares the Lord who does this.
Amos 9:11-12
Today, we close out our look at the Book of Amos by examining the last three chapters, Amos 7-9. In Chapter 7, the Lord shows the coming judgement of the nation of Israel to Amos by revealing a series of visions to him. However, after each of the first two “warning visions” (swarming locusts and unquenchable fire), Amos prays for the Lord to forgive and to cease from carrying out His just wrath on the people and the Lord relents. But in the third vision, Amos sees the Lord Himself holding a plumb line in His hand, showing Amos the “crookedness” of the people, especially that of King Jeroboam II. The Lord declares that His judgement will be held back no longer and Israel will be laid to waste and the people led into exile. Amos shares this word from the Lord to Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, who wants no part of this message and demands Amos leave Israel.
In Chapter 8, Amos is shown another vision; that of a ripe bowl of summer fruit, signifying the “readiness” of Israel to receive God’s judgement for their sinful ways, which included worshipping other gods and living extravagantly while neglecting and taking advantage of the poor.
A final vision of judgement is revealed in the beginning of chapter 9, where the Lord is seen standing at the altar in Bethel, the center of Israel’s idolatrous worship. He makes clear that His judgement of the nation is inescapable and that the people will be scattered into exile. However, the book ends with God’s promise to restore His relationship with Israel, to permanently return them to their land, and to abundantly bless them. He further states this promise will be available to “all the Gentiles who are called by my name”, a prophecy fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Acts 15:6-18).
In Chapter 8, Amos is shown another vision; that of a ripe bowl of summer fruit, signifying the “readiness” of Israel to receive God’s judgement for their sinful ways, which included worshipping other gods and living extravagantly while neglecting and taking advantage of the poor.
A final vision of judgement is revealed in the beginning of chapter 9, where the Lord is seen standing at the altar in Bethel, the center of Israel’s idolatrous worship. He makes clear that His judgement of the nation is inescapable and that the people will be scattered into exile. However, the book ends with God’s promise to restore His relationship with Israel, to permanently return them to their land, and to abundantly bless them. He further states this promise will be available to “all the Gentiles who are called by my name”, a prophecy fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Acts 15:6-18).
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ In Chapter 7, twice the Lord holds back His judgement upon Israel after supplication offered by Amos. For a similar account, read Genesis 18 and Abraham interceding over the city of Sodom. What do you make of these encounters and what does it tell you about the character of God and the power of prayer?
+ What sins led God to release His judgement upon the people of Israel? What role did Israel’s leadership play in this? What is the “penalty” God promises to bring in Amos 8:11-14 and what do you think it means?
+ Reread Amos 9:1-10. Do you find God’s words harsh? How do you explain verses like these to unbelievers who say they want nothing to do with a “vengeful, wrathful God”?
+ In Chapter 7, twice the Lord holds back His judgement upon Israel after supplication offered by Amos. For a similar account, read Genesis 18 and Abraham interceding over the city of Sodom. What do you make of these encounters and what does it tell you about the character of God and the power of prayer?
+ What sins led God to release His judgement upon the people of Israel? What role did Israel’s leadership play in this? What is the “penalty” God promises to bring in Amos 8:11-14 and what do you think it means?
+ Reread Amos 9:1-10. Do you find God’s words harsh? How do you explain verses like these to unbelievers who say they want nothing to do with a “vengeful, wrathful God”?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Amos has been a very convicting book to read. According to one commentary, God brings harsh judgment on Israel for “rampant economic injustice, exploitation of the poor and insincere worship” offered to God. Let’s all examine our own lives to see if we are sinning in ways described in Amos 8, knowing forgiveness and restoration can be found as detailed in Amos 9! Praise the Lord for His long suffering love for His people!
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Amos has been a very convicting book to read. According to one commentary, God brings harsh judgment on Israel for “rampant economic injustice, exploitation of the poor and insincere worship” offered to God. Let’s all examine our own lives to see if we are sinning in ways described in Amos 8, knowing forgiveness and restoration can be found as detailed in Amos 9! Praise the Lord for His long suffering love for His people!
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Who in your circles of influence needs to hear about a holy God who loves enough to punish and correct His people but always with the goal of rebuilding and restoring them to blessing in abundance?
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Who in your circles of influence needs to hear about a holy God who loves enough to punish and correct His people but always with the goal of rebuilding and restoring them to blessing in abundance?
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