Amos 7:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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 thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As the locusts finish devouring the land, Amos pleads with God to forgive, for Jacob is too small to survive.
What Does Amos 7:2 Mean?
When the locusts have eaten everything green, Amos does not stand by silently. He intercedes: "O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee." The prophet who has been sent to announce judgment now throws himself between that judgment and the people, begging for mercy. His heart is not hardened against those he must rebuke.
His argument is touching in its humility: "by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small." He pleads not Israel's righteousness, for there is none to plead, but Israel's weakness. Left to itself, the nation cannot recover; it is small, fragile, unable to stand. Amos appeals to the only thing that can save such a people -- the compassion of God toward the helpless. Here the prophet stands in a long line of those who intercede for the guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 7:2
What does Amos 7:2 mean?
As the locusts finish devouring the land, Amos pleads with God to forgive, for Jacob is too small to survive.