Amos 7:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the LORD, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God asks Amos what he sees, then declares He will set a plumbline among His people and pass by them no more.
What Does Amos 7:8 Mean?
God draws Amos into the vision with a question: "Amos, what seest thou?" The prophet answers simply, "A plumbline." Then comes the meaning: "Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel." The standard is no longer held off to the side; it is placed right among them, so that their crookedness is measured where they live.
"I will not again pass by them any more" marks a solemn shift. Twice God passed by, withholding judgment at the prophet's plea. Now the time for passing by has ended. This is not cruelty but the natural end of long patience meeting persistent refusal. When a people will not be straightened, the plumbline simply records the truth, and the truth here is that Israel has leaned too far. Mercy has had its season; now the honest measure must stand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 7:8
What does Amos 7:8 mean?
God asks Amos what he sees, then declares He will set a plumbline among His people and pass by them no more.