VII Threatened judgments turned aside by the prayer of Amos, ver. 1-6. Yet at length they are sentenced to utter ruin, ver. 7-9. Amaziah accuses Amos, ver. 10-13. Amos justifies himself and denounces the judgment of God against Amaziah, ver. 14-17.

1. Thus - This is the first of five prophetic representations of what was coming upon this people. The latter growth - The shooting up of the first growth being too luxuriant, they often eat it down with cattle; but if the second growth were eat up, it marred the whole harvest. Mowed - It is supposed the first mowing of the corn in the blade was for the king's use; and after this the second springing grew up to the harvest.

2. It came to pass - In the vision. By whom - How shall any of Jacob escape, if thou dost cast him down?

3. Repented - This is spoken after the manner of men.

4. Shewed - In vision. Called - Commanded fire from heaven. A part - Of the land too.

7. By a plumb-line - Strongly and beautifully built.

8. Set a plumb-line - I will exactly measure the whole ten tribes. Pass by them - I will no more forbear, but will pull down all that is faulty.

9. The high places - The temples on high mountains built to idols. Of Isaac - The seed of Isaac.

10. In the midst - Openly, and publickly, endeavouring to stir up Israel to sedition or rebellion. The land - The people cannot bear all his harsh predictions.

11. Jeroboam shall die - He nowhere said so, but spake of his house distinguished from his person, as ver. 9.

13. The king's court - To which therefore thou oughtest to shew more respect, and not thus to affront the king in his own house.

14. No prophet - Not originally, or by study, or by any human designation. An herdman - By breeding and occupation I was and still am, an herdman. Sycamore fruit - This fruit was good food for man, or cattle.

16. The house of Isaac - The posterity of Isaac.