Amo 7 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-9 God bears long, but he will not bear always with a provoking people. The remembrance of the mercies we formerly received, like the produce of the earth of the former growth, should make us submissive to the will of God, when we meet with disappointments in the latter growth. The Lord has many ways of humbling a sinful nation. Whatever trouble we are under, we should be most earnest with God for the forgiveness of sin. Sin will soon make a great people small. What will become of Israel, if the hand that should raise him be stretched out against him? See the power of prayer. See what a blessing praying people are to a land. See how ready, how swift God is to show mercy; how he waits to be gracious. Israel was a wall, a strong wall, which God himself reared as a defence to his sanctuary. The Lord now seems to stand upon this wall. He measures it; it appears to be a bowing, bulging wall. Thus God would bring the people of Israel to the trial, would discover their wickedness; and the time will come, when those who have been spared often, shall be spared no longer. But the Lord still calls Israel his people. The repeated prayer and success of the prophet should lead us to seek the Saviour.

‏ Amos 7

* Visions of judgments to come upon Israel. (1-9) Amaziah

threatens Amos. (10-17)

1-9 God bears long, but he will not bear always with a

provoking people. The remembrance of the mercies we formerly

received, like the produce of the earth of the former growth,

should make us submissive to the will of God, when we meet with

disappointments in the latter growth. The Lord has many ways of

humbling a sinful nation. Whatever trouble we are under, we

should be most earnest with God for the forgiveness of sin. Sin

will soon make a great people small. What will become of Israel,

if the hand that should raise him be stretched out against him?

See the power of prayer. See what a blessing praying people are

to a land. See how ready, how swift God is to show mercy; how he

waits to be gracious. Israel was a wall, a strong wall, which

God himself reared as a defence to his sanctuary. The Lord now

seems to stand upon this wall. He measures it; it appears to be

a bowing, bulging wall. Thus God would bring the people of

Israel to the trial, would discover their wickedness; and the

time will come, when those who have been spared often, shall be

spared no longer. But the Lord still calls Israel his people.

The repeated prayer and success of the prophet should lead us to

seek the Saviour. 10-17 It is no new thing for the accusers of the brethren, to

misrepresent them as enemies to the king and kingdom, as

traitors to their prince, and troublers of the land, when they

are the best friends to both. Those who make gain their

godliness, and are governed by the hopes of wealth and

preferment, are ready to think these the most powerful motives

with others also. But those who have a warrant from God, like

Amos, ought not to fear the face of man. If God, that sent him,

had not strengthened him, he could not thus have set his face as

a flint. The Lord often chooses the weak and foolish things of

the world to confound the wise and mighty. But no fervent

prayers, or self-denying labours, can bring proud sinners to

bear faithful reproofs and warnings. And all who oppose or

despise the Divine word, must expect fatal effects to their

souls, unless they repent.