Amos 7 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

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.

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

Repented — This is spoken after the manner of men.

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

By a plumb — line — Strongly and beautifully built.

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.

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

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.

Jeroboam shall die — He nowhere said so, but spake of his house distinguished from his person, as Amos 7:9.

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

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.

The house of Isaac — The posterity of Isaac.

In a polluted land — Among the Heathen. Israel — The ten tribes.