Summary of the Verse

This verse comes from the prophetic book of Amos, where the prophet receives divine visions that symbolize impending judgments against Israel. In this instance, Amos sees a vision of grasshoppers, which signify the devouring actions of locusts that threaten the agricultural produce of Israel.

Commentary Insights

Here, we summarize insights from various public domain commentaries:

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the agricultural significance of the vision. The grasshoppers represent the economic devastation that will result from the invasion, which portrays a figurative warning to the people of Israel.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes clarifies that the vision indicates a specific time, the "latter growth," which corresponds to the end of the harvest season. This signifies that the total destruction comes just before a critical harvest, making the loss even more acute.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses how the imagery of grasshoppers is an allegory for both divine judgment and the swift execution of God’s plans against Israel’s prosperity. The locusts can be related to both physical and spiritual destruction, marking a time of significant consequence for the nation.

Bible Cross References

Amos 7:1 connects to several other verses throughout Scripture that illustrate similar themes of judgment and agricultural distress:

• Joel 1:4: "That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten." This highlights the devastation through successive judgments.
• Exodus 10:4-5: Discuss the plague of locusts upon Egypt, serving as a historical precedent of divine judgment through natural disasters.
• Deuteronomy 28:38: "Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it." This illustrates consequences of disobedience.
• Matthew 6:26: "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them." This contrasts human worry with God's provision despite calamity.
• Jeremiah 51:14: "The Lord of hosts hath sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillars; and they shall lift up a shout against thee." This reinforces the idea of inevitable judgment.
• Revelation 9:3: "And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth; and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power." This ties the imagery of locusts to apocalyptic themes.
• Psalm 105:34: "He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number." This reflects God's sovereignty over natural events.

Thematic Connections

The passages linked through themes of judgment, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of national sin highlight the overall message of accountability before God. These connections deepen the understanding of Amos's prophetic warnings and God's overarching plan for Israel.

Conclusion

Amos 7:1 captures a critical moment of prophetic revelation that reflects the seriousness of Israel's situation and God's impending judgment. The verse's agricultural imagery serves not only as a warning but also as a call for repentance. By exploring cross-references, one can observe a rich tapestry of divine messaging throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to God’s commandments.

Further Study Tools

For those interested in delving deeper, consider the following tools for Bible cross-referencing:

• Bible concordance for locating related verses.
• Bible cross-reference guide for thematic studies.
• Cross-reference Bible study techniques to enhance understanding.
• Resources for identifying connections between Old and New Testament passages.