Amos 7:2

And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land, I said, "Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?"

Study Bible

And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land
This phrase describes a vision of devastation, where locusts consume all vegetation. Locust plagues were a common and feared disaster in the ancient Near East, often symbolizing divine judgment (Exodus 10:12-15). The imagery of locusts is used elsewhere in Scripture to depict destruction and judgment, such as in Joel 1:4. The complete consumption of green plants signifies total desolation, leaving the land barren and the people without sustenance.

I said, “Lord GOD, please forgive!
Amos, as a prophet, intercedes on behalf of Israel, pleading for God's mercy. This reflects the role of prophets as mediators between God and His people. The plea for forgiveness indicates recognition of sin and the need for divine grace. The use of "Lord GOD" emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of God, acknowledging His power to forgive and relent from sending calamity.

How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?”
"Jacob" refers to the nation of Israel, using the patriarch's name to evoke the covenant relationship between God and His people. The phrase "since he is so small" highlights Israel's vulnerability and weakness, emphasizing their inability to withstand such judgment without divine intervention. This plea underscores the theme of God's mercy and the hope for restoration despite Israel's shortcomings. The reference to Israel's smallness can also be seen as a call for compassion, as God often shows favor to the humble and lowly (Psalm 138:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to Israel. He is known for his boldness and directness in addressing the sins of the people.

2. Lord GOD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. In this passage, He is the one to whom Amos directs his intercession.

3. Jacob
A reference to the nation of Israel, descended from Jacob, the patriarch. Here, it symbolizes the people of Israel in their vulnerable state.

4. The Locusts
Represent a divine judgment sent by God to consume the land, symbolizing the impending devastation due to Israel's disobedience.

5. The Land
Refers to the land of Israel, which is under threat of destruction due to the people's sins and the subsequent divine judgment.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercession
Amos's prayer demonstrates the importance of interceding for others, especially when they are facing judgment. Believers are called to stand in the gap for those who are spiritually vulnerable.

Recognizing Our Smallness
Amos acknowledges Israel's smallness and vulnerability, reminding us of our dependence on God's mercy. We must recognize our limitations and seek God's strength and forgiveness.

God's Willingness to Forgive
Despite the severity of the judgment, Amos appeals to God's forgiving nature. This teaches us that no matter how dire the situation, God's mercy is always available to those who repent.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The impending destruction by locusts serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It is a call to live in obedience and faithfulness to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amos's intercession for Israel challenge us to pray for our communities and nations today?

2. In what ways can recognizing our "smallness" before God lead to a deeper reliance on His strength and mercy?

3. How do the locusts in Amos 7:2 serve as a metaphor for the consequences of sin in our lives?

4. What can we learn from Amos about the balance between acknowledging God's judgment and appealing to His mercy?

5. How can we apply the concept of intercessory prayer in our daily lives, especially for those who are spiritually lost or struggling?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 10
The plague of locusts in Egypt serves as a historical parallel, illustrating God's power to use natural phenomena as instruments of judgment.

Joel 1
The prophet Joel also speaks of locusts as a symbol of judgment, calling the people to repentance and highlighting God's willingness to relent.

Psalm 130
This psalm emphasizes God's forgiveness and mercy, echoing Amos's plea for forgiveness and the hope for divine intervention.

James 5:16
The power of intercessory prayer is highlighted, showing the effectiveness of righteous individuals praying for others, as Amos does for Israel.