Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Amos 7:1
amo 7:1
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.
Amos 7:2
amo 7:2
It came to pass - In the vision. By whom - How shall any of Jacob escape, if thou dost cast him down?
Amos 7:3
amo 7:3
Repented - This is spoken after the manner of men.
Amos 7:4
amo 7:4
Shewed - In vision. Called - Commanded fire from heaven. A part - Of the land too.
Amos 7:7
amo 7:7
By a plumb - line - Strongly and beautifully built.
Amos 7:8
amo 7:8
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.
Amos 7:9
amo 7:9
The high places - The temples on high mountains built to idols. Of Isaac - The seed of Isaac.
Amos 7:10
amo 7:10
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.
Amos 7:11
amo 7:11
Jeroboam shall die - He nowhere said so, but spake of his house distinguished from his person, as Amo 7:9.
Amos 7:13
amo 7:13
The king's court - To which therefore thou oughtest to shew more respect, and not thus to affront the king in his own house.
Amos 7:14
amo 7:14
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.
Amos 7:16
amo 7:16
The house of Isaac - The posterity of Isaac.
Amos 7:17
amo 7:17
In a polluted land - Among the Heathen. Israel - The ten tribes.