King James Version
What Does Amos 7:4 Mean?
“Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.”
Context
2
And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. by: or, who of (or, for,) Jacob shall stand?
3
The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD.
4
Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.
5
Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. by: or, who of (or, for,) Jacob shall stand?
6
The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Fire.**—The poetical description of a yet more terrible calamity. God announces His intention of judging, *i.e.,* punishing by fire (the word in E.V., “contend,” is to be understood in this sense). For “a portion” read *the portion.* The image is that of a prairie fire, that should eat up the later grass spared by the locusts. The consuming of the “great deep” is a strong hyperbole, and can scarcely refer to the “heathen world,” as Keil maintains. The meaning rather appears to be that not only the solitary remnant of pasture, but the deepest springs of moisture, will be scorched up in the blaze. The same word for “deep” (*tehôm*) is used in Genesis 1:2, Gen_7:11, Gen_8:2. (Comp. the Assyrian *tihamtu.*)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Amos. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Amos 7:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Amos 7:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge