Bible Commentaries

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.