8. plumb-line in . . . midst of . . .
Israel--No longer are the symbols, as in the former two, stated
generally; this one is expressly applied to Israel. God's
long-suffering is worn out by Israel's perversity: so Amos ceases to
intercede (compare
Ge 18:33).
The plummet line was used not only in building, but in destroying
houses
(2Ki 21:13;
Isa 28:17; 34:11;
La 2:8).
It denotes that God's judgments are measured out by the most exact
rules of justice. Here it is placed "in the midst" of Israel, that is,
the judgment is not to be confined to an outer part of Israel, as by
Tiglath-pileser; it is to reach the very center. This was fulfilled
when Shalmaneser, after a three years' siege of Samaria, took it and
carried away Israel captive finally to Assyria
(2Ki 17:3, 5, 6, 23).
not . . . pass by . . . any more--not forgive them any more
(Am 8:2;
Pr 19:11;
Mic 7:18).
JFB.
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