Amos 7 3

Amos 7:3 kjv

The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD.

Amos 7:3 nkjv

So the LORD relented concerning this. "It shall not be," said the LORD.

Amos 7:3 niv

So the LORD relented. "This will not happen," the LORD said.

Amos 7:3 esv

The LORD relented concerning this: "It shall not be," said the LORD.

Amos 7:3 nlt

So the LORD relented from this plan. "I will not do it," he said.

Amos 7 verses

Amos 7 3 Meaning

The LORD relented, signifying a change of heart or a withdrawal of a pronouncement. The reason for this relenting was Israel's repentance, specifically concerning the specific disaster or judgment that was being threatened. This act of divine mercy is conditional on human response.

Amos 7 3 Context

Amos 7 details a series of visions that God gave to the prophet Amos concerning impending judgments upon Israel. In chapter 7, Amos first witnesses visions of locusts and fire, both indicating destruction. After the locusts are miraculously removed and the fire is extinguished by divine intervention, God pronounces a severe judgment using a plumb line, signifying that Israel has deviated from God's standards and will be punished. However, Amos intercedes, questioning how the "house of Jacob" could stand when it is so small. In the verse in question, the LORD, in response to Amos' intercession and likely on behalf of a penitent people, "relents." This indicates that the severe judgment threatened by the plumb line was averted due to a shift in God's decree, prompted by the prophet's plea and an implicit response from Israel. This occurs before Amos' confrontation with Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, which sets the stage for further conflict. The historical context is during the prosperous but spiritually corrupt reign of Jeroboam II, when Israel experienced outward peace but inner decay and social injustice, which Amos strongly condemned.

Amos 7 3 Word Analysis

• וְנִחַם (ve·ni·cham): This is the crucial verb. From the root נחם (nacham), meaning "to be sorry," "to repent," "to comfort," or "to relent." In the passive Niphal conjugation here, it means "He was relented" or "He relented." It describes a change of mind or intention on God's part, often in response to prayer or repentance. It doesn't imply God made a mistake, but rather that His judgment, which was decreed, is not carried out due to altered circumstances, namely the people's response.

• יְהוָה (YHWH): The Tetragrammaton, the covenant name of God, often translated as LORD (in all caps). Its use here emphasizes God's personal involvement and relationship with Israel.

• עַל־זֹ֛את (al-zot): "concerning this," or "for this." It refers back to the specific judgment that was declared by God, likely the one signified by the plumb line in the previous vision (Amos 7:8).

• הִנֵּה (hinneh): "Behold" or "Look." A particle of attention-getting, directing the reader's focus to the following statement.

• יָכָ֑ל (yakal): "to be able," "to prevail." Refers to the continuation or execution of the judgment.

• ק֥ו (qav): "line" or "cord." Specifically refers to the plumb line used for measuring. In this context, it's the plumb line of judgment set against Israel's spiritual state.

• יַעֲמֹ֣ד (ya'amod): "to stand" or "to endure."

• The structure of the preceding visions and pronouncements: The locusts (v. 1-3) and fire (v. 4-6) were averted by Amos' prayer. The plumb line (v. 7-9) is the ultimate decree of judgment. The LORD's relenting signifies a merciful pause or cancellation of the most severe judgment (represented by the plumb line's application).

• The prophetic dialogue between Amos and God: Amos acts as an intercessor, similar to Abraham pleading for Sodom or Moses for Israel. This demonstrates the interactive nature of God's dealings with humanity through His prophets.

• The conditional nature of prophecy: God's pronouncements of judgment are not always absolute, especially when repentance is involved. This verse shows the immediate effect of prophetic intercession.

Amos 7 3 Bonus Section

The concept of God "relenting" is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, illustrating His responsive nature to human sin and repentance. It showcases God's goodness in holding back judgment when the conditions for it are removed. This refrain of God relenting due to repentance is also seen in other prophets, particularly Joel (Joel 2:13-14) and Jonah (Jonah 3:10). The significance of the plumb line in the previous verses serves as a stark visual of God's perfect measurement of justice. The relenting here means that while the particular judgment visualized by the plumb line is averted, the broader message of God’s judgment on unrepentant sin, which Amos faithfully proclaimed, remains. It does not nullify God’s standards or the consequences of continued rebellion.

Amos 7 3 Commentary

Amos 7:3 reveals God's sovereign mercy. After proclaiming a severe judgment, symbolized by the plumb line confirming Israel’s deviation from His righteous standards, the LORD changes His decree. This "relenting" is not capricious; it stems from God’s merciful heart and His responsiveness to His prophet’s intercession and an implied turning of the people. It underscores the theological concept that divine judgment can be averted by genuine repentance and the prayers of the righteous. The threat of total annihilation, represented by the plumb line being set against Israel, is withdrawn because God chooses not to execute the full extent of the promised destruction. This instance highlights God's character as both a judge of sin and a merciful Father willing to forgive.