Amos 8:1

CHAPTER VIII

This chapter begins with a fourth vision denoting the certainty

and nearness of the destruction of Israel, 1-3.

The prophet then proceeds to reprove their oppression and

injustice, 4-7.

Strong and beautiful figures, by which is represented the

complete dissolution of the Israelitish polity, 8-10.

The people threatened with a most awful judgment; a FAMINE of

the word of God, 11-14.

NOTES ON CHAP. VIII

Verse Amos 8:1. A basket of summer fruit.] As summer fruit was not proper for preserving, but must be eaten as soon as gathered, so the Lord intimates by this symbol that the kingdom of Israel was now ripe for destruction, and that punishment must descend upon it without delay. Some think the prophet means the fruits at the end of autumn. And as after the autumn no fruit could be expected, so Israel's summer is gone by, her autumn is ended, and she shall yield no more fruit. Or, the autumn of her iniquity is come; the measure is filled up, and now she shall gather the fruit of her sin in the abundance of her punishment.