-
The Demise of a NationThe Watchtower—1989 | April 1
-
-
Fear Jehovah, not opposers. The destruction of Israel could be brought about by a swarm of locusts or an all-consuming fire. Amos appealed to God in Israel’s behalf, and “Jehovah felt regret” over his judgment, so it was not carried out in this way. However, like a builder who checks the vertical plane of a wall with a plummet, Jehovah “shall no more do any further excusing” of Israel. (Amos 7:1-8) The nation must be desolated. Incensed by the prophet’s message, Amaziah, a priest of calf worship, falsely charges Amos with treason and orders him to ‘run to the land of Judah and no longer do any prophesying’ at Bethel. (Amos 7:12, 13) Does Amos cower? No! He fearlessly foretells the death of Amaziah and calamity for his family. As fruit is gathered at harvesttime, so it is time for Jehovah to make an accounting with Israel. There will be no escape.—Amos 7:1–8:14.
-
-
The Demise of a NationThe Watchtower—1989 | April 1
-
-
○ 7:1—“The mown grass of the king” most likely referred to the tax or tribute levied by the king to provide food for his animals and cavalry. The king’s tax was to be paid first, after which the people could get the “grass,” or vegetation, for their own use. But before they could do so, the locusts came and ate up this later planting.
-