Bible Commentary

Amos 8

Amos 8 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

Sinful times are here attended with sorrowful times, so necessary is the connexion between them; it is threatened here again and again that the laughter shall be turned into mourning. I. By the vision of "basket of summer-fruit" is signified the hastening on of the ruin threatened (ver. 1-3) and that shall change their note. II. Oppressors are here called to an account for their abusing the poor; and their destruction is foretold, which will set them a mourning, ver. 4-10. III. A famine of the word of God is here made the punishment of a people that go a whoring after other gods (ver. 11-14); yet for this, which is the most mournful judgment of all, they are not here brought in mourning.

The Vision of Summer Fruit. (b. c. 785.)

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Amos 8 — OverviewAmos 8 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeAmos 8:1, By a basket of summer fruit is shown the approach of Israel’s end; Amos 8:4, Oppression is reproved; Amos 8:11, A famine of the word of God threatened.Amos 8 — OverviewAmos 8 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter a fourth vision is delivered, the vision of a "basket of summer fruit"; signifying the destruction of the ten tribes, for which they were ripe, and which would quickly come upon them, Am 8:1; the rich…Amos 8:1-3Amos 8:1-3 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe great reason why sinners defer their repentance de die in diem--from day to day, is because they think God thus defers his judgments, and there is no song wherewith they so effectually sing themselves…Amos 8:1Amos 8:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryA basket of summer fruit; Septuagint, ἄγγος ἰξευτοῦ, "a fowler's vessel;" Vulgate, uncinus pomorum, which Jerome explains," Sicut uncino rami arborum detrahuntur ad poma carpenda, ita ego proximum captivitatis…Amos 8:1Amos 8:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryRipeness in iniquity. The figure here employed by Amos comes very naturally from him who had been a gatherer of the fruit of the sycomore tree. But at the same time, it is somewhat of a shock to the reader of this…Amos 8:1-3Amos 8:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryA nation ripe for ruin. While immunity lasts iniquity will go on. Men only love it less than they fear suffering. In the actual presence of the penalty the hand of the transgressor is stayed. The murderer will not…