Old Testament
Amos 7:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they had finished eating the grass of the land, I cried out, "O Lord GOD, please forgive! How can Jacob rise? He is so small!"
Compare translations
And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.
What Amos 7:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Amos sees a vision of devastation affecting the land, where the grass has been eaten away. He pleads with God, asking for forgiveness for the people of Israel, represented by Jacob. Amos feels a deep concern for their future, recognizing their vulnerability and smallness in the face of overwhelming challenges. His cry reflects a heartfelt desire for mercy, showing that he understands the dire situation they are in. The imagery of the land being stripped bare symbolizes the consequences of their actions and the need for divine intervention. Amos's plea highlights the importance of compassion and the hope for restoration, even when circumstances seem bleak. This moment captures the essence of intercession, where one stands in the gap for others, seeking grace and understanding from God. It reminds us that even in our weakness, we can turn to a higher power for help and guidance, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on divine mercy.
How to apply Amos 7:2 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges, remember that it's okay to ask for help. Just like Amos, we can intercede for ourselves and others, seeking forgiveness and support. This encourages us to be compassionate and to rely on a higher power for strength and guidance in tough times. Stay humble and hopeful, knowing that mercy is always available to us when we ask sincerely.
Curated for this public verse page. Amos Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Amos 7:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Amos 7:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Amos
- Author
- Amos the prophet
- Written
- Around 760 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The northern kingdom of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Amos 7:2 mean?
Amos 7:2 depicts the prophet Amos pleading with God for forgiveness on behalf of Israel, represented by Jacob. He expresses concern for their vulnerability and the dire consequences of their actions, highlighting the need for divine mercy.
What is the significance of Jacob in Amos 7:2?
In Amos 7:2, Jacob symbolizes the people of Israel, emphasizing their smallness and vulnerability. Amos's plea for forgiveness reflects a deep concern for their future and the hope for restoration.
What does the grass of the land represent in Amos 7:2?
The grass of the land in Amos 7:2 represents the resources and sustenance of the people. Its devastation symbolizes the consequences of Israel's actions and the urgent need for God's intervention.
How does Amos show intercession in Amos 7:2?
In Amos 7:2, the prophet intercedes by crying out to God for forgiveness on behalf of Israel. His heartfelt plea illustrates the role of a mediator, seeking mercy for a vulnerable people facing overwhelming challenges.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.