Definition: And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the book of Amos. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Amos is a prophet. He was a man who spoke for God about the future – things that were coming to happen. He sees a vision. In this verse, Amos sees a vision of a desolate landscape filled with “summer fruit.” “Summer” usually means abundance and plenty. "Fruit" represents good things - harvest, prosperity, and maybe even joy. God’s Warning: He then tells Amos, "I say, Amos, what do you see?" What it Means – A Bit More Depth: This verse is a warning from God about the future of Israel. Here's a breakdown of the key ideas: “The end is come upon my people of Israel” : This means that God has finally decided to take action against his people. It signifies a time of judgment and consequence. “I will not again pass by them any more” : This is the core of the warning. God is saying, "We are going to leave this place." He’s choosing to withdraw from Israel, meaning he won’t continue to watch or intervene in their lives. What it's about – A Sense of Distress & Hope: The image of Amos seeing a basket full of summer fruit is a powerful metaphor for something that will be lost. It suggests: Loss and Suffering: It implies a time of hardship, trouble, and perhaps even significant loss for the people of Israel. A Turning Point: It’s not just a simple ending; it’s a turning point where God is taking control of his people's destiny. Important Note: This verse doesn't tell us why this will happen. It simply states that it will . It’s a message about divine judgment and the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read?search=Amos+8%2C%202](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read?search=Amos+8%2C%202) Wikipedia - Amos 8: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_8) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like me to delve into a specific aspect of this verse? For example, are you interested in: The historical context of Amos’s message? The meaning of the "summer fruit" imagery?