7:7 he showed me. This and the fourth vision (8:1–3) have the same structure: (a) the Lord gives the vision; (b) the Lord questions Amos; (c) Amos replies; (d) the Lord explains and judges. Similarly structured visionary experiences are recorded at Jer. 1:11, 12, 13–16.

a wall built with a plumb line. Most interpret this image to portray Israel being judged to see if they measured up to God’s standard. Others, following another analysis of the words (the word translated “plumb” resembles the Accadian word for “tin”), render this “a wall of tin.” The same “wall” symbolism in Egyptian literature stands for military capability (cf. “wall of bronze,” Jer. 15:20; and “iron wall,” Ezek. 4:3). The use of an Accadian (Assyrian) word for the metal indicates the source of the military power that the Lord will use to judge Israel.

with a plumb line in his hand. See note above. Many interpret this phrase as a reference to God’s covenant law, His standard of judgment. Others render this phrase “with tin in his hand,” a probable reference to Assyrian power, anticipating that He will put “tin” (i.e., Assyrian power) in the midst of His people (v. 8).