Thus the Lord God showed me, and behold, He was forming a locust-swarm when the spring crop began to sprout. And behold, the spring crop was after the king’s mowing.

Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground when there is no bait in it?
Does a trap spring up from the ground when it has caught nothing at all? [Of course not! So it is that Israel has earned her impending judgment.]

As for the multitude of your wickednesses and your stout sins, I know them right well. Enemies are ye of the righteous; ye take rewards; ye oppress the poor in judgment.

Well, take heed, O ye house of Israel,' sayeth the LORD God of hosts. 'I will bring a people upon you, which shall trouble you: from the way that goeth toward Hamath, unto the brook in the meadow.'"

So the LORD was gracious therein, and the LORD said, "Well, it shall not be."

So the LORD was merciful therein, and the LORD God said, "Well, it shall not be."

And Amaziah said unto Amos, "Get thee hence, thou that canst see so well, and flee into the land of Judah. Get thee there thy living, and prophesy there: