"Those who resemble and imitate others in their sins must expect to fare as they fared." - Matthew Henry Commentary
What exactly is a "plumbline"?
It is a string with a lead weight attached to one end that is used by masons, brick layers, and carpenters to establish a vertical or perpendicular line so that a wall can be built straight. As indicated, it is a figure associated with building but can also be employed as a measure of destruction.
In Zechariah 4:10, we read - "For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
In this particular verse, the "plumbline" designated something good. The "plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel" indicated that work was going forward on the rebuilding of the temple. He was the master builder - following the directions and instructions of the Grand Architect - God. He was busy among the builders - taking care that everything was done with great exactness.
However, as we "comb through" the Scriptures, we find other references to the "plumbline" which are not as positive.
In 2 Kings 21:12-13, we read - "Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab..."
Again, in Isaiah 28:17, we find another reference using the same thought - "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet..."
Here we see that the very measure that was used in building would now be used in determining destruction.
"...And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab..." - The "line" and the "plummet" were symbols of rule or law. Divine justice and righteousness governed the entire building project. The edifice had to be just and true in order to stand. Rather than injustice and iniquity, "judgment" and "righteousness" were the standards by which everything was tested.
God's righteousness measured "Samaria" and "the house of Ahab" and found them "fit" for His fiery wrath and judgment. In other words, they had "fallen short" of His holy standard and were marked for ruin.
Because Jerusalem followed in Israel's footsteps - in their gross idolatry and wickedness - it, too, faced the same plight - being pillaged, ruined, taken into captivity by an enemy nation, and finally destroyed.
In Amos 7:7-8, we read how the Lord - in a fixed posture of firmness and determination - stood over or beside "a wall of plumbline" - "Thus He showed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in His hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of My people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more."
Here we have the Lord standing over a "wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in His hand." That strong "wall" was Israel. God - as the Master Architect - made them upright and very exact and firm - using an undeviating rule of right - His Holy Law. But He stood over them with the same measurement that was used to build them as a nation - only now to test their vertical trueness - to see if they were lining up to their privileges and duties to Him.
The sad commentary is that their observance of the Law became very crooked. Due to their sin and compromise, they were a bowing and bulging wall. According to the exact rules of justice, they were found "wanting" - fit for destruction.
Although - in the past - God heard the cries of the Prophet for mercy for His people - this time He determined that He would visit them according to their iniquities - that is, with no mixture of mercy. His longsuffering was worn out by their continual perversity. Amos was not allowed to intercede. The judgment would be executed as predicted - "...Then said the LORD, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of My people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more."
As we look upon the nation of America, we cannot help but see her similarities to Israel.
She, too, has been built as a strong "wall" or defense for the nations of the world. God built her - using His "line" of "judgment" and "plummet" of "righteousness."
However, just like Israel, she has become a crooked, bowing, bulging, and tottering wall - due to her gross perversities and idolatries.
As of yet, God has not stopped the intercessors from praying for this great nation. Nor has He shown the prophets a vision of Himself "setting a plumbline" in her midst. If and when He does, we are in great trouble - for judgment is soon to follow.
God is still giving us all - the inhabitants of the earth - from whatever nations across the globe - a "space to repent" and get right with Him.
If there was ever a time to pray and intercede for Revival, it is now!
What is the condition of your "wall" today? Is it strong - standing firm and secure? Or is it crooked, bulging, and bowing - due to the weight of sin and compromise?
The Lord Jesus has not yet revealed Himself as the One with the "plumbline." Nonetheless, He is coming to judge every "wall" that He has built. That "wall" may be your nation, church, ministry, family, or individual life.
Woe to the "wall" that doesn't fit His Holy Standard when He comes!
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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