Amos 9:1-15
Q.1. Why is it impossible for Israel to escape God’s judgment? Whom will God single out for destruction? Will anyone be spared? – (Am.9:1-10)
God used graphic pictures to declare that His judgment is impossible to avoid, and that none will escape – “Though they dig into Sheol, from there will My hand take them; And though they ascend to heaven, from there will I bring them down (Am.9:2). There is no sea or mountain where they can hide (Am.9:3-4). This is so, because God has no equals – The One who builds His upper chambers in the heavens and has founded His vaulted dome over the earth, He who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the face of the earth, the Lord is His name (Am.9:6). God was against Israel – “Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth … (Am.9:8). Nonetheless, in an astounding prophecy, God promised that a remnant will be spared this destruction – Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob,” Declares the Lord (Am.9:8).
Q.2. What will God do for the remnant He will spare? When will this happen? Who will join Israel in this restoration? Has this promise ever been fulfilled? – (Am.9:8-15)
He went on to promise a future for Israel – 13 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord … 14 “Also I will restore the captivity of My people Israel, and they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them; They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine and make gardens and eat their fruit. 15 “I will also plant them on their land, and they will not again be rooted out from their land which I have given them,” says the Lord your God (Am.9:13-15). But this blessing will be extended even further to – … all the nations who are called by My name,” declares the Lord who does this (Am.9:12 c.f. Acts 15:15-18). Note: James translated this passage of Scripture about the Millennial Reign of Christ from Amos 9:11-12, at the Jerusalem Council ratified by the apostles.