Amos 9:12
that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name," declares the LORD, who will do this.
that they may possess
The phrase "that they may possess" in Amos 9:12 speaks to the divine intention and promise of inheritance. The Hebrew root word here is "yarash," which means to inherit, possess, or take possession. This concept of possession is deeply rooted in the covenantal promises God made to Israel, where land and blessing were central themes. Historically, the idea of possession was not merely about ownership but about stewardship under God's sovereignty. It reflects a future hope where God's people will reclaim what was lost or promised, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant.

the remnant of Edom
"Edom" refers to the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and historically, Edom was often in conflict with Israel. The mention of "the remnant of Edom" signifies a shift from enmity to inclusion. The Hebrew word for remnant, "she'erit," implies a surviving group that remains after judgment or calamity. This phrase prophetically points to a time when even those traditionally seen as enemies will be part of God's redemptive plan. It underscores the expansive nature of God's kingdom, where former adversaries are brought into the fold, highlighting the transformative power of God's grace.

and all the nations
The inclusion of "all the nations" broadens the scope of God's promise beyond Israel and Edom to encompass the entire world. The Hebrew term "goyim" is used here, which typically refers to non-Israelite peoples or Gentiles. This phrase anticipates the New Testament revelation of the Gospel reaching all nations, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). It reflects God's universal plan for salvation and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's love and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

called by My name
The phrase "called by My name" indicates a special relationship and identity bestowed by God. In Hebrew, the word "qara" means to call, proclaim, or name. Being called by God's name signifies ownership, protection, and a covenantal relationship. It implies that those who were once far off are now identified with God Himself, bearing His name and reflecting His character. This is a profound statement of belonging and transformation, where God's people are marked by His name, signifying their inclusion in His family and His divine purpose.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a powerful affirmation of divine authority and certainty. The Hebrew word "ne'um" is often used in prophetic literature to introduce a solemn pronouncement from God. It underscores the reliability and unchangeable nature of God's word. When the LORD declares something, it is as good as done, for His word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). This phrase assures the reader of the certainty of God's promises and His sovereign control over history, providing comfort and hope to those who trust in Him.

who will do this
The concluding phrase "who will do this" emphasizes God's active role in bringing His promises to fruition. The Hebrew verb "asah" means to do, make, or accomplish. It highlights God's omnipotence and His commitment to fulfill His word. This assurance that God Himself will accomplish what He has declared is a source of hope and encouragement. It reminds believers that God's plans are not dependent on human effort but on His divine power and faithfulness, reinforcing the trustworthiness of His promises and the certainty of His redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity and moral decay.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel, often opposing them.

3. The Remnant
Refers to a small, surviving group of people. In this context, it implies those who remain faithful or are left after judgment.

4. Nations that Bear My Name
This phrase indicates the inclusion of Gentiles who acknowledge and worship the God of Israel, expanding the covenant community beyond ethnic Israel.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Restoration
God is in control of history and will fulfill His promises to restore His people and expand His kingdom.

Inclusion of the Gentiles
The prophecy in Amos points to the inclusion of all nations in God's redemptive plan, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ.

Judgment and Hope
While Amos speaks of judgment, it also offers hope for restoration and expansion, reminding us of God's mercy and faithfulness.

The Importance of Bearing God's Name
As believers, we are called to bear God's name, living in a way that reflects His character and draws others to Him.

Faithfulness Amidst Prosperity
Like Israel, we must remain faithful to God even in times of prosperity, avoiding complacency and moral decay.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of Edom and the nations in Amos 9:12 challenge our understanding of God's plan for salvation?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, "bear God's name" in our daily lives and communities?

3. How does the prophecy in Amos 9:12 find its fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts?

4. What lessons can we learn from the relationship between Israel and Edom that apply to our relationships with others today?

5. How can we remain faithful to God during times of prosperity, avoiding the pitfalls that Israel faced during Amos's time?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 15:16-17
James quotes Amos 9:11-12 during the Jerusalem Council to support the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church, showing the fulfillment of this prophecy in the New Testament era.

Isaiah 11:10
This verse speaks of the root of Jesse standing as a banner for the peoples, indicating the gathering of nations to the Messiah, similar to the inclusion of nations in Amos 9:12.

Obadiah 1:19-21
This passage also speaks of Israel possessing Edom, reinforcing the theme of restoration and expansion of God's people.
The Restoration of the True Moral TheocracyD. Thomas Amos 9:11-15
People
Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, Syrians
Places
Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile River
Topics
Affirmation, Bear, Declares, Doer, Edom, Heathen, Heritage, Named, Nations, Possess, Remnant, Rest, Says
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Amos 9:12

     7145   remnant

Amos 9:11-12

     4209   land, spiritual aspects
     5508   ruins
     7511   Gentiles, in OT

Amos 9:11-15

     7233   Israel, northern kingdom

Library
A Revival Sermon
But, my dear friends, while this promise will doubtless be carried out, and every word of it shall be verified, so that the hill-tops of that country shall again bear the vine, and the land shall flow with wine, yet, I take it, this is more fully a spiritual than a temporal promise; and I think that the beginning of its fulfilment is now to be discerned, and we shall see the Lord's good hand upon us, so that is ploughman shall overtake the reaper, the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all he hills
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter ix. Meditation.
"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15. MY DEAR SISTER: The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God. Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and example; and concerning which, let us observe, 1. Its importance. That God has required it, ought to
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end.
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both.
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. B. THE RESURRECTION. C. THE JUDGMENT. D. THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED. E. THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS. Under this caption are treated such doctrines as the Second Coming of Christ, the Resurrection of both the righteous and wicked, the Judgments, Final Awards, and Eternal Destiny. A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHEIST. I. ITS IMPORTANCE. 1. PROMINENCE IN THE SCRIPTURES. 2. THE CHRISTIAN HOPE. 3. THE CHRISTIAN INCENTIVE. 4. THE CHRISTIAN COMFORT.
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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