Amos 9:8
Surely the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth. Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob," declares the LORD.
Surely the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom
The phrase "Surely the eyes of the Lord GOD" emphasizes the omniscience and omnipresence of God. In Hebrew, "eyes" (עֵינַיִם, 'eynayim) often symbolize God's watchfulness and awareness. The term "Lord GOD" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה, Adonai Yahweh) underscores His sovereign authority and covenantal relationship with Israel. Historically, this reflects God's intimate involvement with His people, observing their actions and holding them accountable. The "sinful kingdom" refers to Israel, which had turned away from God's commandments, engaging in idolatry and injustice. This highlights the moral and spiritual decline that provoked divine scrutiny.

and I will destroy it from the face of the earth
The phrase "I will destroy it" conveys a decisive act of judgment. The Hebrew root for "destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad) implies complete annihilation, reflecting the severity of God's response to persistent sin. "From the face of the earth" indicates total removal, suggesting that the kingdom's existence is contingent upon its faithfulness to God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness with which God regards sin.

Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob
The word "Yet" introduces a contrast, highlighting God's mercy amidst judgment. "I will not utterly destroy" suggests a remnant will be preserved. The Hebrew root for "utterly destroy" (כָּלָה, kalah) means to bring to an end, but here it is negated, indicating restraint. "The house of Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, the patriarch of Israel. This phrase underscores God's enduring covenant with His people, promising hope and restoration despite their unfaithfulness.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהוָה, ne'um Yahweh) is a prophetic formula affirming the certainty and authority of the message. It assures the audience that these words are not merely human predictions but divine pronouncements. This declaration serves to reinforce the reliability of God's promises and the inevitability of His plans, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereign will and ultimate justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and omniscient God who observes and judges the nations.

2. The Sinful Kingdom
Refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God and engaged in idolatry and injustice.

3. The House of Jacob
Represents the descendants of Jacob, the people of Israel, whom God has chosen and will not completely destroy despite their sins.

4. Amos
A prophet sent by God to deliver His message of judgment and hope to Israel.

5. The Destruction
The impending judgment and destruction of the sinful kingdom due to their disobedience and sin.
Teaching Points
God's Omniscience and Justice
God sees all actions and holds nations accountable for their sins. His judgment is just and righteous.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to destruction and separation from God. The Northern Kingdom's fate serves as a warning to all who turn away from God.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant with Israel. He preserves a remnant, demonstrating His mercy and commitment to His promises.

Hope Amidst Judgment
Even in the face of judgment, there is hope for restoration. God's plan includes redemption and restoration for those who turn back to Him.

Call to Repentance
The message of Amos calls individuals and nations to examine their ways, repent, and return to God to avoid judgment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of God's omniscience in Amos 9:8 challenge or comfort you in your daily life?

2. In what ways can the destruction of the sinful kingdom serve as a warning for modern societies?

3. How does the promise not to utterly destroy the house of Jacob reflect God's character and His relationship with His people?

4. What parallels can you draw between the remnant of Israel and the concept of a faithful remnant in the New Testament?

5. How can you apply the call to repentance found in Amos to your personal spiritual journey today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 32:10
This verse highlights God's protective and watchful care over Israel, contrasting with His judgment in Amos 9:8.

Jeremiah 30:11
Similar to Amos 9:8, this verse speaks of God's judgment on nations but His promise not to completely destroy Israel.

Isaiah 10:22-23
Discusses the remnant of Israel, aligning with the promise that God will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob.

Romans 11:1-5
Paul speaks of the remnant chosen by grace, echoing the theme of God's faithfulness to Israel despite their unfaithfulness.

Psalm 34:15
Reflects on God's attentive eyes on the righteous, contrasting with His judgment on the sinful.
God as the Administrator of JusticeD. Thomas Amos 9:5-10
Migrations from KirA. S. Wilkins, M. A.Amos 9:7-10
Sin Dissolving the Union Between God and His PeopleJ. Telford, B. A.Amos 9:7-10
People
Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, Syrians
Places
Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile River
Topics
Affirmation, Behold, Complete, Declares, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Evil, Except, Face, Ground, Jacob, Kingdom, Nevertheless, Save, Saving, Says, Sinful, Sovereign, Surface, Totally, Utterly, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Amos 9:8

     1210   God, human descriptions
     5096   Jacob, patriarch
     5149   eyes

Amos 9:7-9

     7216   exile, in Assyria

Amos 9:8-10

     4324   dross

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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