I will restore My people Israel from captivity; they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will restore the fortunes of My people IsraelThis phrase begins with a promise of divine restoration. The Hebrew word for "restore" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or bring back. This indicates a reversal of the previous state of judgment and exile. Historically, Israel had faced numerous captivities and dispersions, but God's promise here is one of hope and renewal. The "fortunes" refer to the well-being and prosperity that had been lost. This restoration is not merely material but also spiritual, as it signifies a return to God's favor and blessing. The phrase "My people Israel" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, underscoring His faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness. They will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities
The act of rebuilding signifies a new beginning and a return to normalcy. The Hebrew word for "rebuild" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which conveys the idea of constructing or establishing something anew. This is a powerful image of hope, as the "ruined cities" symbolize the devastation that had come upon Israel due to their disobedience. Historically, this can be seen in the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. In a broader spiritual sense, it speaks to the restoration of lives and communities that have been broken by sin and judgment. The promise that they will "inhabit" these cities suggests a permanent and secure dwelling, reflecting God's provision and protection. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine
Planting vineyards is a symbol of peace and prosperity. The Hebrew word for "plant" is "נָטַע" (nata), which implies taking root and growing. Vineyards require time and care to cultivate, indicating a long-term investment and stability. Drinking their wine is a metaphor for enjoying the fruits of one's labor, a blessing from God. In the ancient Near East, wine was a symbol of joy and celebration. This phrase suggests a return to a life of abundance and joy, contrasting with the previous experiences of loss and deprivation. It reflects the biblical theme of God blessing His people with the fruitfulness of the land. They will make gardens and eat their fruit
Gardens in the biblical context are often associated with Edenic imagery, representing a place of beauty, provision, and divine presence. The Hebrew word for "make" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which means to do or create, indicating human participation in God's restorative work. Eating the fruit of their gardens signifies satisfaction and fulfillment. This phrase highlights the restoration of agricultural productivity and the enjoyment of God's blessings. It also points to the idea of stewardship, as God's people are called to cultivate and care for the land. Spiritually, it speaks to the nourishment and sustenance that come from living in harmony with God's will. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign Lord who promises restoration and blessing to His people. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often experiencing cycles of judgment and restoration. 3. CaptivityRefers to the period of exile and suffering due to Israel's disobedience. 4. Ruined CitiesSymbolic of the destruction faced by Israel due to their sins. 5. Vineyards and GardensRepresent prosperity, peace, and the blessings of God. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in RestorationDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His promises. He is committed to restoring His people and their land. The Cycle of Judgment and RestorationIsrael's history is marked by cycles of sin, judgment, and restoration. This pattern serves as a warning and a hope for believers today. The Blessings of ObedienceThe promise of vineyards and gardens symbolizes the blessings that come with obedience to God. When we align our lives with His will, we experience His abundance. Hope in Times of DesolationEven in the darkest times, God offers hope. His promise to rebuild and restore is a reminder that He can bring beauty from ashes. Spiritual RebuildingJust as Israel was called to rebuild physical cities, believers are called to rebuild their spiritual lives, cultivating a fruitful relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of restoration in Amos 9:14 reflect God's character and His relationship with Israel? 2. In what ways can the cycle of judgment and restoration seen in Israel's history apply to our personal spiritual journeys? 3. How can we actively participate in the "rebuilding" process in our own lives and communities? 4. What are some modern-day "captivities" that believers might experience, and how can God's promise of restoration bring hope? 5. How do the themes of restoration and blessing in Amos 9:14 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 29:14This verse also speaks of God restoring His people from captivity, emphasizing His faithfulness. Isaiah 61:4Describes the rebuilding of ancient ruins, similar to the restoration promised in Amos. Psalm 126:5-6Highlights the joy and fruitfulness that follow a period of weeping and sowing in tears. Ezekiel 36:33-36God promises to rebuild the ruined places and make them like the Garden of Eden. Zechariah 8:12Speaks of the prosperity and peace that will come to God's people. People Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, SyriansPlaces Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile RiverTopics Bring, Build, Building, Built, Captivity, Changed, Cities, Desolate, Drink, Drunk, Eat, Eaten, Exiled, Fate, Fortunes, Fruit, Gardens, Inhabit, Inhabited, Plant, Planted, Planting, Rebuild, Restore, Ruined, Taking, Thereof, Towns, Turn, Vine-gardens, Vineyards, Waste, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 9:14 4240 garden, natural
4438 eating
4468 horticulture
4538 vineyard
8257 fruitfulness, natural Amos 9:11-15 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Amos 9:13-14 4435 drinking
4510 sowing and reaping Amos 9:13-15 4824 famine, spiritual
9145 Messianic age Amos 9:14-15 4207 land, divine gift
4209 land, spiritual aspects
7216 exile, in Assyria
7259 promised land, later history 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: 1860The 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 Links Amos 9:14 NIVAmos 9:14 NLTAmos 9:14 ESVAmos 9:14 NASBAmos 9:14 KJV
Amos 9:14 Commentaries
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