"Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?" declares the LORD. "Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir? Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?This phrase begins with a rhetorical question from God, comparing the Israelites to the Cushites. The Cushites, or Ethiopians, were a people from a distant land, often seen as foreign or unrelated to Israel. The Hebrew word for Cushites is "כּוּשִׁי" (Kushi), which signifies a people distinct from Israel. This comparison serves to humble Israel, reminding them that their special status is not due to inherent superiority but to God's sovereign choice. Historically, the Cushites were known for their distinct culture and geographical separation, emphasizing that Israel's identity is rooted in their relationship with God, not in ethnic or national pride. declares the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God, emphasizing His covenantal relationship with Israel. The declaration is not merely a statement but a divine proclamation, carrying the weight of God's unchanging truth and justice. It serves as a reminder that the words spoken are not from a human prophet but from God Himself, who is faithful to His promises and judgments. Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt
Here, God reminds Israel of their deliverance from Egypt, a foundational event in their history. The Hebrew verb "bring up" (הֶעֱלֵיתִי, he'eleiti) signifies a purposeful act of salvation and elevation. This reference to the Exodus highlights God's role as Redeemer and Deliverer, who brought Israel out of slavery and into a covenant relationship with Him. It serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and the basis for Israel's identity as His chosen people. the Philistines from Caphtor
This phrase draws a parallel between Israel's exodus and the Philistines' migration from Caphtor, likely Crete. The Philistines were often Israel's adversaries, yet God acknowledges His hand in their history as well. The mention of Caphtor (כַּפְתּוֹר, Kaftor) suggests a divine orchestration of nations and peoples, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation. It challenges Israel to recognize that God's providence extends beyond their own narrative. and the Arameans from Kir?
The Arameans, another neighboring people, are said to have been brought from Kir. This further illustrates God's control over the movements and destinies of nations. The mention of Kir (קִיר, Qir) reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty, as God orchestrates the rise and fall of peoples according to His purposes. It serves as a reminder that Israel's election is not due to their merit but to God's gracious choice, and that He is the God of all nations. Persons / Places / Events 1. CushitesA people from the region of Cush, often associated with the area south of Egypt, possibly modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. They are used here to illustrate God's impartiality. 2. Children of IsraelThe descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who are God's chosen people. This verse challenges their perceived special status. 3. EgyptThe land from which God delivered the Israelites, symbolizing His power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. 4. Philistines from CaphtorThe Philistines were ancient enemies of Israel, and Caphtor is believed to be their place of origin, possibly Crete or another Mediterranean island. 5. Arameans from KirThe Arameans were a Semitic people, and Kir is mentioned as their place of origin, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel. He orchestrates the rise and fall of peoples according to His divine plan. Impartiality of GodGod does not show favoritism based on nationality or ethnicity. His love and justice extend to all humanity. Reminder of DeliveranceJust as God delivered Israel from Egypt, He has been active in the histories of other nations, reminding us of His power and faithfulness. Call to HumilityIsrael's special status is not a cause for pride but a call to humility and responsibility. Believers today should also live humbly, recognizing God's grace in their lives. Universal MissionThe church is called to reach all nations, reflecting God's heart for all people. This mission is rooted in the understanding that God cares for every nation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over all nations affect your view of current global events? 2. In what ways can the church today reflect God's impartiality in its mission and outreach efforts? 3. How does the reminder of God's deliverance in history encourage you in your personal faith journey? 4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate humility in your daily life, acknowledging God's grace? 5. How can the message of Amos 9:7 inspire you to engage with people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 7:6-8This passage emphasizes Israel's chosen status, which contrasts with Amos 9:7, where God reminds Israel of His sovereignty over all nations. Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism among nations aligns with the message in Amos 9:7 about God's impartiality. Isaiah 19:24-25This prophecy speaks of a future where Egypt and Assyria are blessed alongside Israel, reinforcing the theme of God's universal sovereignty. People Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, SyriansPlaces Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile RiverTopics Affirmation, Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Assyrians, Bring, Caphtor, Cushim, Cushites, Declares, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ethiopians, Haven't, Kir, O, Philistines, Says, Sons, SyriansDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 9:7 4945 history Amos 9:7-9 7216 exile, in Assyria 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 9:7 NIVAmos 9:7 NLTAmos 9:7 ESVAmos 9:7 NASBAmos 9:7 KJV
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