"For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve; but not a pebble will reach the ground. For surely I will give the commandThis phrase underscores the sovereignty and authority of God. The Hebrew root for "command" is "tsavah," which conveys the idea of giving orders or decrees. In the context of Amos, God is asserting His divine prerogative to act decisively in the affairs of Israel. Historically, this reflects the period of the divided kingdom, where God's commands were often delivered through prophets like Amos. The phrase assures us that God's plans are intentional and purposeful, reminding believers of His ultimate control over history. and shake the house of Israel
The imagery of "shake" comes from the Hebrew word "nua," which can mean to quiver, totter, or stagger. This conveys a sense of divine judgment and upheaval. Archaeologically, this could be seen as a metaphor for the political and social instability that Israel faced due to its disobedience. The "house of Israel" refers to the Northern Kingdom, which was often wayward in its covenant relationship with God. This shaking is both a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing God's desire for His people to return to Him. among all the nations
This phrase highlights the dispersion of Israel among the nations, a consequence of their disobedience. Historically, this foreshadows the Assyrian exile, where the Northern Kingdom was scattered. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and His ability to execute judgment beyond geographical boundaries. It also points to the universal scope of God's plan, where His actions concerning Israel have implications for all nations. as grain is shaken in a sieve
The metaphor of grain being shaken in a sieve illustrates the process of separation and purification. In ancient agricultural practices, a sieve was used to separate the chaff from the grain. This imagery suggests that God will sift His people, distinguishing the faithful from the unfaithful. It is a call to holiness and purity, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials. and not a pebble will fall to the ground
The term "pebble" here is significant, as it implies that nothing insignificant escapes God's notice. The Hebrew word "tsror" can mean a small stone or pebble, symbolizing the thoroughness of God's judgment. This assures believers that God's actions are precise and just. In a broader scriptural context, it reflects the idea that God is attentive to every detail of His creation, and His judgments are both comprehensive and fair. This phrase inspires confidence in God's meticulous care and justice, encouraging believers to trust in His perfect will. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver messages to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies often focus on social justice and divine judgment. 2. House of IsraelRefers to the northern kingdom of Israel, which was often characterized by idolatry and injustice during Amos's time. 3. NationsThe surrounding nations among whom Israel would be scattered. This scattering is a result of God's judgment due to Israel's unfaithfulness. 4. SieveA tool used for separating finer particles from coarser ones. In this context, it symbolizes God's process of judgment and purification. 5. PebbleRepresents the remnant or those who remain faithful and are preserved through God's judgment. Teaching Points Divine Judgment and PurificationGod's judgment is not arbitrary but serves a purpose of purification. Just as a sieve separates the good from the bad, God's judgment aims to refine and purify His people. Faithfulness Amidst JudgmentThe imagery of the pebble not falling to the ground assures us that God preserves those who remain faithful. In times of trial, our faithfulness is both tested and refined. God's SovereigntyThe passage underscores God's control over nations and His ability to execute His will. Believers can trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves difficult circumstances. Call to RepentanceUnderstanding the certainty of God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to His ways. Hope for the RemnantDespite the severity of judgment, there is hope for a remnant. God always preserves a faithful group who will carry forward His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a sieve help us understand God's process of judgment and purification in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are like the "pebble" that does not fall to the ground during times of trial and testing? 3. How does the concept of God shaking the nations challenge or encourage your understanding of current world events? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to remain faithful amidst the "shaking" that occurs in our personal lives or communities? 5. How do the themes of judgment and preservation in Amos 9:9 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 30:28This verse also uses the imagery of a sieve to describe God's judgment, emphasizing the thoroughness of His purification process. Matthew 3:12John the Baptist speaks of Jesus using a winnowing fork to separate the wheat from the chaff, illustrating a similar theme of judgment and separation. Hebrews 12:27Discusses the shaking of things that can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken may remain, echoing the idea of divine purification and preservation. People Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, SyriansPlaces Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile RiverTopics Behold, Command, Commanding, Corn, Dropped, Fall, Falleth, Fro, Grain, Ground, Kernel, Least, Moved, Nations, Orders, Pebble, Reach, Seed, Shake, Shaken, Shakes, Shaketh, Shaking, Sieve, Sift, Sifted, Smallest, Tray, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 9:9 5530 sifting 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: 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 9:9 NIVAmos 9:9 NLTAmos 9:9 ESVAmos 9:9 NASBAmos 9:9 KJV
Amos 9:9 Commentaries
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