Read Amos 9.
Though repeatedly warned of the coming judgment, many people said,
"Disaster shall not overtake or meet us" (v.10). In simple
terms, they did not believe what God said. But their feelings did not
change the facts.
The destruction of the nation was so certain that in this fifth vision the LORD
personally appeared to Amos. Not only would the structure where the
northern kingdom worshiped be destroyed, but the enemy would pursue the people
to kill them (vv.1-2). The people will run for their lives but God
detailed for them that they will not be able find a place of safety anywhere
(vv.2-4).
Nineveh had long forgotten the days of Jonah and their historic national
repentance. Assyria became even more evil and brutal in their treatment
of its enemies. However, God makes sure in this message that it is He who
is in control. He brought the Jews from Egypt and established them on
this land. These are His people and the judgment against them is from Him
(vv.5-8).
What about the unconditional promises the LORD made to Abraham and his
descendants?
At the end of verse 8, God said, "...except I will not utterly destroy the
house of Jacob." Not everyone in the nation was unrepentant.
"All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword" (v.10a).
God does not forget. He will deal with the sin and keep His
promises. There remained, and remains, a future for the Jews.
The last five verses provide the turning point to the prophecy of Amos.
There is coming a future day for Israel when the following will take
place:
1. "I will raise up the booth of David that has fallen."
The reign of an earthly Davidic kingdom will be reestablished. As a tent
or awning, that rule will cover the entire land; no longer a divided kingdom.
2. I will "repair its breaches."
There was and is so much brokenness. The regathering and reuniting of the
nation under a single king is their future hope.
3. I will "rise up its ruins."
The palaces, the Temple, buildings and homes were all leveled. And, as
predicted in Revelation, there is even greater destruction to come. But
God is personally assuming the responsibility here to see that one day the land
will not lie in ruins.
4. I will "rebuild it as the days of old."
The last king to reign over a united kingdom of Israel was Solomon. Those
were the days of that glorious Temple, luxurious structures in Jerusalem, and
the world looked to the nation as the people of God. The LORD will see to
it that this reputation is rebuilt. And, not just for the Jews, but
"...all the nations who are called by my name."
5. "I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel."
In agricultural terms, the nation's restored prosperity is amazingly
described.
As an exclamation point to these prophecies, God declared, "...they shall
never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them."
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