The Restoration Of Israel Series

AMOS 9:11-15 [IN THAT DAY SERIES]

THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL

[2 Samuel 7:11–16, 25–29; Psalm 80; Romans 11:25-33]

Amos ends His book with a restoration [or salvation] oracle. He follows the pattern of the prophets [Hosea, Joel, Micah, etc.] who end their prophecies with Messiah, whose advent is the cure of all previous disorders. These prophets end with a vision of a future in which Israel is restored and the broken relationship with Yahweh is repaired.

So now after prophesying judgment, Amos changes his tone to one of hope. He now predicts certain aspects of a future restoration. Amos speaks within the context of Yahweh’s covenant relationship with Israel, and that restoration is necessary to accomplish God’s long-range purpose for His people.

These last verses, which contain (five) promises of the restoration of Israel, pulsate with hope-animating power. The same God who promised judgment for those who would not repent promises a new beginning for a remnant who do repent. The Jewish’s people's long dispersion will end with them being restored to their land and living in prosperity and plenty (CIT). [Before we consider these promises, we must acknowledge that many scholars do not consider these last five verses to be a part of Amos’s original prophecy. Lloyd J. Ogilvie and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, vol. 22, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1990), 376.]

I. A RAISING UP OF GOD’S KINGDOM, 9:11.

II. A RESTORING OF GOD’S PURPOSE, 12.

III. A REGENERATING OF NATURE’S BOUNTY, 13.

IV. A RETURN OF PROSPERITY, PEACE, AND PERMANENCE, 14–15.

The first promise is that the Kingdom of David will be raised up again in verse 11. “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old,’

“In that day” is the appointed time following God’s special manifestation of power, the Day of the Lord. It points to a day of salvation and restoration. Israel, which had rejected the Davidic dynasty, is now reminded of Yahweh’s promises to David. “In that day” (Isa. 4:2; Micah 4:6; 5:10), after judgment had fallen, and the righteous remnant had been saved, God will restore David’s fallen tent.[Garland, David. Bible Study Commentary. p 94.] [Previous references in Amos to “that day” had spoken of it as a day of darkness and destruction (Amos 2:16; 3:14; 5:18–20; 8:3, 9, 11, 13). But when Israel’s ordeal is finally over, “that day” will also become the day of her renewal. Donald R. Sunukjian, “Amos,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1451.]

So this first promise concerns the restoration of the fallen tabernacle or “booth of David.” Most probably the restoration of the royal Davidic dynasty and kingdom is intended. At this time God will carry out His good promise to David that He would raise up a Descendant after him and establish His rule forever (2 Sam. 7:11–16, 25–29). [The Hebrew word some translate here as “tabernacle” is sukkâ, meaning “booth, tent, hut.” Some translators like tabernacle because the word was use in Jesus first advent as His human nature is the tabernacle He assumed in becoming Immanuel, “God with us” He “dwelt,” literally, tabernacled “among us” (Jn 1:14; compare Rev 21:3).]

The most plausible interpretation is that there will be a new day in which the northern and southern kingdoms will be reunified under David’s heir. Beyond the judgment of the Exile, there will be a new time of rebuilding. The brokenness of the chosen people would be healed. "As in the days of old” recalls the days of David and Solomon, when the kingdom was in its full extent and undivided.

II. A RESTORING OF GOD’S PURPOSE, 12.

God’s purpose [Heb. lema’an] in reestablishing the Davidic king is revealed in verse 12. ‘that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name,” declares the Lord who does this.’

The second promise is that the new kingdom will “possess” or have power over all old enemies. “Edom,” a nation perpetually hostile toward God’s people (Num. 20:14–21; Ps. 137:7; Obad. 1; Amos 1:11–12), is used as a representative of all Israel’s enemies. Even Edom will become a sharer in the promises to David. The remnant [or remainder] expresses those left after the great calamities or tribulations (Ro 9:27; Zec 14:16). Israel will “possess the remnant of Edom” (Numbers 24:18, Obad. 19). In fact, all … nations (kol-haggôyim) will be brought under the dominion of the Davidic King, for they too bear God’s name. For “which are called by My name” means, who belong to Me, whom I claim as Mine (Ps 2:8).