The last vision of Amos is recorded in chapter 9. It is the most unsettling of all, for while the LORD is standing by an altar, the place where sacrifices are made for the forgiveness of sins, He is speaking words of severe judgment. The day of grace has ended, and God has become the Judge of all who have refused to repent and receive His salvation. There is no place to hide, as God’s eyes are fixed upon them “for evil and not for good.” Though He will “shake the house of Israel,” God promises that He “will not utterly destroy” them. Mindful of His eternal covenant with Abraham, the LORD always preserves a remnant of His faithful people. His ultimate purpose is not judgment, but restoration (v 1-10). This positive theme is further unpacked in the final verses of Amos, where God offers some amazing promises that truly turn this book into one of hope. Until now, the “day of the LORD” has been portrayed as total destruction. But in a great reversal, God announces His purpose to “raise up the booth of David” and to “rebuild it as in the days of old.” This blessing will include “all the nations,” as God had promised to Abraham. Israel’s fortunes will be restored, and their enlarged land will resemble the Garden of Eden, with productivity and abundance that is free from the curse (v 11-15). But how and when will these promises be fulfilled? The ten northern tribes were led off to Assyria in 722 BC, and never returned from exile. The two southern tribes were led off to Babylon in 586 BC, and they did return to their homeland, but not in any way that comes close to fulfilling these promises. For this reason, some interpreters foresee a literal fulfillment in the future, involving domestic blessing and material prosperity for national Israel in the Promised Land. But followers of Jesus will consider how the apostle James applied this text at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. Appealing to these words of Amos, he insists that Jesus is the Davidic king and that His reign fulfills these ancient promises. At His resurrection, David’s fallen booth was raised, and the new era was inaugurated. All nations are now being included in the blessing of God as the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached worldwide among the Gentiles. This is not to deny God’s intentions to save a remnant of ethnic Israel (Romans 11), but to recognize that Old Testament prophecies pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ are now being fulfilled as He builds His church—a spiritual kingdom of believers from every tribe and tongue. Israel does have a special place among the nations, but it is a privilege of mission, that all may receive His mercy. For further meditation: