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From: Amos 9:11-15
Conclusion: Messianic Restoration
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Commentary:
9:11-15. This oracle of benediction contrasts with the recriminations that have been the main feature of the book. It begins by referring to that day, the day of the Lord, but it focuses on its positive side — the salvation of the righteous. The oracle could be a later addition, for what it says implies that the kingdom of Judah and the city of Jerusalem have collapsed — the fallen booth of David, which the Lord promises to restore (v. 11) in the sight of Edom and all the nations (v. 12). The features of the restored Israel are: the fruitfulness of the land (vv. 13-14), the return of those sent into exile (v. 14), and the promise that they shall never
again be uprooted (v. 15).
Although the oracle announces an era of well-being, one that is in some way definitive, there is no mention here of a messiah as such. However, the apostles read this passage as an announcement of the universal scope of salvation. This is what St James says at the council of Jerusalem: After they finished speaking, James replied, Brethren, listen to me. Symeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, that
the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who has made these things known from of old. Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God [
] (Acts 15:13-19). In James remarks, the Fathers found continuity between the New Testament and the promises contained in the Old: it is clear that they do not proclaim [the existence of] another Father; rather, they announce the New Covenant of freedom to those who return to their belief in God through the power of the Holy Spirit (St Irenaeus, Adversus haereses, 3, 12, 14).