The prophet Amos follows his warning words of judgment with warm words of encouragement. The book ends with a vision for the future that is full of hope, healing, and positive change. It shows once again very clearly how much people need admonition and affirmation at the same time.
The prophets in the Bible almost all followed the same pattern. They first proclaimed judgment and then painted a picture of a better future, in which the people turn back and realign themselves with the vision God had given them. Amos spoke about the future in the following way.
- Leadership will be restored (v11)
- Infrastructure will be repaired (v11)
- The conquered land will be divided (v12)
- Hope for prosperity is given (v13-15)
People become depressed when they only hear the words of judgment. They need strong visions that show how they can work together with God to improve the situation.
Amos 9:11-15
The future salvation of God's people
11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:
12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.
13 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.
14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
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