Amos 9:12
that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name,” declares the LORD who does this.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse promises possession not just of land, but of people who are "called by my name." This phrase signifies belonging to God, highlighting that His ultimate plan is to gather all nations to Himself, not for subjugation, but for adoption into His family.
This verse concludes Amos's prophecy by looking beyond judgment to a future restoration and expansion of God's people. It promises that the remnant of Israel, after experiencing God's discipline and restoration, will not only reclaim their land but also incorporate the remnant of their ancient enemies, like Edom, and all nations who come to belong to God. This points towards a future era where God's people are no longer isolated but become a blessing to the entire world.
What does it mean for a nation to 'possess' another, especially in God's plan? Amos points beyond mere conquest.
The promise for Israel to 'possess the remnant of Edom' and 'all the nations' isn't just about territory.
Beyond Physical Borders
Historically, Edom was a constant thorn in Israel's side, a symbol of opposition. To 'possess' them, especially their 'remnant' (those left after judgment), signifies God's ultimate sovereignty not just over enemies, but over all peoples.
A Kingdom of Priests
This 'possession' is primarily spiritual. It's about bringing people into relationship with God. When nations are 'called by my name,' it signifies belonging to Him. This points to a future where God's people are not just rulers of land, but instruments through whom God expands His kingdom, drawing all nations to Himself. Think of it as an inheritance that grows, not one that stays static.
What does it mean for nations to be 'called by my name'? It’s more than just a label; it's about belonging.
When the verse states that nations are 'called by my name,' it's a profound declaration of divine ownership and identity.
Divine Claim
In ancient Near Eastern culture, having a name called over something or someone was a clear sign of ownership, authority, and belonging. When God says nations are 'called by my name,' He is claiming them as His own. This isn't about forced subjugation, but about a sovereign right and a destined relationship.
A New Identity
For those called by God's name, it signifies a transformation. They are set apart, marked by His character, and brought under His protection. This is the ultimate inheritance – not just to possess others, but to be possessed by God, to have His name signify your identity and destiny.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting YHWH, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who exists eternally and reveals Himself through His redemptive actions in history.
she'erit · Hebrew Noun
A group or portion of a people left over after a disaster, judgment, or exile; in prophetic theology, it represents the faithful few whom God preserves to fulfill His covenant promises.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
To possess or inherit land or people; in this context, it speaks to God's people being restored to their inheritance and the inclusion of others under God's sovereignty.
This prophecy from Amos, given during a time of Israel's prosperity yet moral decay, looks beyond immediate judgment to a future restoration where not only Israel's enemies like Edom, but all nations, will be brought under God's dominion, a promise later understood and applied by the early church to the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. 1000 BC
David's Conquest of Edom
King David decisively defeated the Edomites, a long-standing rival of Israel, extending Israelite dominion over their territory and establishing a military presence.
c. 930 BC
Revolt of Edom
Following the division of the united kingdom after Solomon's death, Edom revolted and regained its independence, remaining a hostile neighbor to the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
732 BC
Assyrian Influence Grows
The expanding Neo-Assyrian Empire began exerting pressure on the region, leading to vassalage for many kingdoms, including those in the Levant, which would eventually set the stage for future deportations.
c. 750 BC— this verse
Prophet Amos Delivers His Message
Amos, a shepherd from Judah, prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of relative prosperity but deep social injustice and religious hypocrisy, warning of impending judgment.
This passage directly quotes Amos 9:12 (though with slight variations reflecting the Greek translation) through James, showing how God's plan included taking people from the Gentile nations for His name, mirroring Amos' prophecy of nations being called by God's name.
Romans 4:13This verse speaks of Abraham inheriting the world, echoing the idea in Amos that the people of God would 'possess' nations, highlighting the spiritual inheritance promised to believers.
Isaiah 49:6This prophecy describes the servant of the Lord being a light to the Gentiles and salvation to the ends of the earth, resonating with Amos' vision of nations being brought under God's name and influence.
Psalm 2:8This psalm speaks of God giving nations as an inheritance to His Son, which aligns with Amos' prophecy of Israel possessing nations called by God's name, pointing to a Messianic fulfillment.
Zechariah 14:9This verse describes the Lord being king over all the earth in that day, a concept that underpins Amos' vision of God's universal sovereignty and the inclusion of all nations under His rule.
barnesAmos 9:12: "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."
That they may possess - rather, "inherit The remnant of Edom - The restoration was not to be for themselves alone. No gifts of God end in the immediate object of His bounty and love. They were restored, in order that they, the first objects of God's mercies, might win others to God; not Edom only, "but all nations, upon whom," God says, "My Name is called.…
jfbAmos 9:12: "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."
- That they may possess … remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen—"Edom," the bitter foe, though the brother, of Israel; therefore to be punished (Am 1:11, 12), Israel shall be lord of the "remnant" of Edom left after the punishment of the latter. James quotes it, "That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles," &c. For "all the…
The verse promises possession not just of land, but of people who are "called by my name." This phrase signifies belonging to God, highlighting that His ultimate plan is to gather all nations to Himself, not for subjugation, but for adoption into His family.
This verse concludes Amos's prophecy by looking beyond judgment to a future restoration and expansion of God's people. It promises that the remnant of Israel, after experiencing God's discipline and restoration, will not only reclaim their land but also incorporate the remnant of their ancient enemies, like Edom, and all nations who come to belong to God. This points towards a future era where God's people are no longer isolated but become a blessing to the entire world.
This verse concludes Amos's prophecy by looking beyond judgment to a future restoration and expansion of God's people. It promises that the remnant of Israel, after experiencing God's discipline and restoration, will not only reclaim their land but also incorporate the remnant of their ancient enemies, like Edom, and all nations who come to belong to God. This points towards a future era where God's people are no longer isolated but become a blessing to the entire world.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Amos 9:12 is available in the Sola app.
Amos concludes with a powerful title for God. Why is this specific description so significant at the end of this prophecy?
The phrase 'declares the LORD who does this' isn't just a closing statement; it's the anchor of the entire prophecy.
God's Active Power
It emphasizes that this grand vision of inheritance and inclusion isn't a mere human dream or a wish. It is the declared intention and the guaranteed action of the LORD Himself. He is not a distant deity; He is the active force bringing His promises to pass.
Promise and Certainty
This title reassures us that the God who spoke through Amos is the same God who orchestrates history. The scope of the promise – extending to Edom's remnant and all nations – is vast, but God's power is vaster. He is the one who initiates, sustains, and ultimately accomplishes His redemptive purposes, ensuring that His name will be known and honored across the globe.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Deportation
The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and its population was deported, marking the end of the northern kingdom and scattering its people.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah fell to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Jerusalem and its Temple were destroyed, and many Judeans were exiled to Babylon.
c. AD 40-50
Council of Jerusalem
The Apostle James quotes Amos 9:12 in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) to support the inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian church, highlighting the prophetic vision of a universal people for God.
"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 verse promises possession not just of land, but of people who are "called by my name." This phrase signifies belonging to God, highlighting that His ultimate plan is to gather all nations to Hi…
