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)
The prophecy here isn't just about earthly conquest; the phrase "all the nations who are called by my name" points to people belonging to God, not just being dominated by Israel. This highlights that the ultimate "possession" is spiritual, a bringing of all peoples into relationship with God, not merely territorial expansion.
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 verse concludes Amos' prophecy by looking beyond judgment to a future restoration where God's people will not only reclaim their own land but also see enemies like Edom and other nations brought under God's dominion. This promise of expansion and inclusion, particularly of nations "called by my name," points toward a messianic era of spiritual inheritance, as later understood in the New Testament.
Edom, Israel's ancient and bitter foe, stands as a stark symbol of all that is opposed to God. Yet, this verse speaks of them becoming part of God's people.
The "Remnant" of Edom
This verse doesn't just speak of Edom as a defeated nation, but specifically the "remnant of Edom." This echoes a consistent theme in Scripture: God's judgment often leaves a 'remnant' – a small group spared – not for their own sake, but to be brought back into His purposes. In this future vision, even this remnant, the descendants of Israel's enemy, are to be inherited.
This isn't about literal ownership of people, but about their incorporation into God's people. It signifies a dramatic reversal, where hostility is replaced by belonging.
The promise extends beyond Edom to 'all the nations... called by my name.' What does it truly mean for a nation, or any people, to be called by God's name?
The Mark of Divine Ownership
When the Bible speaks of nations or people being "called by my name," it signifies more than just a casual association. It points to belonging, ownership, and a claim. In the Old Testament, this was primarily applied to Israel, signifying their covenant relationship with God. They were set apart, holy to the Lord.
However, Amos 9:12 prophesies a future where this designation expands. It's not just about Israel possessing others, but about all nations being called by God's name. This points towards a new covenant reality, where Gentiles, through faith in the Messiah, become part of God's people, bearing His name as a mark of His grace and protection.
Ask a follow-up
The verse concludes with a powerful declaration: 'declares the LORD who does this.' What is the significance of this title at the end of this expansive promise?
God's Active and Sovereign Power
The phrase 'the LORD who does this' isn't just a closing remark; it's a divine title emphasizing God's active role and absolute power. It's a reminder that these incredible, seemingly impossible promises – the inheritance of enemies, the inclusion of all nations – are not mere wishful thinking.
This is the God who acts. He is the one who brings about the great reversals, who fulfills His word, who gathers His people from every corner of the earth. This title assures us that the God who made the promise is fully capable of bringing it to pass, underscoring His sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His redemptive plan.
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.
Amos prophesied during a time of instability, but looked forward to a future restoration and expansion of God's people beyond Israel. This verse's inclusion in Acts 15 shows its significance for the early church, affirming that God's plan from ancient times included bringing people from all nations, not just Israelites, to belong to Him.
c. 1000 BC
David's Conquests
King David establishes a vast Israelite empire, subduing surrounding nations including Edom, Moab, Ammon, and others. This marks a peak of Israelite power and territorial control.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, weakening the overall Israelite state.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Advances
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its major expansion into the region, putting increasing pressure on both Israel and Judah and impacting regional politics.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, its people exiled, and its territory absorbed. This event would have been a stark warning to Judah.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon begins deporting Judean elites and skilled workers to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 587-586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is destroyed, the Temple israzed, and the majority of the remaining Judean population is exiled to Babylon, ending the Davidic monarchy.
c. AD 40-50— this verse
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council of early Christian leaders, including James, Peter, and Paul, discusses the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith. James quotes Amos 9:12 to support the idea that God intends to bring people from all nations into His fold.
James quotes this very passage in the Jerusalem Council, highlighting its fulfillment in God's plan to call Gentiles to Himself and form a people for His name.
Romans 9:25-26This passage echoes Amos's prophecy by quoting Hosea, showing how God calls 'not my people' and 'not beloved' to be called 'sons of the living God,' illustrating the inclusion of nations beyond Israel.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy foretells a descendant of Jesse (a kingly figure) who will stand as a banner, and to him the nations will seek, mirroring the idea of Gentiles being drawn to God's people and name.
Psalm 2:8This psalm speaks directly to the Messiah, with God promising to give Him the nations as His inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession, aligning with the idea of spiritual dominion over all peoples.
Zechariah 14:16This passage describes a future time when all nations that come against Jerusalem will worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and keep the Feast of Tabernacles, showing a future universal worship of God.
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 prophecy here isn't just about earthly conquest; the phrase "all the nations who are called by my name" points to people belonging to God, not just being dominated by Israel. This highlights that the ultimate "possession" is spiritual, a bringing of all peoples into relationship with God, not merely territorial expansion.
This verse concludes Amos' prophecy by looking beyond judgment to a future restoration where God's people will not only reclaim their own land but also see enemies like Edom and other nations brought under God's dominion. This promise of expansion and inclusion, particularly of nations "called by my name," points toward a messianic era of spiritual inheritance, as later understood in the New Testament.
This verse concludes Amos' prophecy by looking beyond judgment to a future restoration where God's people will not only reclaim their own land but also see enemies like Edom and other nations brought under God's dominion. This promise of expansion and inclusion, particularly of nations "called by my name," points toward a messianic era of spiritual inheritance, as later understood in the New Testament.
"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 prophecy here isn't just about earthly conquest; the phrase "all the nations who are called by my name" points to people belonging to God, not just being dominated by Israel. This highlights that…
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Last reviewed October 2026