Amos 9:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַ֨עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִֽירְשׁ֜וּ

H3423

That they may possess

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁאֵרִ֤ית

H7611

the remnant

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

אֱדוֹם֙

H123

of Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם

H1471

and of all the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִקְרָ֥א

H7121

which are called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#10

שְׁמִ֖י

H8034

by my name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#11

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#13

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

עֹ֥שֶׂה

H6213

that doeth

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

זֹּֽאת׃

H2063

this (often used adverb)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Amos.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?