Amos 9:11

¶ 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:

In that day {H3117} will I raise up {H6965} the tabernacle {H5521} of David {H1732} that is fallen {H5307}, and close up {H1443} the breaches {H6556} thereof; and I will raise up {H6965} his ruins {H2034}, and I will build {H1129} it as in the days {H3117} of old {H5769}:

"When that day comes, I will raise up the fallen sukkah of David. I will close up its gaps, raise up its ruins and rebuild it as it used to be,

“In that day I will restore the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old,

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 its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old;

Commentary

Amos 9:11 presents a pivotal prophecy, offering a powerful message of hope and restoration following pronouncements of judgment. This verse speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Context

The prophet Amos ministered during a period of relative prosperity in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, yet he harshly condemned their social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and moral decay. Throughout the book, Amos foretells divine judgment and exile. However, the final chapter, particularly verses 11-15, shifts to a glorious promise of future restoration. This verse, "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," serves as the climax, pointing to a future era of God's blessing and a rebuilt kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration: The central theme is God's promise to restore what is broken and fallen. The "tabernacle of David" (Hebrew: sukkah David), though literally a temporary shelter, here symbolizes the fallen dynasty and kingdom of David, which had been in decline since the division of Israel and Judah. God pledges to rebuild it to its former glory.
  • The Davidic Covenant: This prophecy directly ties into the unconditional Davidic covenant, where God promised David an eternal house, kingdom, and throne. Amos assures that despite present decay, God's promise to David will ultimately be fulfilled, pointing toward a future, enduring rule.
  • Messianic Hope: The raising of David's fallen tabernacle is widely interpreted as a prophecy concerning the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His coming established a spiritual kingdom that fulfills and transcends the earthly Davidic monarchy, ultimately leading to His eternal reign.
  • Future Glory: The phrase "as in the days of old" evokes a return to a time of strength, unity, and divine favor, perhaps reminiscent of the unified kingdom under David and Solomon, but ultimately pointing to an even greater spiritual reality.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tabernacle" is sukkah, which often refers to a temporary dwelling or booth, like those used during the Feast of Tabernacles. Its use here for the Davidic dynasty highlights its fallen, dilapidated state, almost like a temporary hut that has collapsed. Yet, God promises to "raise up" (qum) and "build" (banah) these ruins, emphasizing a complete and enduring reconstruction, not just a temporary fix. The phrase "days of old" (yemei olam) suggests a return to an ideal state, a golden age that will be surpassed in the Messianic era.

New Testament Fulfillment

This verse from Amos is famously quoted and interpreted in the New Testament by James at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:16-17. James uses it to explain God's plan to include Gentiles in the church, demonstrating that the rebuilding of David's tabernacle is not merely a restoration of the physical kingdom of Israel, but the establishment of God's spiritual kingdom through Christ, where both Jews and Gentiles are brought together. This interpretation reveals the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan.

Practical Application

Amos 9:11 offers profound hope for believers today. It reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or His people are in decline. It points to the ultimate victory and eternal reign of Christ's kingdom, which is spiritual and inclusive. This verse encourages us to look beyond present difficulties to God's sovereign plan of restoration and to recognize that His kingdom is continually being built, bringing salvation and unity to all who believe.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 15:15

    And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

  • Acts 15:17

    That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

  • Jeremiah 33:14

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

  • Jeremiah 33:16

    In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

  • Isaiah 16:5

    And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

  • Jeremiah 23:5

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Jeremiah 23:6

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.