Amos 9:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may possess {H3423} the remnant {H7611} of Edom {H123}, and of all the heathen {H1471}, which are called {H7121} by my name {H8034}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} that doeth {H6213} this.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that Isra'el can possess what is left of Edom and of all the nations bearing my name," says ADONAI, who is doing this.

Berean Standard Bible

that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this.

American Standard Version

that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 9:12 concludes the prophetic book of Amos with a profound vision of future restoration, shifting from earlier pronouncements of judgment to a glorious promise of God's redemptive work. It anticipates a time when the restored people of God will not only re-establish their dominion but also witness the inclusion of Gentile nations, specifically "the remnant of Edom and all the heathen," who will come to acknowledge and bear the name of the Lord, signifying their spiritual transformation and belonging to God's covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 9:12 is the climax of Amos's concluding oracle of hope and restoration, which begins in [Amos 9:11](/amos/9-11 "Amos 9:11 - The Restoration of David's Tabernacle"). Following a series of severe judgments pronounced against Israel and surrounding nations, this passage dramatically shifts the tone from divine wrath to divine grace. [Amos 9:11](/amos/9-11 "Amos 9:11 - The Fallen Tabernacle of David") speaks of rebuilding "the tabernacle of David that is fallen," a clear reference to the restoration of the Davidic dynasty and kingdom, which had suffered decline. Verse 12 then elaborates on the scope of this restored kingdom, extending its influence beyond Israel's traditional borders to include Gentile nations, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent promises of agricultural abundance and secure dwelling in [Amos 9:13-15](/amos/9-13-15 "Amos 9:13-15 - Promises of Abundance and Security"). This final vision provides a powerful counterpoint to the book's earlier condemnations, emphasizing God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign plan for redemption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Amos was delivered during a period of relative prosperity in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (under Jeroboam II) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (under Uzziah), yet beneath this facade lay deep social injustice, idolatry, and moral decay. Edom, mentioned specifically in [Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - Inclusion of Gentiles"), was a long-standing adversary of Israel, tracing its lineage to Esau, Jacob's brother. Their relationship was often characterized by hostility, as seen in various Old Testament accounts. The term "heathen" (Hebrew: *goyim*) refers broadly to all non-Israelite nations. In the ancient Near East, national identity was inextricably linked to the worship of specific deities. For other nations to be "called by my name" (the name of Yahweh) would signify a radical cultural and religious shift, implying a renunciation of their own gods and an allegiance to the God of Israel. This was a revolutionary concept in a world where each nation had its own patron deity.

* **Key Themes:** [Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - God's Inclusive Plan") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Amos and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Restoration**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to His people, even after judgment. The restoration of the "tabernacle of David" (as mentioned in [Amos 9:11](/amos/9-11 "Amos 9:11 - The Restoration of David's Tabernacle")) underscores the theme of **Messianic Hope**, pointing towards a future Davidic king who would rule justly. Most notably, the verse introduces the theme of **Gentile Inclusion**, a groundbreaking concept for its time. It foretells a future where God's redemptive plan extends beyond the physical descendants of Israel to encompass all nations, who will come to acknowledge and worship Yahweh. This inclusion is not through conquest but through a spiritual transformation, where they are "called by my name," signifying a new identity and belonging within God's covenant family. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament church, as articulated in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This word (H3423) carries a rich semantic range, often meaning "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to dispossess." In the context of [Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - Possessing the Nations"), following the restoration of David's kingdom, it implies a spiritual rather than purely military dominion. The restored Israel will "possess" or "inherit" these nations not by force, but by their spiritual allegiance to the God of Israel, bringing them under the sphere of Yahweh's influence and authority.
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to "a foreign nation" or "Gentile." In the Old Testament, it often distinguishes non-Israelite peoples from the covenant people of God. Its use here signifies the inclusion of those outside the traditional covenant community, indicating a universal scope for God's redemptive plan, where these nations are brought into relationship with God.
* **Called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H7121) means "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." When combined with "by my name" (H8034), it denotes a profound relationship of belonging, identification, and dedication. To be "called by my name" means to be identified with Yahweh, to bear His mark, and to be His possession, implying a radical conversion and allegiance to His character and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may possess the remnant of Edom":** This clause refers to the restored people of Israel (the "they" from [Amos 9:11](/amos/9-11 "Amos 9:11 - The Restoration of David's Tabernacle")) and their future relationship with Edom. Rather than a literal military conquest, this "possessing" implies a spiritual inheritance or dominion, where Edom, a traditional enemy, will be brought under the spiritual authority of the God of Israel, perhaps through conversion or allegiance.
* **"and of all the heathen, which are called by my name":** This expands the scope beyond Edom to include all non-Israelite nations ("the heathen" or *goyim*). The crucial qualifier "which are called by my name" indicates that this inclusion is not indiscriminate but applies to those who acknowledge and identify with the Lord. It signifies a profound spiritual transformation where Gentiles renounce their former deities and embrace Yahweh as their God, becoming His people.
* **"saith the LORD that doeth this":** This concluding phrase (H5002, H3068, H6213) serves as a powerful divine affirmation. It emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to bring this seemingly impossible prophecy to pass. The Lord is not merely announcing a future event but is actively involved as the one who "doeth this," ensuring its certain fulfillment through His mighty power and redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
[Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - Literary Devices") employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse foretells a future event of universal inclusion. There is clear **Symbolism** in "Edom" representing not just a specific nation, but the broader category of hostile Gentile nations, thus broadening the scope of God's redemptive plan to include all peoples. The phrase "called by my name" is a significant instance of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's character, authority, and ownership. To be called by His name is to belong to Him and bear His identity. The shift in tone from the previous chapters of judgment to this vision of restoration exemplifies **Contrast**, highlighting the breadth of God's character, encompassing both righteous judgment and merciful redemption. Finally, the concluding affirmation, "saith the LORD that doeth this," serves as an **Authoritative Declaration**, reinforcing the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - Theological Significance") stands as a pivotal Old Testament passage foreshadowing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that God's covenant promises, while initially focused on Israel, always had a broader, global dimension. The inclusion of "the remnant of Edom and all the heathen" who are "called by my name" demonstrates that God's ultimate desire is to gather a people for Himself from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This vision challenges a narrow, ethnocentric understanding of salvation, affirming that God's saving grace is not limited by lineage or geography but extended to all who respond in faith and acknowledge His sovereignty. It underscores the theme of God's sovereign initiative in bringing about His kingdom, a kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries and encompasses a spiritually transformed humanity.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles") - "I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Nations Seek the Lord") - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you."
* [Romans 9:25-26](/romans/9-25-26 "Romans 9:25-26 - God's Mercy on Gentiles") - "As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - Reflection and Application") offers profound encouragement and direction for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's redemptive purposes are expansive and inclusive, extending far beyond our immediate circles or cultural boundaries. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this inclusive love, recognizing that God desires all people to be "called by His name." This verse challenges any ethnocentric or exclusive tendencies within the church, urging us to embrace and celebrate the diversity of God's global family. It instills hope, assuring us that even in times of societal brokenness or spiritual decline, God remains faithful to His promises of restoration. Our identity as those "called by His name" carries a profound responsibility: to live in a manner that reflects His character, to bear His witness to the world, and to actively participate in His mission of drawing people from every nation into His glorious kingdom. This prophetic vision compels us to engage in cross-cultural ministry, support global missions, and welcome all who seek the Lord, knowing that His plan encompasses the entire world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of Gentile inclusion in Amos 9:12 challenge or expand your understanding of God's redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual or as part of a faith community, actively participate in God's mission to bring people from "all the heathen" to be "called by His name"?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to be "called by His name," and how should this identity shape your interactions with those from different backgrounds?**

### FAQ
**Does Amos 9:12 predict a literal conquest of Edom by Israel?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word *yarash* (H3423) can imply military conquest, in the context of [Amos 9:11-15](/amos/9-11-15 "Amos 9:11-15 - The Restoration Prophecy"), particularly with the phrase "which are called by my name," the consensus among scholars is that it refers to a spiritual or redemptive "possession" or "inheritance." This means that these nations, including Edom, will be brought under the spiritual authority and influence of the God of Israel through conversion and allegiance, rather than through military subjugation. The New Testament interpretation in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") supports this understanding, seeing it fulfilled in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian church.

**How does the New Testament interpret Amos 9:12?**

Answer: The most significant New Testament interpretation of [Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - NT Interpretation") is found in [Acts 15:16-17](/acts/15-16-17 "Acts 15:16-17 - James's Quote of Amos") during the Jerusalem Council. James quotes [Amos 9:11-12](/amos/9-11-12 "Amos 9:11-12 - James's Reference") to affirm God's plan for the inclusion of Gentiles into the early church without requiring them to fully convert to Judaism (e.g., circumcision). He interprets the rebuilding of "the tabernacle of David" as the raising up of the spiritual kingdom of Christ, and the "possessing" of the nations as the gathering of Gentiles who are "called by His name" into this new covenant community. This demonstrates that the prophecy's ultimate fulfillment is found in the spiritual reign of Christ and the global expansion of His church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Amos 9:12](/amos/9-12 "Amos 9:12 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "tabernacle of David" mentioned in the preceding verse ([Amos 9:11](/amos/9-11 "Amos 9:11 - The Fallen Tabernacle of David")) is understood by New Testament authors, particularly James in [Acts 15:16-17](/acts/15-16-17 "Acts 15:16-17 - James's Interpretation"), as a prophecy of the coming Messianic kingdom established by Jesus. Christ, as the Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), is the one who rebuilds and extends this spiritual dominion. Through His atoning death and resurrection, Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), making it possible for "the remnant of Edom and all the heathen" to be "called by my name." This phrase is fulfilled as people from every nation, tribe, and tongue are brought into the family of God through faith in Christ, becoming part of His body, the church ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). The "possessing" of the nations is thus not a political or military subjugation, but a spiritual transformation and allegiance to Christ, the true King, who draws all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). The global expansion of Christianity, where countless individuals from diverse backgrounds confess Jesus as Lord, is the living testament to Amos's ancient prophecy being realized in the reign of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 43:7

[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Isaiah 65:1

¶ I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.

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 14:9

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man [that] cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, [art] in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

Numbers 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Numbers 24:18

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

Daniel 9:18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.