“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.”
My Notes
What Does Amos 9:12 Mean?
"That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name." God promises that the restored Israel will include not just Jews but Gentile nations — specifically, nations "called by my name." The phrase "called by my name" means ownership: these nations belong to God. They're His, claimed by His name.
This verse is quoted in Acts 15:17 by James at the Jerusalem Council, where it becomes the biblical justification for including Gentiles in the church without requiring circumcision. Amos's promise of restored Israel including the nations becomes the theological foundation for the Gentile mission.
The inclusion of Edom — Israel's historic enemy — is particularly radical. Not just friendly nations but adversarial ones. Not just neutral parties but active opponents. Even Edom is "called by my name." Even the ancient enemy is included in the possession.
The phrase "saith the LORD that doeth this" stamps divine authority and agency on the inclusion. God is the one who does this — includes the nations, claims them by name, brings them into the restoration. The inclusion isn't a human program; it's a divine action.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Who are you excluding from God's people that God might be including?
- 2.How does the inclusion of Edom — Israel's ancient enemy — challenge your boundaries?
- 3.What does 'called by my name' mean for people you'd never expect God to claim?
- 4.How does this verse in Acts 15 connect the Old Testament to the church's mission?
Devotional
Even Edom. Even the heathen. Even the nations called by God's name — which turns out to include nations nobody expected. The restoration of Israel is bigger than Israel. It includes the nations. All of them. Including the enemies.
James quotes this verse at the Jerusalem Council when the early church is debating whether Gentiles need to become Jews to follow Jesus. His argument: Amos already predicted this. The restored kingdom includes the heathen who are called by God's name. The Gentile inclusion isn't a deviation from the plan — it IS the plan.
The inclusion of Edom is the detail that should stop you. Edom — Jacob's brother turned perpetual enemy. The nation that celebrated Jerusalem's fall. The people with the 'old hatred' that Ezekiel condemned. Even them. Called by God's name. Included in the possession.
If God includes even Edom, who does He exclude? The scope of this promise demolishes every human boundary we construct around God's people. The walls we build between insiders and outsiders, between the deserving and undeserving, between 'our kind' and 'their kind' — Amos tears them down. All the heathen called by God's name. All of them.
Who are you excluding from God's restoration that God is including?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
That they may possess the remnant or Edom, and of all the Heathen, which are called by my name,.... Or that these may be…
That they may possess - rather, “inherit The remnant of Edom - The restoration was not to be for themselves alone. No…
That they may possess the remnant of Edom - Bp. Newcome translates this clause as follows: "That the residue of men may…
To him to whom all the prophets bear witness this prophet, here in the close, bears his testimony, and speaks of that…
That they may possess the remnant of Edom&c. i.e. that the empire of David may be restored to its former limits. The…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture