Connect Amos 9:8 with other scriptures about God's judgment and mercy. Context of Amos 9:8 “Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth. Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD. (Amos 9:8) Israel’s impending exile shows two simultaneous realities: • God’s unwavering resolve to punish national rebellion. • God’s unwavering promise to preserve a covenant remnant. Unblinking Eyes: God Judges Sin • “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God… the LORD takes vengeance on His foes.” (Nahum 1:2) • “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” (Romans 1:18) • “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) • In every age—Flood (Genesis 6–7), Babel (Genesis 11), Egypt (Exodus 12), and Israel herself (2 Kings 17)—the Lord literally follows through on His warnings. Merciful Restraint: A Remnant Spared • “Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob.” (Amos 9:8b) • “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious… forgiving iniquity… yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” (Exodus 34:6-7) • “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom.” (Isaiah 1:9) • “At the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5) Parallel Passages Revealing the Same Pattern • Noah: judgment by water, mercy in the ark (Genesis 6-9). • Sodom: fire upon the city, rescue for Lot (Genesis 19). • Judah: Babylonian captivity, yet a return and rebuilding (Jeremiah 29:10-14). • Gentile nations: ultimate wrath, yet nations also blessed through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:3; Revelation 7:9-10). Severity and Kindness Meet at the Cross • “Consider therefore the kindness and severity of God.” (Romans 11:22) • “God presented Christ as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness.” (Romans 3:25-26) • “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son… Whoever believes in Him is not condemned.” (John 3:16-18) • The same eyes that searched out Israel’s sin fell upon the Son as substitute (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Judgment satisfied, mercy released. Walking in the Light of Both Realities • Holy fear: “Since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us serve God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) • Hopeful confidence: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” (2 Peter 3:9) • Active witness: “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men… training us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.” (Titus 2:11-12) Amos 9:8 paints a dual portrait—inescapable judgment and inexhaustible mercy—woven consistently through Scripture and climactically fulfilled in Christ, urging every generation to turn, trust, and walk faithfully before the ever-watchful Lord. |
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