Amos 9:12

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Amos 9:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.
Amos 9:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Amos 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That they may possess the remnant or Edom, and of all the Heathen, which are called by my name, etc.] Or that these may be possessed; that is, by David or Christ, who shall have the Heathen given him for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession, (<190208>Psalm 2:8); when the remnant, according to the election of grace, in those nations that have been the greatest enemies to Christ and his Gospel, signified by Edom, shall be converted, and call upon the name of the Lord, and worship him; and be called by his name, Christians, and so become his inheritance and possession. The Targum understands, by the Heathen or people, all the people of the house of Israel;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That they may possess . . . remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen--"Edom," the bitter foe, though the brother, of Israel; therefore to be punished (Amo 1:11-12), Israel shall be lord of the "remnant" of Edom left after the punishment of the latter. James quotes it, "That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles," &c. For "all the heathen" nations stand on the same footing as Edom: Edom is the representative of them all. The residue or remnant in both cases expresses those left after great antecedent calamities (Rom 9:27; Zac 14:16). Here the conversion of "all nations" (of which the earnest was given in James's time) is represented as only to be realized on the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That they may possess - rather, “inherit The remnant of Edom - The restoration was not to be for themselves alone. No gifts of God end in the immediate object of His bounty and love. They were restored, in order that they, the first objects of God’s mercies, might win others to God; not Edom only, “but all nations, upon whom,” God says, “My Name is called.” Plainly then, it is no temporal subjugation, nor any earthly kingdom. The words, “upon whom the name is called,” involve, in any case, belonging to, and being owned by, him whose name is called upon them. It is said of the wife bearing the name of the husband and becoming his, “let thy name be called upon us Isaiah 4:1. When Jacob…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They - Literally the Jews. Possess - Both the lands of Edom, and some of the posterity of Edom; these as servants, the other as their propriety. The remnant - Left by Nebuchadnezzar. All the heathen - That is, round about. That doth this - But this is also a prophecy of setting up the kingdom of the Messiah, and bringing in the Gentiles. Amos 9:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:12 Edom (see 1:11) represents the enemies of God and of Israel (see Isa 34:5-6, 11; 63:1). In the time of restoration, God’s enemies are subject to his people and to God himself. • the nations I have called: God promised Abraham that he would be a blessing to all the people of the earth (Gen 12:2-3). God’s kingdom would embrace the outcasts and foreigners previously excluded (Isa 56; see Acts 8:27-39).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“possess: Isa 11:14, Isa 14:1, Isa 14:2; Joe 3:8; Oba 1:18-21 Edom: Gen 27:29, Gen 27:37; Num 24:17; Psa 60:8; Mal 1:4 which are called by my name: Heb. upon whom my name is called, Isa 43:7, Isa 63:19, Isa 65:1; Jer 14:9, Jer 15:16; Dan 9:18, Dan 9:19 Amos 9:13”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification