Israel seems to have had a historical problem with identity. We have seen how they relied on the fact that they were God's chosen people to brush off the accusations and warnings that Amos was delivering (see 3:1-2). In Jesus' day, the Israelites also claimed their special status and relationship to God, but John the Baptist warned them not to think they could escape punishment because of their heritage (Matthew 3:9).

Amos has a startling wake-up call for them too. While he had earlier noted the special relationship between Israel and God (Amos 3:2)–and also stressed that this meant a greater responsibility, not just greater favour–he now tells the Israelites that to God, they are no different from the Cushites, the Philistines, and the Arameans (9:7). This is perhaps the most shocking statement in all of the book of Amos. Yet, it may also be the most necessary.

If Israel were ever to find their way again, they need to know exactly who God is and who they are. Since they are no different from the other nations, God will discipline them for their sins–they will suffer the same conclusion as the nations surrounding Israel do in Amos 1:3-2:3. God will destroy the sinful kingdom of Israel (9:8). This is the climax of all that has been building up in the prophecy of Amos: the end of the kingdom of Israel.

At this point, you might ask: What about God's promises to Abraham and David (Genesis 17:4-8; 2 Samuel 7:8-13)? Surely God will not abandon His people entirely?

Remember, however, that the climax is not the resolution. There is still a resolution to this story, as God immediately begins to tie up the loose ends: ″Yet I will not totally destroy the descendants of Jacob″ (Amos 9:8).

Right after announcing the punishment, God immediately speaks of the remnant that will be left. The guilty will be punished and will perish, but God will save those who have been the victims of Israel's greed–remember the innocent for whom justice has been turned into bitterness (5:7, 6:12)? Still, while the innocent will be spared, they will have to go through the punishment that is slated for the guilty (see 9:9-10 on the guilty perishing by the sword). They will find themselves in other countries, away from the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (vv. 4, 9).

This turn towards resolution answers the questions about the fate of the poor, needy, and innocent. It answers the questions about God's love for His people and His pledges to Israel's ancestors about being their God. He is a God of justice and fairness.