Chapter 4 - An Examination of the End Times (Continued)
Book of Amos
Amos was a humble shepherd raised in Tekoa in the hill country a few miles south of Bethlehem. He was called by God to warn Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations of pending judgment. He also had no training. God chose an ordinary man to represent Him before those of great influence. Most of Amos’ prophecies have already been fulfilled, but there are two main prophetic subjects within his writing that are yet future. The first being the complete destruction of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab by means of fire (see Amos 1:1-5).
The second subject of Amos’ end-times prophecy is the promise of the restoration of Israel and raise up David to rule over them (see Amos 9:11, see also Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24). During that time the people of Israel will be given the ‘remnant’ (those that survived) of Edom, God will also bring back all of His people that were exiled (see Amos 9:12). Amos describes the restoration and prosperity of the nation of Israel. Even though we see Israel back in its land today, Amos writes about a time of great prosperity and a promise that they will never be ’uprooted’ again (see Amos 9:13-15), combined with the promise of David’s reign, the ending of the book of Amos clearly points to a time yet-future after Jesus returns.
Micah was sent by God to denounce the leaders of both Samaria (the primary capital of Israel, the Northern Kingdom) and Jerusalem (the capital of Judah, the Southern Kingdom). He prophesied of judgment for their sins that would leave them in a “heap of ruble” (see Micah 1:2-3:12). In between his dire predictions of destruction, Micah also wrote about the glorious future and restoration of Israel. He wrote about three yet-future time periods.
The first eight verses of Micah chapter four speak of “the latter days” when God’s Temple will be established on a high hill (likely in Jerusalem), perhaps even a mountain, and people from around the world will come to learn from God (many associate the Temple described in Ezekiel chapters 40-44 with this Temple, often called the ‘Millennial Temple’). From there, God will also judge and resolve disputes between people and nations. It will be a time of peace as we read that, “they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Micah 4:3b).
The second yet-future series of events is recorded in Micah 5:5-15 that describe an invasion attempt by Assyria, but Israel will prevail, and all of their enemies will be wiped out. Micah notes that in that day God will remove those things that could be used as defensive weapons and machinery (listed as horses, chariots, walls, and other fortifications), as they will no longer be needed. He will also remove fortune tellers (perhaps the ability for anyone to practice any form of sorcery, witchcraft, or anything else that is contrary to God’s Word will be neutralized), all idols and false god images, and He will execute vengeance on all nations that do not obey (see Micah 5:10-15).
Micah chapter seven begins with a bleak picture of humanity, as misery, hunger, and maniacal behavior become the norm. Verse two summarizes the situation, “The godly has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net.” Seeing this offensive and despicable lifestyle, Micah proclaims “But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7) Understanding that the text is a continuation of the indictment against Israel (see Micah 6:2, see also Micah 1:5, 13, 14, 15; 2:12; 3:1, 8, 9; 5:1, 2, 3), the walls in Micah 7:11 refers to “a day” for the rebuilding of the walls of cities within Israel and that, “in that day,” the boundary will be “far extended” from the previous boundary of ancient Israel to that what God promised Abraham. Israel will once again be blessed with “marvelous things” from God (see Micah 7:15). The world will take note of Israel’s favor and will be ashamed of how they treated the nation and its people (see Micah 7:16). Many will turn to God in fear and will also fear Israel (see Micah 7:17). God will once again have compassion on Israel and cast away all of their sins. God is faithful to keep all His promises, even those given to Abraham many years earlier (see Micah 7:18-20).
Like many of the minor prophets, little is known about the author. In this book we are only told that Nahum was from Elkosh (exact location is unknown, often thought to be in southern Judah). The primary message was a warning to Nineveh, but unlike his predecessor, the prophet Jonah, Nahum’s warning was ignored and the destruction of Nineveh took place just as Nahum predicted. Regarding the end times, there is one verse that points to a yet-future event. “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.” (Nahum 1:15) The first half of that verse could easily be applied to Judah hearing how an enemy nation was judged and punished. But the second half speaks of the ‘worthless’ (referring to being good for nothing expressing the concept of being wicked) shall never enter or invade again, they will be completely destroyed. Since that is currently not true, this will occur in the future.
The book of Habakkuk is unique as it records what might be best described as a ‘dialog’ between Habakkuk and God. Very little is known about the author other than he was troubled over many issues in his life. He was curious why God would use a wicked and sinful nation like Chaldea (Babylon) to judge and conquer Judah (see Habakkuk 1:5-11). Habakkuk understood God’s response and anticipates the destruction of Babylon, “Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us.” (Habakkuk 3:16b) God had promised him the destruction of Babylon several times (see Habakkuk 2:9, 12, 15, 19), and Babylon was indeed conquered. Later in the book of Revelation it reemerges during the end times (see Revelation chapter 17), but once again it is destroyed, this time forever (see Revelation chapter 18).