Jesus, hidden in the dwelling

“In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, And wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins And rebuild it as in the days of old; That they may possess the remnant of Edom And all the nations who are called by My name,” Declares the LORD  who does this.” (Amos 9:11-12, NASB)

A “booth” is also known as a tabernacle, which refers to the tabernacle of David. The word for “booth” in the New Testament is found in the book of John and refers to the physical body of Jesus. In John 1:14, we read about the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. It can also be read to say and the Word “tabernacle” among us. Jesus found His dwelling among us.

David’s tabernacle and the raising thereof, figuratively speaks of the coming, death, resurrection and eternal kingdom of the true David, Jesus as the Son of God. The kingdom of David shall be restored in the coming of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:2; 4: “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.” (NKJV)

The revelation that Amos shares in chapter 9 is not only that God will raise up the ruins of David’s lineage but that He will even more so raise up the physical tabernacle or dwelling of the True David from the grave and provide salvation to His people.

David’s tabernacle had fallen and gone astray to the point of demolition, but when Christ came it was raised and rebuilt. In Jesus, God’s covenant with David was fulfilled and completed. The glory that came with Jesus far exceeded the glory of David’s household.

Jesus’ kingdom was established while He walked on the earth and has expanded ever since. No-one is considered too far removed to enter Jesus’ kingdom. It is open for all, even the remnant will join in on Christ’s inheritance.

Psalms 2:8: “Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.” (NKJV)

The fallen, the ones who have been strangers and enemies will become faithful followers of the Son of David. Grace will gather many in Christ’s name and obtain eternal life.

Acts 13: 48: “Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” (NKJV)

Christ died to gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. He came to save everyone who was called by His name.

The promise is to all that are afar off, even as many of them as the Lord our God shall call, “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39, NKJV)

You are God’s dwelling. Jesus lives in you. Let’s welcome His presence in our lives as it has always been part of God’s plan for us.

Maretha Retief

Illustration by Jeanne de Villiers