Verse 13

The prophecy of Israel’s restoration continues. (1) This verse prophesies the restoration of the natural world. Amos, citing Joel 3:18, prophesies that barren land will be restored to rich farmland. (2) As a result, the prophecy will be fulfilled: “Behold, days are coming… when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one who treads grapes will overtake him who sows seed; and the mountains will drip grape juice, and all the hills will come apart].” This indicates that as soon as harvesting is finished, the land is immediately plowed, and sowing is immediately followed by harvesting. “Enjoying grapes” is a symbol of peace and prosperity.

Verse 14

(1) This verse prophesies the restoration of the land where Israel will live. (2) The people of Israel will return to the Promised Land, rebuild the ruined cities, and live in them. (3) They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine and make gardens and eat their fruit. These too are words that depict prosperity and peace.

Verse 15

(1) This verse prophesies that Israel will dwell in the land forever. As it says, “They will not be uprooted again from their land which I have given them.” (2) The One who will plant the people of Israel again in the Promised Land is God Himself. (3) Israel reestablished the nation in 1948. However, this restoration has not yet become eternal. According to the prophetic scenario, the rapture will come next, followed by the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation will last seven years, and at its midpoint Israel will again be driven out (uprooted) from the Promised Land (ref. Matt. 24:15-16; Rev. 12:6-17). (4) Israel will be planted in the Promised Land forever after the Messiah’s return, which will take place at the end of the Great Tribulation. At this point, everything God promised to Abraham will be fulfilled.

Having spoken of the full scope of God’s plan, Paul finally cries out, “Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Rom. 11:33). The riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge are inexhaustible. Blessed are those who draw spiritual nourishment from those riches day by day.