Amós 9
John Chrysostom · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Amós 9:1
Tell me, John, what do you mean when you say, "No one has ever seen God"? What shall we think about he prophets who say that they saw God? Isaiah said, "I saw the Lord sitting on a high and exalted throne." And, again, Daniel said, "I saw until the thrones were set, and the ancient of days sat." And Micah said, "I saw the God of Israel sitting on his throne." And again, another prophet said, "I saw the Lord standing on the altar, and he said unto me, 'Strike the mercy seat.' " And I can gather many similar passages to show you as witnesses of what I say.How is it, then, that John says, "No one has ever seen God"? He says this so that you may know that he is speaking of a clear knowledge and a perfect comprehension of God. All the cases cited were instances of God's condescension and accommodation. That no one of those prophets saw God's essence in its pure state is clear from the fact that each one saw him in a different way. God is a simple being; he is not composed of parts; he is without form or figure. But all these prophets saw different forms and figures. God proved this very thing through the mouth of another prophet. And he persuaded those other prophets that they did not see his essence in its exact nature when he said, "I have multiplied visions, and by the ministries of the prophets I was presented." What God was saying was, "I did not show my very essence, but I came down in condescension and accommodated myself to the weakness of their eyes." — AGAINST THE ANOMOEANS, HOMILY 4:18–19
Amós 9:11-12
Listen to the prophet saying, "I will raise up the tabernacle of David that has fallen." Actually, it has fallen; our human nature has had an irreparable fall and was in need of that powerful hand alone. For it was not possible to raise it up otherwise, unless he who fashioned it in the beginning stretched out a hand to it and formed it again from above by the regeneration of water and the Spirit. Behold, pray, the awesome and ineffable character of the mystery. He dwells always in this tabernacle, for he put on our flesh, not to put it off again but to have it always with him. If this were not so, he would not have deemed it worthy of his royal throne. — HOMILIES ON JOHN 11
Amós 9:12
"After this I will return, and rebuild the tabernacle of David which is fallen down." But if one would look into the matter closely, the kingdom of David does in fact now stand, his Offspring reigning everywhere. For what is the good of the buildings and the city, with none obeying there? And what is the harm arising from the destruction of the city, when all are willing to give their very souls? There is that come which is more illustrious than David: in all parts of the world is he now sung. This has come to pass: if so, then must this also come to pass, "And I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:" to what end? "that the residue of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called." If then it was to this end that the city rose again (namely) because of Him (that was to come) of them, it shows that of the building of the city the cause is, the calling of the Gentiles. Who are "the residue?" those who are then left. "And all the Gentiles, upon whom My Name is called:" but observe, how he keeps the due order, and brings them in second. "Saith the Lord, which doeth these things." Not "saith" (only), but "doeth." Why then, it was God's work. — Homily on Acts 33