In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

AMOS 9:11KJV
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Amos 9:11 (KJV)

What does Amos 9:11 mean?

Amos 9:11 promises that God will restore the "tabernacle of David" that has fallen, repairing its damage and rebuilding it to its former state. This verse speaks of a future time when what was lost or broken in David’s legacy will be renewed and made strong again.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Amos to the people of Israel, who have experienced judgment and decline. The "tabernacle of David" refers to the royal house or kingdom of David, which had suffered division and ruin. The verse offers hope that God will not abandon His promises but will restore what has been broken, bringing back unity and blessing as in earlier, better days.

The Hebrew behind Amos 9:11

  • "tabernacle" (סֻכָּה, sukkah): This word means a shelter or booth, often a temporary or fragile structure. Here, it pictures the house of David as something that has become weak or vulnerable, not a grand palace.
  • "breaches" (פֶּרֶץ, peretz): This means gaps or breaks, suggesting that David’s kingdom has been damaged and is in need of repair, not just rebuilding from scratch.
  • "ruins" (חָרְבָּה, chorbah): This word points to desolation or things left in ruins, emphasizing how far the kingdom has fallen and the scale of restoration God promises.
  • "days of old" (יָמִים עוֹלָם, yamim olam): This phrase means ancient days or former times, pointing back to the glory days of David’s reign as the standard for restoration.

Why Amos 9:11 matters

  • Amos 9:11 clarifies that God’s restoration is not just about physical rebuilding but about repairing what has been broken in the community and leadership.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Amos, where judgment is not the end—God’s faithfulness includes a promise to restore and heal.
  • Understanding the fragile word "tabernacle" helps readers see that God values even what seems weak or insignificant and can make it strong again.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H1443 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:12 And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it.
  • Isaiah 58:12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.
  • Ezekiel 13:5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.

“breaches” Hebrew H6556 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 38:29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.
  • Psalms 144:14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H5521 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 33:17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
  • 1 Kings 20:12 And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.
  • Job 36:29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?