Amos 9:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, if we intend to delve into a more profound and spiritual understanding of these matters, it is appropriate to reflect on the following revelations. When Christ arose, and the Father restored the tabernacle of David and raised up its ruins (Am. 9:11), there was a plentiful outpouring of spiritual gifts to all—both Greeks and Jews. For there is one God, who justifies both the circumcised and uncircumcised by faith (Rom. 3:30). Hence, the bestowal of spiritual fruits upon believers is immense, symbolically represented by the harvest of the earth; as it is said, there will be an abundance of bread and wine.

Presently, we receive bread for our fortification—an evident spiritual sustenance—since it is written, And bread shall strengthen the heart of man (Psalms 103:15), indicating its spiritual and divine nature from above; and wine for our joy, as it is proclaimed, Wine maketh glad the heart of man (Psalms 103:15). Yet, we rejoice in hope, as Paul instructs (Rom. 12:12).

The mountains also drip with sweetness, presumably referring to the churches of Christ due to the grandeur of the truths upheld within them and the exceptional piety they promote. Mountains, adorned with diverse flora, represent the churches populated by countless holy individuals—like cedars and towering trees—planted by the flowing streams of spiritual waters. Just as bees thrive in richly forested mountains, gathering sweet nectar to produce precious honey, in the same way, those who excel in virtue and comprehension of Christ's doctrine share their insights with others, nurturing their hearts with spiritual sweetness.

As for hills, which He mentions, these represent those of lesser stature in virtue in comparison to the more distinguished, symbolizing the varying degrees of holiness and righteousness within the churches, as Paul articulates, according to the grace granted to each individual (Eph. 4:7) by the Giver—God. Therefore, they will be planted, meaning they shall flourish and bear fruit, cultivating minds richly adorned with the truth of divine teachings. That God has returned the captives is beyond doubt, for Christ proclaimed freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18) and liberated the celestial realms from the tyranny of evil.

As dedicated laborers, we strive for spiritual abundance, planting vineyards and enjoying the fruit thereof; for we will reap the rewards of our toils and gather the fruits of righteousness. We will find steadfast presence with God, and once the inheritance is bestowed by Him, none shall uproot those who receive it. This is affirmed in His word, I will plant them in their land (which I gave them), says the Lord God; for the church of God is such a gift from which He will not turn away. We will remain in unwavering steadfastness for every good thing, guided and taught by Christ Himself.

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when the threshing will coincide with the grape harvest, and the grapes will undergo transformation during the planting season. The mountains will yield sweet wine, and all the hills will be planted. I will return My people Israel from their captivity; they will restore the ruined cities, inhabit them, plant vineyards and drink their wine, plant gardens to savor their fruit. They will be firmly rooted in their land, and shall never again be uprooted from the land granted to them, says the Lord God Almighty.

Following the restoration of the fallen tabernacle of David and the reconstruction of what has been ruined, an abundance will be described. Those who journeyed before with their seeds will return rejoicing, bringing their sheaves (Ps. 125). The harvesting of the sheaves will proceed the gathering of the grapes, and the plowman will follow the reaper as the grapes transform and change during the planting time. This cycle will continue, ensuring that each day will be filled with bread, wine, and rejoicing. At that time, grapes will be trampled in large vats, producing new wine from the blood of Christ and the martyrs. Thus, this winepress will nurture the word of God, causing their blood to cry out more forcefully in the world than that of Abel the righteous.

He who ascends to the heights of virtue will exude honey or rather the sweetness of the Word of God, as it is written: "Taste and see how sweet the Lord is" (Psalm 33:9), and "Your words are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb to my mouth" (Psalm 118:103). Those lower than the mountains, described as hills in the Song of Songs (chapter 2), shall be planted and compared to the paradise of God, bearing the fruits of divine teaching.

Then, those who have been captives due to disbelief, who have not yet believed in the name of the Lord and who belong to the remnant of His once chosen Israel, will turn to faith in Christ, receiving the Gospel of Him whom they heard spoken by the prophets. These sweet-flowing mountains and planted hills, after the Lord restores His people from captivity, will rebuild the once desolate cities, inhabit them, and each restored city will proclaim, "I am a strong fortress" (Proverbs 18). Such a city cannot be hidden, as the Lord spoke in the Gospel, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

In the Psalms, it is said, "The river's stream may make glad the city of God" (Ps. 45:5). They will also plant vineyards alongside Noah (Gen. 9), drink from their bounty, and find satisfaction as they heed the words of the Lord Savior: "Drink, my brethren, and be satisfied" (Song of Songs 5:1). They will partake of the new wine that He promised to share in the Father’s kingdom with His apostles (Mark 14). This vineyard of Sorek is the wine we consume each day through the sacraments. Yet, not content with such abundance, they will plant gardens and cultivate them for pleasure, ensuring there is no lack of any virtue; and those who cultivate them will reap the benefits.

When the mountains and hills fulfill their purpose—flowing sweet wine, rebuilding cities, planting vineyards to feast upon their wine, and cultivating gardens to enjoy their fruits—then the Lord will plant them firmly in their land, of which it is said, "I hope to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 26:13), and in the Gospel, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Once He has established and firmly rooted them, they will no longer be uprooted from the land He has granted them. Thus, we understand that regardless of the persecutions the church may face until the end of time, it will not be destroyed; it will endure trials but will remain unvanquished. This assurance comes from the Lord God Almighty, who has pledged His faithfulness, and His promise stands as the enduring law of nature.