Amos 9:1–7 continue with the theme of the whole book, judgment is coming and Israel will be destroyed. In this picture of judgment, much like that of Psalm 139:7–12, there is no place to run. No place to hide or escape from God. If you run to the hills, you will be slain; go into the temple, it will fall on your head. Dig down into the depths of the earth or go to the top of a mountain—do what you want but no one will cheat the justice of God.

The reason why God’s judgment cannot be escaped is made clear in the next two verses (Amos 9:5–6). Because of who God is, there can be no escape. He is the glorious Creator who rules over heaven and earth. There is nothing outside of his control and no one outside the reach of his power. He is the Lord of hosts, he commands the armies of heaven, and he does not leave the guilty unpunished.

But what about God’s covenant people Israel? He rescued Israel in the past, surely he will rescue them again? Surely they are guaranteed to be safe from God? No, says the Lord (Amos 9:7). Are you not like the Cushites to me, O people of Israel?' declares the Lord. 'Did I not bring up Israel from the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Syrians from Kir?' That is to say, you may have enjoyed wonderful privileges, you may have the mark of the covenant upon you, but you have not embraced God’s promises—you have become just like the pagan nations around you. Remember how I judged them in the past? The same will happen to you. Privilege will not save you (see Amos 3:1–15). God who is just will deal with evil.

The first step in God’s plan to restore creation will involve judgment and destruction. There can be no heaven if evil is not dealt with. Restoring a broken world requires getting rid of everything that pollutes—there is no room for sin in the new creation. There is no room for Satan or his angels. God must judge and get rid of all evil.