Funeral Song to Garden Party - Amos 5-9

The first verse of this section reads: (5:1) - Hear this word which I take up for you as a dirge, O house of Israel. A "dirge" is a funeral song. It is a lament of something bad that has happened or is going to happen. In this case it was what was both happening and going to Israel for their disobedience. They had turned away from God and were going to pay the price. "What you sow you reap" is the point of the next few chapters. However, the story doesn't end with a funeral dirge. It ends with a party in the garden. Read what it says in the last few verses of this section: (9:14) - I will restore the captivity of My people Israel, And they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will also plant vineyards and drink their wine, And make gardens and eat their fruit." The story of their disobedience leads to captivity. But, the story of their restoration leads to a party. God will give them restoration (via Christ and with the Church) in the end. God provides the restoration through His son. God, and God alone, can restore those He punishes. Let's realize that any funeral dirge for the believer is followed by hope and blessing and the rejoicing for what God has done.