Chapter 8 records the vision of the summer fruit. The Hebrew word for summer fruit is "hayit" and the word for end (verse 2) is "hatz." These two words look and sound alike, and Amos used one to lead to the other. The goodness of Israel was like the summer fruit. It was perishable and soon deteriorated. God's judgment would come upon Israel.
In verses 4-14 God names the sins of the people, and warns that He will send His wrath upon them--not only by natural calamities, but by a famine of the Word of God. The people had not listened to the Word of God when they had the opportunity; therefore, God would take His Word from them. God warns that their idols at Dan and Beersheba would be powerless to help them in the coming calamity (verse 14).
Chapter 9 records the final vision at the altar, with the Lord standing upon the altar. Judgment begins at the house of the Lord (1 Peter 4:17). The people had been outwardly religious, but their hearts were not sincere. Verses 8 and 9 summarize what God is going to do. He compares the coming judgment to the sifting of grain. The good seed, the true believers, will be saved; but the chaff will be burned.
The Book of Amos closes on a note of victory. In verses 11-15 the promise of future restoration is given.
