James argues that the “dwelling of David,” which God will build, is the eschatological temple, composed not of mortar and bricks but rather formed by the Gentiles together with Jews (Bauckham 1995, 1:454–55). Several features of the scriptures cited support this claim (for what follows, see Bauckham 1995, 1:454–58). James offers an intricate exegesis based on Amos 9:11–12. But in the opening and closing frame of the text he draws also on allusions to other prophetic texts (Jer 12 and Isa 45, both noted in the margins of NA27), hence the opening reference to “the words of the prophets.” The first three Greek words of the quotation, “after these things, I will return,” do not appear in Amos; rather, they allude to Jer 12:15–16:

And after I have plucked them [the Gentile nations] up, I will again have compassion on them.… And then, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, … they shall be built up in the midst of my people.

Jeremiah refers both to the conversion of the Gentiles and “their being built up” as the eschatological temple.