Amos 9:1

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Amos 9:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape.

King James Version KJV

I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

American Standard Version ASV

I saw the Lord standing beside the altar: and he said, Smite the capitals, that the thresholds may shake; and break them in pieces on the head of all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: there shall not one of them flee away, and there shall not one of them escape.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I saw the Lord stationed by the side of the altar, giving blows to the tops of the pillars so that the doorsteps were shaking: and he said, I will let all of them be broken with earth-shocks; I will put the last of them to the sword: if any one of them goes in flight he will not get away, not one of them will be safe.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said: Strike the tops of the Temple pillars so that the foundations shake, and shatter them on the heads of all the people below. Those who survive I will kill by the sword. None of them will escape, not a single one.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I sawe the Lord standing vpon the altar, and he sayde, Smite the lintel of the doore, that the postes may shake: and cut them in pieces, euen the heads of them all, and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them, shall not flee away: and he that escapeth of them, shall not be deliuered.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I have seen the Lord standing by the altar, and He saith: 'Smite the knob, and the thresholds shake, And cut them off by the head — all of them, And their posterity with a sword I do slay, Not flee to them doth the fleer, Nor escape to them doth a fugitive.

World English Bible WEB

I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said, “Strike the tops of the pillars, that the thresholds may shake. Break them in pieces on the head of all of them. I will kill the last of them with the sword. Not one of them will flee away. Not one of them will escape.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I saw the LORD standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I saw the Lord standing upon the altar, and he said: Strike the hinges, and let the lintels be shook: for there is covetousness in the head of them all, and I will slay the last of them with the sword: there shall be no flight for them: they shall flee, and he that shall flee of them shall not be delivered.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh showed me another vision. In the vision, I saw him standing next to the altar. He said, “Shake the tops of the pillars of the temple, until they become loose and fall down, so that even the foundation will shake. Then cause the pieces of the temple to fall down on the people who are inside. I will kill with a sword anyone who tries to flee; no one will escape.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 9:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Amos 9:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB רָאִ֨יתִי אֶת אֲדֹנָ֜/י נִצָּ֣ב עַֽל הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ הַ֨ךְ הַ/כַּפְתּ֜וֹר וְ/יִרְעֲשׁ֣וּ הַ/סִּפִּ֗ים וּ/בְצַ֨עַ/ם֙ בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ כֻּלָּ֔/ם וְ/אַחֲרִיתָ֖/ם בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב אֶהֱרֹ֑ג לֹֽא יָנ֤וּס לָ/הֶם֙ נָ֔ס וְ/לֹֽא יִמָּלֵ֥ט לָ/הֶ֖ם פָּלִֽיט

רָאִ֨יתִי râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֲדֹנָ֜/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

נִצָּ֣ב nâtsab H5324 to stand V-Niphal

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ֨ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

הַ/כַּפְתּ֜וֹר kaphtôr H3730 capital Art | N-ms

וְ/יִרְעֲשׁ֣וּ râʻash H7493 to shake Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

הַ/סִּפִּ֗ים çaph H5592 basin Art | N-mp

וּ/בְצַ֨עַ/ם֙ bâtsaʻ H1214 to cut off Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms

כֻּלָּ֔/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

וְ/אַחֲרִיתָ֖/ם ʼachărîyth H319 end Conj | N-fs | Suff

בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב chereb H2719 sword Prep | N-fs

אֶהֱרֹ֑ג hârag H2026 to kill V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָנ֤וּס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

נָ֔ס nûwç H5127 to flee V-Qal

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִמָּלֵ֥ט mâlaṭ H4422 to escape V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

פָּלִֽיט pâlîyṭ H6412 survivor N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 9:1

רָאִ֨יתִי râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֲדֹנָ֜/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

נִצָּ֣ב nâtsab H5324 "to stand" V-Niphal

To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.

Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ mizbêach H4196 "altar" Art | N-ms

An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.

Definition: altar

Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הַ֨ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

הַ/כַּפְתּ֜וֹר kaphtôr H3730 "capital" Art | N-ms

A capital or knob, referring to the top of a column or a decorative bulb. In the Bible, it describes the design of the candelabrum in Exodus.

Definition: 1) bulb, knob, capital, capital of a pillar 1a) knob, bulb (as ornament) 1b) capital (of a pillar)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: knop, (upper) lintel. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 37:19; Zephaniah 2:14.

וְ/יִרְעֲשׁ֣וּ râʻash H7493 "to shake" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

In the Bible, this word means to shake or quake, often describing the earth or sky trembling with fear. It's used in the books of Psalms and Isaiah, describing God's power and majesty.

Definition: 1) to quake, shake 1a) (Qal) to quake, shake 1b) (Niphal) to be made to quake 1c)(Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to quake 1c2) to cause to spring or leap (of horse)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: make afraid, (re-) move, quake, (make to) shake, (make to) tremble. See also: Judges 5:4; Jeremiah 49:21; Psalms 18:8.

הַ/סִּפִּ֗ים çaph H5592 "basin" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a threshold, like a door sill, or a container for holding liquids. It can also mean a gate or post. The KJV translates it as threshold or bason.

Definition: 1) a spreading out, basin, goblet, bowl 1a) basin, goblet

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bason, bowl, cup, door (post), gate, post, threshold. See also: Exodus 12:22; 2 Chronicles 34:9; Isaiah 6:4.

וּ/בְצַ֨עַ/ם֙ bâtsaʻ H1214 "to cut off" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

This Hebrew verb means to cut off or stop, and can also describe being greedy or covetous, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: : to cut off 1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) to stop 1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cut off, sever 1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish 1b3) to violently make gain of

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be) covet(-ous), cut (off), finish, fulfill, gain (greedily), get, be given to (covetousness), greedy, perform, be wounded. See also: Job 6:9; Jeremiah 8:10; Psalms 10:3.

בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

כֻּלָּ֔/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

וְ/אַחֲרִיתָ֖/ם ʼachărîyth H319 "end" Conj | N-fs | Suff

End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.

Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.

בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Prep | N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

אֶהֱרֹ֑ג hârag H2026 "to kill" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָנ֤וּס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

נָ֔ס nûwç H5127 "to flee" V-Qal

וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִמָּלֵ֥ט mâlaṭ H4422 "to escape" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.

Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.

לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

פָּלִֽיט pâlîyṭ H6412 "survivor" N-ms

A survivor refers to a refugee or fugitive who has escaped, as seen in the stories of those who fled from danger in the Bible.

Definition: refugee, fugitive, escaped one Also means: pa.let (פָּלֵיט "survivor" H6412B)

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: (that have) escape(-d, -th), fugitive. See also: Genesis 14:13; Jeremiah 50:28; Isaiah 45:20.

Study Notes — Amos 9:1

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Context
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Amos 9:1 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Amos 9:1
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 9:1
Cambridge Bible on Amos 9:1
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Sermons on Amos 9:1

Context — The Destruction of Israel

1I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape.

2Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. 3Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 68:21	Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in guilty ways.
2	Revelation 1:17	When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
3	Isaiah 6:1	In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.
4	Amos 3:14	On the day I punish Israel for their transgressions, I will visit destruction on the altars of Bethel; the horns of the altar will be cut off, and they will fall to the ground.
5	John 1:18	No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.
6	Isaiah 6:3–4	And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.
7	Habakkuk 3:13	You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked and stripped him from head to toe. Selah
8	Jeremiah 48:44	“Whoever flees the panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For I will bring upon Moab the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
9	Zephaniah 2:14	Herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. Both the desert owl and screech owl will roost atop her pillars. Their calls will sound from the window, but desolation will lie on the threshold, for He will expose the beams of cedar.
10	Zechariah 11:1–2	Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars! Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the majestic trees are ruined! Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the dense forest has been cut down!

Amos 9:1 Summary

In Amos 9:1, God is standing beside the altar, calling for judgment upon His people. He commands the pillars to be struck, causing the thresholds to shake, and promises to kill the rest with the sword. This verse shows that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will not tolerate sin and rebellion (as seen in Psalm 89:14). It reminds us that we must surrender our lives to Him and trust in His sovereignty, rather than relying on our own strength and security, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:7-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the altar represent in Amos 9:1?

The altar in Amos 9:1 likely represents the place of worship and sacrifice, highlighting the Lord's presence and authority over His people, as seen in Exodus 29:42-43 and Ezekiel 43:13-27.

Why does God command the tops of the pillars to be struck?

God commands the tops of the pillars to be struck to bring judgment upon His people, causing the thresholds to shake and symbolizing the destruction of their false sense of security, much like the shaking of the foundations in Haggai 2:6-7 and Hebrews 12:26-27.

What is the significance of none of the fugitives escaping?

The fact that none of the fugitives will escape emphasizes God's omnipotence and justice, as He will ultimately bring all people to account for their actions, as stated in Romans 2:3 and Revelation 20:12-15.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse showcases God's holiness and righteousness, demonstrating that He is a God of justice who will not tolerate sin and rebellion, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 61:8.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I have built false pillars of security, and how can I surrender them to God?
How can I apply the concept of God's justice and righteousness to my daily life, especially in situations where I feel tempted to compromise or rebel against Him?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and control, even when faced with uncertainty or chaos?
What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am not among those who will be toppled by God's judgment, but rather among those who will be spared and restored?

Gill's Exposition on Amos 9:1

And I saw the Lord standing upon the altar,.... Either upon the altar of burnt offerings in the temple of Jerusalem, whither he had removed from the cherubim; signifying his being about to depart,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 9:1

I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 9:1

AMOS CHAPTER 9 The certainty of Israel’ s desolation, . The restoring of the tabernacle of David, and of the captivity of Israel. I saw: as before, ,4,7 8:1; so here the prophet hath a fifth vision. The Lord; the great, glorious, just, and holy God, in some visible tokens of his majesty. Standing; either ready to execute sentence, or ready to depart, 10:1,4; indeed here he will do both, execute his own sentence, and depart from this people. Upon the altar of burnt-offering before the temple at Jerusalem: here the scene is laid, this altar and temple Israel had forsaken, and set up others against it; and here God in his jealousy appears prepared to take vengeance: possibly it may intimate his future departure from Judah too. There Ezekiel, , saw the slaughtermen stand. He said, commanded, Smite the lintel of the door, or the chapiter, knop, ornament that was upon the lintel of the door, which is supposed to be of the gate of the temple, or possibly the door of the gate that led into the priests’ courts; and though the party that smites be not named, it is likely it was an angel; or possibly the prophet seemed to do it, for this is to do in vision. That the posts may shake; which were the strength and beauty of the gate. And cut, wound deep, them, the people which were visionally represented as standing in the court of the temple, in the head, that it may more fully signify the destroying of the chief of the heads of this sinful people. All; spare not one of these. I will slay the last; God will slay by the enemies’ sword the meanest of them, or the last, i.e. the posterity of them. He that fleeth of them shall not flee away, or get out of danger. He that escapeth, for the present, out of battle or besieged city, shall not be delivered; shall yet at last fall into the enemies’ hand, or by his sword.

Trapp's Commentary on Amos 9:1

Amos 9:1 I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.Ver. 1. I saw the Lord] This seer, Amos 7:12, saw the Lord in a vision; for otherwise God is too subtile for sinew or sight to seize upon him. We cannot look upon the body of the sun, neither can we see at all without the beams of it; so here. Standing upon the altar] Or, firmly set, sc. to do execution upon that altar, sc. that idolatrous altar at Bethel mentioned before, and formerly threatened by another prophet, 1 Kings 13:1-2. The Rabbis say, God was seen standing upon that altar, as ready to sacrifice and slay the men of that age, whose idolatries and other impieties he could no longer bear with. And hence it is haply, that he is brought in standing; like as Acts 7:55, Jesus, at Stephen’ s death, was seen standing at the right hand of God, where he is usually said to sit. Stat ut vindex, sedet ut iudex. He stood as his defender and sat as his judge. And he said] sc. to the angel that stood by, Zechariah 3:7, or to the enemy commissioned by him, or to some other creature, for they are all his servants, Psalms 119:91, neither can he want a weapon to tame his rebels with. Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake] Smite with a courage, as Ezekiel 9:5. Angels give no light blows. "Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled. And he shall cut down the thickets of the forests with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one," Isaiah 10:33-34; that is, by an angel shall he smite to the ground that mighty army which was like a thick wood. See Isaiah 37:36 Psalms 78:25; Psalms 89:6. So at our Saviour’ s resurrection, an angel, in despite of the soldiers set to watch, rolled away the grave stone, and sat upon it. And as a mighty man, when he sitteth down, shaketh the bench under him, so did he shake the earth; "and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men," Matthew 28:2; Matthew 28:4. Down with this idol temple, down with it, saith God here, even to the ground.

Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 9:1

IX. (1) The last vision is transferred to the shrine at Bethel, the seat of the calf-worship. The prophet sees Jehovah Himself standing in pomp by the altar of burnt offering, and by His side the angel of His presence, to whom now, as on many other occasions, the mission of destruction has been entrusted. To him the words of Jehovah are addressed (so Aben Ezra, Kimchi). It is doubtful what is meant by the Hebrew Caphtôr (mistranslated “lintel of the door”). It may mean the wreathed capital of the columns, as in Zephaniah 2:14. So Hitzig and Keil. The word sippîm (mistranslated “posts”) properly signifies “thresholds,” but is here understood by the first-mentioned commentator to mean the cornice supported by the columns. This is confirmed by the LXX. on Isaiah 6:4 (see Delitzsch ad loc). But as there is no mention of the temple building, but only of the altar of burnt offering, it is much safer to adhere to the ordinary and well-established significations of these terms. We should accordingly follow Ewald in taking Caphtôr as referring to the ornamented horns of the altar. Similarly, in Exodus 25:31; Exodus 37:17, it signifies the richly decorated extremities of the golden candelabra. The scene is wonderfully vivid. Round the colossal altar of burnt offering a crowd of eager devotees is gathered. Jehovah gives the word of command to His angel, and with a blow that shakes the very threshold the ornamented altar horns are shivered to fragments, which are hurled down upon the panic-stricken multitude below. And cut . . .—Rather, and dash them in pieces upon the head of all of them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 9:1

CHAPTER IX The first part of this chapter contains another vision, in which God is represented as declaring the final ruin of the kingdom of Israel, and the general dispersion of the people, 1-10. The prophet then passes to the great blessedness of the people of God under the Gospel dispensation, 11-15. See Acts 15:15-16. NOTES ON CHAP. IX Verse 1. I saw the Lord standing upon the altar] As this is a continuation of the preceding prophecy, the altar here may be one of those either at Dan or Beer-sheba. Smite the lintel] Either the piece of timber that binds the wall above the door, or the upper part of the door frame, in which the cheeks, or side posts, are inserted, and which corresponds to the threshold, or lower part of the door frame. And cut them in the head] Let all the lintels of all the doors of all those temples be thus cut, as a sign that the whole shall be thrown down and totally demolished. Or this may refer to their heads-chief men, who were principals in these transgressions. Mark their temples, their priests, their prophets, and their princes, for destruction. He that fleeth - shall not flee away] He shall be caught before he can get out of the reach of danger. And he that escapeth (that makes good his flight) shall not be delivered.] Captivity, famine, or sword, shall reach him even there.

Cambridge Bible on Amos 9:1

Amos 9:1-6. The fifth vision, the smitten sanctuary. The people are all assembled for worship in their sanctuary: Jehovah is seen standing by the altar, and commanding the building to be so smitten that it may fall and destroy the worshippers: none, it is emphatically added, shall escape the irrevocable doom. The worshippers are manifestly intended to symbolize the entire nation.

Barnes' Notes on Amos 9:1

I saw the Lord - He saw God in vision; yet God no more, as before, asked him what he saw. God no longer shows him emblems of the destruction, but the destruction itself.

Whedon's Commentary on Amos 9:1

1. I saw — The other visions are introduced with “Jehovah showed unto me.” The Lord — He is the central figure in this vision, not a symbolic object or act. Standing — As in Amos 7:7.

Sermons on Amos 9:1

	Sermon	Description
	Amos 9 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his 14-month journey through different nations, carrying only what he could on his back. He emphasizes the diversity of people he encountere
	K-448 Israel's Future Expulsion by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the insignificance of our worldly accomplishments and knowledge in the eyes of God. He describes a terrifying wilderness where one is strippe
	God's Omnipotence - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the preacher explores the concept of God's omnipresence and authority over all places. He emphasizes that while we are accustomed to things having their rightful pl
	Bible Survey - Amos by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the prophet Amos, a humble and bold shepherd who fearlessly proclaimed God's truth to the Northern tribes of Israel during a time of peace and prosperity.
	The Passion of Christ by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and the immense love that God has shown through it. The sermon then addresses the questions r
	(Revelation) 02 Letters to the Seven Churches Part 1 by David Pawson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman on a plane who took a photograph of a storm and miraculously, the storm stopped as soon as she took the picture. The woman
	Pure Heart and Pure Church by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of the church and individuals who are filled with carnality, pride, anger, and secret lust. He emphasizes the need for restoratio