Amos 9:6

Amos 9:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He builds His upper rooms in the heavens and founds His vault upon the earth. He summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth. The LORD is His name.

King James Version KJV

It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name.

American Standard Version ASV

it is he that buildeth his chambers in the heavens, and hath founded his vault upon the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth; Jehovah is his name.

Bible in Basic English BBE

It is he who makes his rooms in the heaven, basing his arch on the earth; whose voice goes out to the waters of the sea, and sends them flowing over the face of the earth; the Lord is his name.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord builds his upper rooms in heaven, and places the foundations on the earth. He calls for the water of the seas, and pours it down as rain upon the earth—the Lord is his name!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He buildeth his spheres in the heauen, and hath laide the foundation of his globe of elements in the earth: hee calleth the waters of the sea, and powreth them out vpon the open earth: the Lord is his Name.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Who is building in the heavens His upper chambers; As to His troop, Upon earth He hath founded it, Who is calling for the waters of the sea, And poureth them out on the face of the land, Jehovah [is] His name.

World English Bible WEB

It is he who builds his rooms in the heavens, and has founded his vault on the earth; he who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth—the LORD is his name.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: the LORD is his name.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He that buildeth his ascension in heaven, and hath founded his bundle upon the earth: who calleth the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth, the Lord is his name.

Translation for Translators T4T

He builds his beautiful palace in heaven, and sets/causes the sky to be like a dome over the earth. He scoops up the water from the ocean and puts it into clouds, and then empties the clouds onto the earth. His name is Yahweh.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 9:6

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 9:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ/בּוֹנֶ֤ה בַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ מעלות/ו מַעֲלוֹתָ֔י/ו וַ/אֲגֻדָּת֖/וֹ עַל אֶ֣רֶץ יְסָדָ֑/הּ הַ/קֹּרֵ֣א לְ/מֵֽי הַ/יָּ֗ם וַֽ/יִּשְׁפְּכֵ֛/ם עַל פְּנֵ֥י הָ/אָ֖רֶץ יְהוָ֥ה שְׁמֽ/וֹ

הַ/בּוֹנֶ֤ה bânâh H1129 to build Art | V-Qal

בַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ shâmayim H8064 heaven Prep | N-md

מעלות/ו maʻălâh H4609 thought N-fp | Suff

מַעֲלוֹתָ֔י/ו maʻălâh H4609 thought N-fp | Suff

וַ/אֲגֻדָּת֖/וֹ ʼăguddâh H92 band Conj | N-fs | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

יְסָדָ֑/הּ yâçad H3245 to found V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

הַ/קֹּרֵ֣א qârâʼ H7121 to call Art | V-Qal

לְ/מֵֽי mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Prep | N-mp

הַ/יָּ֗ם yâm H3220 West Art | N-ms

וַֽ/יִּשְׁפְּכֵ֛/ם shâphak H8210 to pour Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face N-cp

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

שְׁמֽ/וֹ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 9:6

הַ/בּוֹנֶ֤ה bânâh H1129 "to build" Art | V-Qal

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

בַ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Prep | N-md

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

מעלות/ו maʻălâh H4609 "thought" N-fp | Suff

Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.

Definition: what comes up, thoughts

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.

מַעֲלוֹתָ֔י/ו maʻălâh H4609 "thought" N-fp | Suff

Definition: what comes up, thoughts

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.

וַ/אֲגֻדָּת֖/וֹ ʼăguddâh H92 "band" Conj | N-fs | Suff

A band can refer to a group of people, like soldiers, or a bundle of objects, like hyssop. In the Bible, it is used to describe the binding of the heavens to the earth, and the connections between people and things.

Definition: 1) band, binding 1a) cords, bands, thongs (metaphorical of slavery) 1b) bunch of hyssop 1c) band of men, troops 1d) vault (of the heavens), firmament (binding earth to the heavens)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bunch, burden, troop. See also: Exodus 12:22; Isaiah 58:6; Amos 9:6.

עַל 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.

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

יְסָדָ֑/הּ yâçad H3245 "to found" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.

Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.

הַ/קֹּרֵ֣א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

לְ/מֵֽי mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Prep | N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

הַ/יָּ֗ם yâm H3220 "West" Art | N-ms

Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.

Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)

Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.

וַֽ/יִּשְׁפְּכֵ֛/ם shâphak H8210 "to pour" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.

Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself

Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.

עַל 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.

פְּנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

שְׁמֽ/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

Study Notes — Amos 9:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Amos 9:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Amos 9:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 9:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 9:6
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 9:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 9:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 9:6
Cambridge Bible on Amos 9:6
Barnes' Notes on Amos 9:6
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 9:6
Sermons on Amos 9:6

Context — The Destruction of Israel

4Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.” 5The Lord GOD of Hosts, He who touches the earth and it melts, and all its dwellers mourn— all the land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt—

6He builds His upper rooms in the heavens and founds His vault upon the earth. He summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth. The LORD is His name.

7“Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir? 8Surely the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the face of the earth. Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Amos 5:8	He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name—
2	Amos 4:13	For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth— the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name.”
3	Psalms 104:3	laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.
4	Psalms 104:13	He waters the mountains from His chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of His works.
5	Jeremiah 5:22	Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it.
6	Psalms 104:5–6	He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved. You covered it with the deep like a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
7	Genesis 7:11–19	In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons— they and every kind of wild animal, livestock, crawling creature, bird, and winged creature. They came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two of every creature with the breath of life. And they entered, the male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in. For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and the waters rose and lifted the ark high above the earth. So the waters continued to surge and rise greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the waters. Finally, the waters completely inundated the earth, so that all the high mountains under all the heavens were covered.
8	Genesis 2:1	Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
9	Exodus 3:14–15	God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.

Amos 9:6 Summary

[This verse tells us that God is the all-powerful Creator of the universe, who builds His home in heaven and has control over the earth and the seas, as seen in Psalm 24:1-2. He is the one who made everything and has the power to do whatever He wants. The fact that 'The LORD is His name' reminds us that God is the one true God, and we can trust in His power and love. This truth can bring us comfort and peace, knowing that we are in the care of an all-powerful and loving God, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God builds His upper rooms in the heavens?

This phrase suggests that God's dwelling place is in heaven, and He has a sovereign plan that encompasses the entire universe, as seen in Psalm 115:3, which says that God does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth.

How does God's power over the waters of the sea relate to His character?

God's ability to summon the waters of the sea and pour them over the face of the earth demonstrates His incredible power and control over creation, highlighting His majesty and authority, as also seen in Job 38:8-11.

What is the significance of the phrase 'The LORD is His name' in this verse?

This phrase emphasizes that the God of the Bible is the one true God, and His name represents His character and nature, as expressed in Exodus 3:15, where God says that His name is to be remembered for all generations.

How does this verse relate to God's relationship with His people?

This verse showcases God's power and authority, which is a reminder to His people of His ability to care for and protect them, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:27, which says that the God of old is their dwelling place and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for God to have 'upper rooms in the heavens', and how does that impact my understanding of His sovereignty?
How can I trust in God's power and control when faced with challenges and uncertainties in my life?
What does God's ability to 'summon the waters of the sea' teach me about His majesty and authority?
How can I apply the truth of God's character, as expressed in His name, to my daily life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Amos 9:6

[It is] he that buildeth his stories in the heaven,.... The three elements, according to Aben Ezra, fire, air, and water; the orbs, as Kimchi, one above another; a word near akin to this is rendered

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 9:6

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 9:6

It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven; he that threatens and will execute his just severities on you is that mighty, glorious King, whose palace inconceivably surpasseth all the royal palaces of the mightiest monarchs on earth; his chambers, as , are in the heavens: he by a word of his mouth prepared and garnished those rooms of state, where is glory that ravisheth the mighty angels; how easily can he demolish and ruin your cells, and with the breath of his nostrils, by one command, blow away and scatter your little dust heaps, which you call cities, fortresses, and impregnable munitions! And hath founded his troop in the earth; he laid the foundations of this lower world, and can as easily shake or overturn as at first he laid them. All that is below the royal pavilions of God is but as a little bundle which he can soon untie and scatter about, nor are the things tied up of such worth and value that he should lose by doing it; how much more easy is it for him to destroy (as he hath spoken) your land and cities, which are a very small thing compared with the whole world, and this as a point compared with the unmeasurable greatness of the heavens! You set a value on yourselves, and are proud, and think that God will not lose, such jewels; as if a king in his royalty should fear to lose a pin’ s head, or one atom of dust that lieth on his footstool. Calleth; the easiest way a man can take to get any thing done; nothing so easy for man to do, as it is easy for God to drown a sinful nation or world: possibly God by this may mind them what seeming impossibility he did when he called for the waters of the sea to drown the old world, and would hereby make them see that he can now do the like. For the waters of the sea; either by wholesale in judgment to drown, or by retail by vapours in mercy to give rain. And poureth them out, in storms and violence, or in gentler showers, to punish or refresh. Upon the face of the earth; either a particular nation, or the whole world. The Lord is his name; eternal, unchangeable, almighty, and just: see .

Trapp's Commentary on Amos 9:6

Amos 9:6 [It is] he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] his name. Ver. 6. It is he that buildeth his stories (or spheres) in the heaven] Surgit hic oratio. The prophet here riseth in his discourse; and as Chrysostom said of St Paul, Tricubitalis est, et coelos transcendit; Low though he were, and little, yet he got up into the third heaven; so may we of Amos, though but a plain spoken and illiterate herdsman, yet, in setting forth the power of God, he mounts from earth to heaven, and shows himself to be Virum bonum, dicendi peritum, an exquisite orator, according to Quintilian’ s character. God, this great architect and public workman, δημιουργος (as the apostle after Plato, whom he seemeth to have read, calleth him, Hebrews 11:10), hath, without tool or toil, Isaiah 40:28, builded his stories in the heaven, which is three stories high, 2 Corinthians 12:2, wherein, as in a theatre, or molten looking glass, Job 37:18, his majesty most clearly shineth, Amos 4:13; Amos 5:8 Psalms 104:3; every sphere and star twinkling at us, and as it were, beckoning to us, to remember his omnipotence (whereof that rare fabric is a notable work and witness), and not to think to escape his judgments if we go on in sin. For although he be higher than the heavens, Job 35:5, yet "his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men," Psalms 11:4; Psalms 11:6, "Upon the wicked he shall rain down snares, fire and brimstone," &c. And hath founded his troop (or bundle) in the earth] That is, the other three elements, say some: the sea, which, together with the earth, maketh one globe, say others: the universe (saith Mr Diodati), which is like the fabric of a building; of which the earth, being the lower part, and only unmoveable, hath some resemblance of a foundation. He that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out, &c.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 9:6

(5, 6) Accumulate in grand imagery the majesty, power, and irresistible resources of the Lord, who has at length become their enemy. The very world itself melts, as Sinai did, at His touch. The word “is” should be omitted in the rendering. The predicate “Jehovah (the Lord) is His name” (Amos 9:6) stands at the end of a series of attributive clauses. Like a flood . . .—The sentence should run thus: The whole of it rises like the Nile, and subsides (or sinks) like the Egyptian Nile. The future tenses should be replaced by presents. (Comp. Amos 8:8.) Stories—i.e., upper rooms (comp. Psalms 104:3). The word for “troop” is rightly rendered “arch,” or “vault,” from a root signifying to bind or compact together, the sky being regarded as a “firmament,” or solid extension, which rested on the earth as a foundation.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 9:6

Verse 6. Buildeth his stories in the heaven] There is here an allusion to large houses, where there are cellars, or places dug in the ground as repositories for corn; middle apartments, or stories, for the families to live in; and the house-top for persons to take the air upon. There may be here a reference to the various systems which God has formed in illimitable space, transcending each other, as the planets do in our solar system: and thus we find Solomon speaking when addressing the Most High: "The heavens and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, השמים ושמי השמים hashshamayim ushemey hashshamayim, 1Kg 8:27. SIX heavens are necessarily implied in these three words. According to the points, the first and third are in the dual number, and the second is the contracted form of the plural. But how many more spheres may be intended who can tell? There may be millions of millions of stellar systems in unlimited space; and then what are all these to the VAST IMMENSITY of God! Hath founded his troop in the earth] אגדיו aguddatho, from אגד agad, to bind or gather together, possibly meaning the seas and other collections of waters which he has gathered together and bound by his perpetual decree, that they cannot pass; yet when he calleth for these very waters, as in the general deluge, he "poureth them out upon the face of the earth." The Lord is his name.] This points out his infinite essence. But what is that essence? and what is his nature? and what his immensity and eternity? What archangel can tell?

Cambridge Bible on Amos 9:6

6. That buildeth his upper chambers in the heaven, and hath founded his vault upon the earth] The Hebrews pictured the sky as a solid vault (firmamentum), resting at its extremities upon the earth (Job 26:11): in this vault the heavenly bodies were imagined to revolve: “in front of it” (i.e. in the open air below its lower surface) the birds flew (Genesis 1:20): above it were reservoirs in which rain was stored (as also snow and hail); and above these “waters above the firmament” Jehovah sat enthroned. The words are thus intended to illustrate Jehovah’s power by pointing to the palace which He has constructed for Himself on high, and firmly secured, by resting its foundations upon the solid earth. The word rendered upper chambers elsewhere means ascent, steps (hence A.V. stories, i.e. successive heights), which has been adopted by some commentators here (as though the reference were to the ascent or steps by which Jehovah’s heavenly palace was to be reached). But most authorities treat ma‘γlβh here as a synonym of ‘γliyyβh in Psalms 104:3, “Who layeth the beams of his upper chambers in the waters,” cf. Amos 9:14 “Who watereth the mountains from his upper chambers.” vault] lit. band,—properly, it is probable, like the Arab.’ijβd, an arch, as something firmly held together. The word (which is a rare one) is used elsewhere of a bunch of hyssop (Exodus 12:22), of the bands of a yoke (Isaiah 58:6), and of a band of men (2 Samuel 2:25). Here it denotes what is usually called the rβḳ ?ξa‘(lit. something beaten or spread out)[199], the (στερέωμα, or “firmament,” the vast hemi-spherical vault which, to the eye innocent of the truths of astronomy, seems to rest as a huge cupola upon the earth. [199] Comp. the cognate verb, as applied to metals, Exodus 39:3; Numbers 16:39 : Jeremiah 10:9; Isaiah 40:19 (R.V. spreadeth over).that calleth for the waters of the sea, &c.] repeated from Amos 5:8 b (where see note). The violent, and long-continued rains, occurring in Eastern climates, are another proof of Jehovah’s power over nature.

Barnes' Notes on Amos 9:6

He that buildeth His stories - The word commonly means “steps,” nor is there any reason to alter it.

Whedon's Commentary on Amos 9:6

5, 6. The people might think the prophet mad; hence he proceeds to disabuse their minds by informing them that it is Jehovah who makes the threats. Once more he depicts the divine majesty and omnipotence.

Sermons on Amos 9:6

	Sermon	Description
	Wonders of God-02 Psalm 8-the Starry Heavens by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the beauty and power of God's creation, specifically focusing on the sun and the stars. He emphasizes that God's understanding is infinite a
	About Astrology by Jack Hayford	Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing
	The Poor of the Land and the Pride of Jacob by John Piper	John Piper preaches on the message of Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, who delivered a warning of coming judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite Amos' faithful procla
	Music of the Lord by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the joy and trust we find in God's holy name, emphasizing that our happiness and light-heartedness come from being near our Savior. She highligh
	Exposition on Psalm 104 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches about the importance of praising and serving the Lord with humility and fear, acknowledging that all good things come from God. He emphasizes the need for re
	Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r
	The Power of His Presence by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revelation of God's presence in our lives. She highlights the importance of being honest before God and allowing Him to revea