Amos 9:5

"For the Lord Jehovah of hosts, is he that toucheth the land and it melteth, and all that dwell therein shall mourn; and it shall rise up wholly like the River, and shall sink again, like the river of Egypt; 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."

THE DOXOLOGY This is the third of Amos' doxologies, the other two being in Amos 4:13 and Amos 5:8,9, the purpose of all three being quite clearly that of a reminder that the Lord, whose word to Israel Amos was faithfully delivering, was indeed all-sufficient and powerful to bring to pass exactly that which he promised. As Keil accurately discerned the intent of these verses: "To strengthen his threat, Amos proceeds (in Amos 9:5,6) to describe Jehovah as the Lord of heaven and earth, who sends judgments upon the earth with omnipotent power."[10]

"Like the River, etc ...." This is almost identical with Amos 8:8. (See under that verse for the interpretation, which is identical with what is meant here.)

Smith detected an interesting progression in the three doxologies of Amos, thus:

"The first doxology praises God as the creator of the universe (Amos 4:13). The second begins with creation (Amos 5:8) and goes on to refer to God's control. In this third doxology Yahweh's creative power is turned into destructive might.[11]

"Calling for the waters of the sea ..." As noted in the interpretation of Amos 8:8, which see, this appears to be a reminder of the great flood which God sent upon rebellious mankind as a punishment of their malignant wickedness.