Amos 9:1-6

THE SMITTEN SANCTUARY, vv. 1-6.

These verses contain an account of the fifth vision, followed by an exposition setting forth the inevitableness and completeness of the judgment. The prophet beholds the sanctuary crowded with worshipers, and Jehovah standing beside the altar; he hears the divine command to smite the sanctuary, so that it will fall upon the worshipers and crush them.

If some should escape by accident they will meet their doom in other ways. Wherever they may seek a hiding place Jehovah will find them and blot them out. The threat is enforced, as in Amos 4:13; Amos 5:8-9, by a solemn description of the majesty and power of Jehovah. If the words were spoken under the shadow of the sanctuary at Beth-el (Amos 7:13), this vision would be especially appropriate and impressive.