Amos 9:5-6

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. The verses are similar in tone to Amos 4:13; Amos 5:8-9, and they serve the same purpose (see comments on those verses and Introduction, pp. 217ff.). They certainly add force to the preceding threats, and Harper is hardly justified in saying, “The proposed logical connection of this verse (5) with the preceding, ‘God is able to bring such punishment because he is the almighty one,’ is unnatural and far-fetched.”

The Lord Jehovah of hosts Compare Amos 4:13.

Toucheth the land In a thunderstorm.

Melt See on Micah 1:4; Nahum 1:5.

Mourn See on Amos 1:2. Amos 5:5 b describes an earthquake; see on Amos 8:8 b, of which it is an almost verbatim repetition.

Stories R.V., “chambers”; literally, upper chambers; the dwelling place of Jehovah above the “firmament” (Psalms 104:3; Psalms 104:13).

Troop Better, R.V., “vault.” The “firmament” of Genesis 1:6, which, to the eye ignorant of the truths of astronomy, seems to rest as a huge cupola upon the earth (Job 26:11).

Calleth for the waters… poureth them out See on Amos 5:8.

Jehovah LXX. adds “of hosts” (compare Amos 4:13).