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. He builds His upper chambers in the heavensThe phrase "upper chambers" refers to the divine dwelling place of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and transcendence. In Hebrew, the word for "upper chambers" is "ma'alot," which can also mean steps or ascents, suggesting a place of elevation and authority. This imagery reflects the ancient Near Eastern concept of gods residing in the heavens, but here it underscores the unique monotheistic belief in Yahweh's supreme power over all creation. The heavens symbolize not just physical space but the realm of divine authority and majesty. and founds His vault upon the earth
The "vault" or "dome" (Hebrew: "aguddah") signifies the firmament or the sky, which God has established over the earth. This imagery is reminiscent of the creation narrative in Genesis, where God separates the waters and establishes the sky. It highlights God's creative power and His ability to order the cosmos. The earth serves as the foundation for His creation, indicating stability and purpose in His design. This phrase reassures believers of God's control over the natural world and His intentionality in creation. He summons the waters of the sea
The act of summoning the waters demonstrates God's command over the chaotic forces of nature. In ancient cultures, the sea often represented chaos and danger, yet here, God exercises authority over it. The Hebrew verb "qara" (to summon or call) implies not just a request but a command that must be obeyed. This reflects God's omnipotence and His ability to bring order out of chaos, a theme consistent throughout Scripture, from the parting of the Red Sea to Jesus calming the storm. and pours them over the face of the earth
This phrase illustrates God's control over the distribution of waters, essential for life and sustenance. The imagery of pouring suggests abundance and provision, as well as judgment, as seen in the flood narrative. The Hebrew word "shaphak" (to pour) conveys both blessing and judgment, depending on the context. This duality serves as a reminder of God's justice and mercy, His ability to provide for His creation, and His right to judge it. the LORD is His name
The declaration of "the LORD" (Yahweh) as His name is a powerful affirmation of God's identity and covenant relationship with His people. In Hebrew, "Yahweh" is the personal name of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush, signifying His eternal existence and faithfulness. This name is a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His promises to Israel. It calls believers to recognize His authority, worship Him alone, and trust in His sovereign plans. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, representing the sovereign God of Israel, who is both Creator and Sustainer of the universe. 2. Upper Chambers in the HeavensThis phrase refers to the divine dwelling place of God, symbolizing His supreme authority and transcendence over creation. 3. Vault upon the EarthThis imagery suggests the stability and order God has established in the world, reflecting His power and control over the natural order. 4. Waters of the SeaRepresents the chaotic and uncontrollable forces of nature, which God commands and uses according to His will. 5. Face of the EarthThe entire world, which is under God's dominion and subject to His sovereign plans. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize and trust in God's ultimate control over all creation. His authority extends from the heavens to the earth, and nothing is beyond His command. Divine OrderAppreciate the order and stability God has established in the world. Despite apparent chaos, God maintains control and purpose in His creation. God's Power Over NatureReflect on God's ability to command the forces of nature. This power should inspire awe and reverence, reminding us of His greatness. The Name of the LORDThe declaration "the LORD is His name" emphasizes His unique identity and covenant relationship with His people. It calls us to worship and allegiance. Trust in God's PlanIn times of uncertainty, remember that God, who commands the seas and establishes the earth, is also guiding our lives according to His perfect will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God building His upper chambers in the heavens influence your understanding of His transcendence and authority? 2. In what ways can recognizing God's control over nature help you trust Him more in your daily life? 3. How does the concept of divine order in creation challenge or affirm your view of the world around you? 4. What does the phrase "the LORD is His name" reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people? 5. How can you apply the understanding of God's sovereignty in Amos 9:6 to a current situation in your life where you need to trust His plan? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1The creation account, where God establishes order from chaos, parallels the imagery of God summoning the waters and founding the earth. Psalm 104This psalm praises God for His creation and sustaining power, echoing the themes of God's control over the natural world. Job 38God's discourse with Job highlights His authority over creation, similar to the imagery in Amos 9:6 of God commanding the waters. Jeremiah 5This passage speaks of God's control over the sea, reinforcing the idea of His sovereignty over nature. Revelation 4The vision of God's throne room in heaven connects to the imagery of God's upper chambers, emphasizing His majesty and authority. People Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, SyriansPlaces Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile RiverTopics Arch, Basing, Buildeth, Building, Builds, Calleth, Calling, Calls, Chambers, Dome, Face, Flowing, Foundation, Founded, Founds, Goes, Heaven, Heavens, Lofty, Makes, Palace, Poureth, Pours, Rooms, Sends, Sets, Stories, Surface, Troop, Upper, Vault, Vaulted, Voice, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 9:6 4266 sea Library A Revival Sermon
But, my dear friends, while this promise will doubtless be carried out, and every word of it shall be verified, so that the hill-tops of that country shall again bear the vine, and the land shall flow with wine, yet, I take it, this is more fully a spiritual than a temporal promise; and I think that the beginning of its fulfilment is now to be discerned, and we shall see the Lord's good hand upon us, so that is ploughman shall overtake the reaper, the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all he hills …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Letter ix. Meditation.
"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15. MY DEAR SISTER: The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God. Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and example; and concerning which, let us observe, 1. Its importance. That God has required it, ought to …
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Doctrine of the Last Things.
A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. B. THE RESURRECTION. C. THE JUDGMENT. D. THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED. E. THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS. Under this caption are treated such doctrines as the Second Coming of Christ, the Resurrection of both the righteous and wicked, the Judgments, Final Awards, and Eternal Destiny. A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHEIST. I. ITS IMPORTANCE. 1. PROMINENCE IN THE SCRIPTURES. 2. THE CHRISTIAN HOPE. 3. THE CHRISTIAN INCENTIVE. 4. THE CHRISTIAN COMFORT. …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Links Amos 9:6 NIVAmos 9:6 NLTAmos 9:6 ESVAmos 9:6 NASBAmos 9:6 KJV
Amos 9:6 Commentaries
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