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. (Amos 9:6)
Heb. ma‘aloth, literally, “ascents.” The word frequently describes “stairs” (Ex. 20:26; 1 Kings 10:19; Eze. 40:6; etc.). Its exact meaning here is uncertain. Some think “chambers” are meant (see RSV), although “chambers” is more properly the translation of ‘aliyyoth, a word from the same root as ma‘aloth. “Chambers” would poetically designate the dwelling place of God.
Troop.
Heb. ’aguddah, a word of uncertain meaning here. It is translated “bunch” in Ex. 12:22, where it describes a bunch of hyssop; “troop” in 2 Sam. 2:25, where it describes the band of men that gathered behind Abner; and “burdens” in Isa. 58:6, where it describes the bands or bonds of a yoke. None of these meanings seems to fit the context of Amos’ statement. Some have suggested the meaning “structure,” or “vault.”