Upon the altar— Near the altar. As this prophesy is against the kingdom of Israel, it is probable that this altar was dedicated to the purposes of idolatry, especially as God appears near it, in order to foretel its ruin, and consequently that of the kingdom of Israel. Instead of lintel, we may read chapiter. Instead of, and cut them in the head, &c. Houbigant reads, for I will wound them all in the head, and I will slay their posterity with the sword.
Related Commentaries of Amos 9:1
Amos 9:1
1 I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.