Vault of the Earth

EARTH, VAULT OF THE (אֲגֻדָּה, H99, band, thong, vault). This infrequent word can denote the fetters of prisoners (Isa 58:6), a band of men (2 Sam 2:25) or the “vault” of heaven. “Vault” is possible only in Amos 9:6 (KJV “troop”) where it is parallel to “upper chambers.” The context aids little in defining its usage. (See Circle of the Earth.)

Bibliography

M. H. Pope, “Job,” The Anchor Bible (1965), 151; E. J. Young, The Book of Isaiah, I (1965), 396.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

volt:

In one passage God is said to have "founded his vault (’aghuddah) upon the earth" (Am 9:6). It is not quite certain whether this dome or vault refers to the earth itself, or to the heavens arched above it.

The latter is the usual interpretation, but in either case the reference is rather to the strength of the structure than to its form; the word implying something that is firmly bound together and hence, an arch or dome because of its stability.