Amos 5:8

KJV

[Seek him] that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] his name:

KJV (with Strong's)

Seek him that maketh {H6213} the seven stars {H3598} and Orion {H3685}, and turneth {H2015} the shadow of death {H6757} into the morning {H1242}, and maketh the day {H3117} dark {H2821} with night {H3915}: that calleth {H7121} for the waters {H4325} of the sea {H3220}, and poureth them out {H8210} upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H776}: The LORD {H3068} is his name {H8034}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who brings deathlike shadows over the morning, who darkens the day into night, who calls for the water in the sea and with it floods the earth - ADONAI is his name

Berean Standard Bible

He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name—

American Standard Version

seek him that maketh the Pleiades and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night; that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth (Jehovah is his name);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 5:8 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and unmatched power, serving as a divine identifier for the God whom Israel is commanded to seek. In a context of widespread idolatry and social injustice, the prophet Amos highlights God's dominion over the celestial bodies, the cycles of light and darkness, and the vast waters of the earth, unequivocally asserting His unique identity as the covenant Lord. This verse calls the unfaithful nation to recognize the true Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, contrasting His omnipotence with the impotence of false gods and urging genuine repentance and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 5:8 is strategically placed within a series of prophetic pronouncements that call Israel to repentance and warn of impending judgment. The immediate preceding verses (Amos 5:4-7) contain the pivotal command, "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live," followed by a lament over Israel's spiritual blindness and moral corruption. Verse 8 then functions as a powerful theological justification for *why* Yahweh alone should be sought. It describes the unparalleled attributes of the God who demands their allegiance, setting Him apart from any rival deities. The subsequent verses (Amos 5:9-15) continue to detail Israel's injustices and reiterate the call to "seek good, and not evil," reinforcing the idea that seeking the Lord involves both true worship and righteous living. This verse therefore serves as a foundational description of the One true God, against whom Israel's idolatry and injustice are measured.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos delivered his message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC). Despite outward economic success, the nation was plagued by deep spiritual apostasy, social injustice, and a syncretistic worship that blended Yahwism with Canaanite Baal worship. The people had forgotten their covenant obligations, oppressing the poor and perverting justice. In this cultural milieu, celestial bodies like the Pleiades ("seven stars") and Orion were often associated with pagan deities or astrological omens, influencing agricultural cycles and human destiny. By declaring Yahweh as the Creator and Controller of these very constellations, Amos directly challenged the prevailing pagan worldview and the worship of natural forces. Furthermore, control over rain and sea was often attributed to Baal, the Canaanite storm god. Amos's assertion that Yahweh "calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth" was a direct theological assault on Baal worship, unequivocally proclaiming Yahweh's sole dominion over the forces of nature that sustained life.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 5:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Amos and the broader prophetic literature. First and foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**. The detailed description of God's control over the cosmos and natural phenomena underscores His absolute power, contrasting sharply with the limited power of human rulers or false gods. This theme is echoed throughout Amos, particularly in the series of divine pronouncements against various nations and Israel itself (e.g., [Amos 1:3-2:16](/amos/1-3-2-16 "Amos's Oracles Against the Nations")). Secondly, the verse highlights **God as the Sole Creator and Sustainer**. By identifying Him as the one who "maketh the seven stars and Orion" and controls the cycles of day and night, Amos emphasizes that all existence depends entirely on Yahweh. This foundational truth is central to biblical theology, reminding Israel of their unique relationship with the God who brought them into being and sustains their lives. Finally, the concluding declaration, "The LORD is his name," powerfully asserts the **Uniqueness and Covenant Faithfulness of Yahweh**. This name, YHWH, signifies God's self-existence and His covenant relationship with Israel, distinguishing Him from all other deities. It reinforces the call for Israel to return to the exclusive worship of their covenant God, as emphasized in passages like [Amos 4:6-12](/amos/4-6-12 "Amos's Warnings and Calls to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hâphak (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** This primitive root means "to turn about or over," and by implication, "to change, overturn, or return." In Amos 5:8, when applied to God turning "the shadow of death into the morning" and making "the day dark with night," it signifies God's absolute power to reverse conditions and control fundamental cycles. It's not merely a passive observation but an active, decisive act of divine will that brings about radical transformation, whether from despair to hope or from light to darkness.
* **tsalmâveth (Hebrew, _tsalmâveth'_):** A compound word meaning "shade of death," this term denotes not just physical death but also deep darkness, gloom, or utter despair, often associated with the grave or a place of extreme peril and suffering. God's ability to "turneth the shadow of death into the morning" highlights His power to bring light, hope, and deliverance even from the most dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances, demonstrating His sovereignty over life, death, and human experience.
* **Yᵉhôvâh (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, self-revealed name of God, often translated as "LORD" (in all caps) in English Bibles. Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One." The emphatic declaration "The LORD is his name" at the end of the verse serves as a powerful theological climax, identifying the cosmic Creator and Controller as the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, distinguishing Him from all false deities and asserting His unique authority and singular claim to worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the ultimate Creator and Master of the cosmos. The "seven stars" refer to the Pleiades, and "Orion" is another prominent constellation. These were well-known celestial bodies to ancient peoples, often associated with seasons, navigation, and even pagan deities. By attributing their creation and ordering to Yahweh, Amos asserts God's supreme power over all cosmic forces, challenging any notion of other gods or astrological influences.
* **"and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night":** This segment highlights God's absolute control over the most fundamental cycles of existence: light and darkness, and metaphorically, life and death, despair and hope. "Shadow of death" (Hebrew: _tsalmâveth_) signifies deep darkness, gloom, or extreme peril. God's ability to transform this into "morning" speaks to His power to bring deliverance, hope, and new beginnings out of the direst circumstances. Conversely, His power to make "the day dark with night" demonstrates His capacity to bring judgment, sorrow, or disruption to what is normally bright and predictable, underscoring His complete dominion over all earthly conditions.
* **"that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth":** This clause emphasizes God's sovereignty over natural phenomena, particularly the weather and hydrological cycle. In a land dependent on rain for agriculture, the control of water was paramount and often attributed to local deities like Baal. Amos here declares that it is Yahweh who commands the vast oceans and sends rain upon the earth, whether for blessing (life-giving water) or for judgment (floods). This affirms His singular authority as the provider and sustainer of life, directly refuting the claims of pagan gods.
* **"The LORD [is] his name":** This concluding declaration serves as a powerful summary and emphatic identification. The Hebrew name "LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. By ending the verse with this pronouncement, Amos unequivocally states that the God of creation, the controller of cosmic and natural forces, is none other than the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh. This serves as a stark reminder to Israel of the unique and exclusive identity of the God they had abandoned.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 5:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and sovereignty. **Merism** is prominently employed through the pairing of opposites, such as "the seven stars and Orion" (representing the entirety of the heavens), "shadow of death into the morning," and "day dark with night" (representing complete control over light and darkness, life and death, hope and despair). This technique conveys totality and comprehensiveness, emphasizing God's dominion over all aspects of creation. The verse also utilizes **Anaphora** and **Repetition** through the repeated use of verbs like "maketh," "turneth," "calleth," and "poureth," which highlight God's active, continuous, and multifaceted involvement in the cosmos. This rhythmic repetition creates a sense of awe and reinforces the dynamic nature of God's power. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Hymnic Fragment** or a **Doxology**, a common feature in prophetic literature (e.g., [Amos 4:13](/amos/4-13 "Amos 4:13 - God's Power Over Creation") and [Amos 9:5-6](/amos/9-5-6 "Amos 9:5-6 - The Lord's Universal Power")), where God's attributes are praised to underscore His authority and the folly of resisting Him. The concluding statement, "The LORD is his name," serves as a definitive **Identification** and **Emphasis**, sealing the preceding descriptions with the unique, covenantal name of God, leaving no doubt as to the identity of this all-powerful being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 5:8 profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty, presenting Him as the unrivaled Creator and Sustainer of all things. This declaration is foundational to understanding God's character throughout Scripture, emphasizing that His power is not limited to specific domains but extends universally over the cosmos, natural phenomena, and the very cycles of life and death. The verse challenges any human attempt to contain or diminish God's authority, asserting His unique identity (Yahweh) as the only worthy object of worship and obedience. It underscores the theological truth that true worship must be rooted in an accurate understanding of who God is, not merely what He can do. For Israel, this was a direct confrontation to their syncretism and idolatry, reminding them that the God of the covenant was also the God of creation, demanding exclusive devotion and righteous living.

* [Job 9:9](/job/9-9 "Job 9:9 - God as Creator of Constellations"): "Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south."
* [Psalm 104:1-9](/psalms/104-1-9 "Psalm 104:1-9 - God's Majesty in Creation"): "Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment... Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Light and Darkness"): "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 5:8 offers a timeless and powerful call to re-orient our lives around the true and living God. In a world often characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and the allure of fleeting comforts or false securities, this verse reminds us that our ultimate hope and trust must reside in the One who orchestrates the cosmos and controls the very fabric of existence. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and human limitations, to behold the God who turns the deepest darkness into morning, signifying His power to bring hope, healing, and deliverance even from the most despairing situations. This profound truth should inspire both awe and comfort: awe at His unfathomable power and wisdom, and comfort in the knowledge that such a God is intimately involved in our lives. Our response should be to actively "seek Him" – not just in ritual, but in genuine repentance, worship, and a commitment to justice and righteousness, reflecting His character in our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's control over the "seven stars and Orion" deepen your sense of awe and worship for Him?**
* **In what "shadow of death" or deep darkness in your life do you need to trust God to "turn into morning"?**
* **How does the knowledge that "The LORD is his name" – the self-existent, covenant-keeping God – impact your daily walk and your trust in His promises?**
* **What idols or false securities in your life might be preventing you from seeking the true God alone, as Amos called Israel to do?**

### FAQ
**Why does Amos specifically mention "the seven stars and Orion"?**

Answer: Amos mentions "the seven stars" (Pleiades) and "Orion" because these were prominent constellations well-known to ancient peoples, visible to the naked eye, and often associated with the changing seasons, agriculture, and even pagan deities. By declaring that Yahweh "maketh" these celestial bodies, Amos directly challenges the prevailing pagan worldview that attributed power to these constellations or the gods associated with them. It unequivocally asserts God's supreme power over the entire cosmos, demonstrating that He, the God of Israel, is the ultimate Creator and Controller of all things, including those elements that might have been deified or seen as autonomous forces by surrounding cultures. This serves to underscore the uniqueness and absolute sovereignty of [the LORD, whose name is Yahweh](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God Reveals His Name as YHWH").

**What is the significance of God turning "the shadow of death into the morning" and making "the day dark with night"?**

Answer: This imagery powerfully illustrates God's absolute dominion over life, death, and the fundamental cycles of light and darkness. "Shadow of death" (Hebrew: _tsalmâveth_) signifies profound darkness, despair, or extreme peril, often associated with the grave. God's ability to turn this into "morning" speaks to His power to bring hope, deliverance, and new beginnings out of the direst and seemingly most hopeless circumstances. Conversely, His power to make "the day dark with night" demonstrates His capacity to disrupt the natural order, bringing judgment, sorrow, or disruption even to times of prosperity or expected light. This dual capacity emphasizes His comprehensive control, revealing Him as the sovereign Lord over all conditions and experiences, capable of both salvation and judgment, as seen throughout [biblical narratives](/genesis/6-17 "Genesis 6:17 - The Flood as Judgment") and [prophetic warnings](/jeremiah/13-16 "Jeremiah 13:16 - Warning of Darkness and Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 5:8, with its majestic portrayal of Yahweh as the cosmic Creator and Controller, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The God who "maketh the seven stars and Orion" is the same God revealed in the New Testament as the Father, through whom all things were created by His Son. As [John 1:3 declares](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ"), "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16-17 affirms](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer"), "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth... all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Jesus is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the very agent of creation, the one through whom the vastness of the cosmos and the intricacies of natural cycles came into being and are sustained. Furthermore, the God who "turneth the shadow of death into the morning" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who conquered the ultimate "shadow of death"—the grave itself. Jesus' resurrection from the dead transformed the deepest despair of humanity into the glorious morning of eternal life. He is the "light of the world" who dispels all darkness ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and through His sacrifice, He has delivered us from the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). The God who "calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth" is seen in Jesus, who calmed the stormy sea with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and offered living water to the thirsty soul ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). Finally, the emphatic declaration, "The LORD is his name," points to the divine identity of Yahweh, which is fully revealed in Christ. Jesus Himself claimed divine prerogatives and bore the very name of God, declaring "Before Abraham was, I am" ([John 8:58](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim 'I AM'")), echoing the divine name revealed to Moses. Thus, Amos 5:8 is not just a description of God's power, but a foreshadowing of the One in whom that power would be fully manifested for salvation and redemption.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

Job 9:9

Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

Amos 9:6

[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 8:9

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Psalms 104:20

Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep [forth].

Job 38:31

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

Job 38:32

Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?