Amos 5:8

[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:

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}:

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

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—

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);

Amos 5:8 presents a powerful declaration of God's unmatched sovereignty, urging the people of Israel to seek Him based on His attributes as the ultimate Creator and Controller of the cosmos and natural elements. This verse serves as a profound reminder of Yahweh's unique power in contrast to the false deities and idols worshipped by the unfaithful nation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic message in Amos, delivered to the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of relative prosperity but deep spiritual decay. The prophet Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, condemns Israel for its social injustice, idolatry, and failure to uphold God's covenant. Amidst calls for repentance and warnings of impending judgment (Amos 5:1-7), Amos 5:8 emphasizes the true nature of the God they should be seeking. The immediate context is a direct command to "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live" (Amos 5:4), with verse 8 describing exactly who this formidable God is.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God as the Sovereign Creator: The description of God as the one who "maketh the seven stars and Orion" immediately points to His ultimate power over the vast universe. These constellations, visible and known to ancient peoples, serve as undeniable evidence of His creative majesty.
  • Control Over Life, Death, and Nature: God's ability to "turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night" illustrates His absolute control over the fundamental cycles of existence – light and darkness, life and death. Furthermore, His command over "the waters of the sea" to "pour them out upon the face of the earth" underscores His dominion over weather and natural phenomena, vital for human survival and often associated with blessing or judgment.
  • The Uniqueness of Yahweh: The concluding phrase, "The LORD [is] his name," emphatically identifies this powerful Creator as Yahweh (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel. This declaration distinguishes Him from all other gods and idols, asserting His singular authority and worthiness of worship. It's a call to recognize His identity as revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Seven stars" and "Orion": In the KJV, "seven stars" typically refers to the Pleiades constellation, a prominent star cluster. Both Pleiades and Orion are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Job 9:9, Job 38:31-32) as proofs of God's creative power and cosmic control.
  • "Shadow of death": The Hebrew word is tsalmaveth (צַלְמָוֶת), which literally means "shadow of death" but often connotes deep darkness, gloom, or utter despair, such as that found in a grave or a place of extreme danger. God's ability to turn this into morning highlights His power to bring hope and life out of the direst circumstances.
  • "The LORD [is] his name": The Hebrew here is יְהוָה שְׁמוֹ (YHWH sh'mo), emphasizing the divine, ineffable name of God, Yahweh. This name signifies His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant faithfulness.

Practical Application

Amos 5:8 calls believers today to reflect on the immense power and sovereignty of God. In times of uncertainty or fear, this verse reminds us that the same God who controls the stars and the elements also oversees our lives. It encourages us to:

  • Trust in His Unfailing Power: There is no situation too dark or complex for the God who turns the shadow of death into morning. His control over all things provides a secure foundation for faith.
  • Seek Him Alone: Just as Israel was called to seek Yahweh, not false gods, we are reminded to put our ultimate hope and trust in Him alone, rather than in worldly systems, human wisdom, or fleeting pleasures.
  • Recognize His Majesty in Creation: Taking time to observe the natural world, from the vastness of the night sky to the rhythm of day and night, can deepen our appreciation for the Creator and foster a sense of awe and worship.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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