Amos 9:6

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is he that buildeth {H1129} his stories {H4609} in the heaven {H8064}, and hath founded {H3245} his troop {H92} in the earth {H776}; he 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 builds his upper rooms in heaven and establishes his sky-vault over the earth. He summons the waters of the sea and pours them out over the earth. ADONAI is his name.

Berean Standard Bible

He builds His upper rooms in the heavens and founds His vault upon the earth. He summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth. The LORD is His name.

American Standard Version

it is he that buildeth his chambers in the heavens, and hath founded his vault upon the earth; he 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 9:6 stands as a climactic declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and creative power, concluding a series of judgments and affirming His inescapable dominion over all creation. This verse portrays the Lord as the cosmic architect, who not only establishes the celestial and terrestrial realms but also actively controls the most powerful natural elements, thereby reinforcing His ultimate authority to execute both judgment and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 9:6 serves as the powerful conclusion to Amos's five visions of judgment (Amos 7:1-9:4) and the subsequent pronouncements of God's inescapable presence and power (Amos 9:1-5). The preceding verses vividly describe God's ability to pursue and capture His rebellious people no matter where they try to hide—from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth, even within the sea. This verse functions as a hymnic affirmation, summarizing the attributes of the God who is capable of such pervasive judgment. It is a doxology embedded within a prophetic indictment, reminding Israel that the one bringing judgment is none other than the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the universe, whose name is Yahweh. This grand declaration underscores the futility of resisting such a God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amos prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of relative prosperity under Jeroboam II, but also one marked by profound social injustice, religious syncretism, and moral decay. The people had grown complacent, believing their national strength and religious rituals would protect them from divine wrath. Amos's message consistently challenged this complacency, asserting that Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh did not exempt them from judgment but rather heightened their accountability. The imagery of building and controlling the cosmos would resonate with ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, but Amos firmly attributes all such power exclusively to Yahweh, distinguishing Him from any pagan deities. The reference to the sea, a powerful and often feared entity in ancient thought, further emphasizes God's supreme control over all forces, natural and supernatural.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's Omnipotent Sovereignty**, demonstrating His absolute control over both the celestial and terrestrial realms, from the "stories in the heaven" to the "troop in the earth." This theme is foundational to understanding God's authority to judge and to restore. Secondly, it emphasizes **God as Creator and Sustainer**, portraying Him as the ultimate architect who establishes and maintains the very fabric of existence, echoing themes found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - God's Majesty in Creation"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Control Over Nature and Judgment**, particularly through the vivid imagery of His command over the "waters of the sea," which He can "pour out upon the face of the earth." This power over natural elements serves as a reminder of His ability to bring about floods or droughts, acting as instruments of divine judgment or blessing, a motif seen throughout biblical history (e.g., [the Flood in Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6-9 - The Great Flood")). Finally, the concluding declaration, "The LORD is his name," powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Unique and Covenantal Identity** as Yahweh, the self-existent God who is both transcendent and intimately involved in human history, as revealed in [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God Reveals His Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **buildeth (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, a primitive root meaning "to build (literally and figuratively)." In this context, it signifies God's active role as the architect and constructor of the celestial realms, emphasizing His deliberate and purposeful creation of the heavens. It suggests an ongoing or established act of divine construction, not merely a one-time event, but a continuous maintenance of cosmic order.
* **stories (Hebrew, _maʻălâh'_):** From H4609, meaning "elevation," "step," "degree," or "story." This word evokes the imagery of a multi-tiered structure or ascending steps, suggesting a majestic, elevated dwelling place for God in the heavens. It speaks to the ordered, hierarchical nature of the cosmos under God's design, implying a divine abode of unparalleled grandeur and height.
* **troop (Hebrew, _ʼăguddâh'_):** From H92, meaning "a band, bundle, knot, or arch." While it can refer to a group of people or angels, in parallel with "stories in the heaven," it is best understood here as referring to the "foundations" or "structure" of the earth, or perhaps the "vault" or "arch" of the earth's firmament. This interpretation emphasizes God's comprehensive architectural control, not only over the celestial but also over the terrestrial foundations.
* **calleth (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, meaning "to call out to," "address by name," or "proclaim." Here, it signifies God's authoritative command over the natural elements. It's not a request but a sovereign summons, demonstrating His absolute power to orchestrate and control the vast waters of the sea.
* **poureth them out (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** From H8210, meaning "to spill forth," "pour out," or "shed." This verb vividly depicts the immediate and powerful response of the waters to God's command. It illustrates His direct and unhindered control over the most formidable natural forces, capable of both life-giving rain and devastating floods.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the sacred personal name of God, Yahweh. Its inclusion at the end of this hymnic fragment is profoundly significant, identifying the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer as the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness, authority, and unique identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven":** This clause presents God as the supreme architect of the cosmos. The imagery of "stories" (or upper chambers/ascents) in heaven suggests a magnificent, multi-tiered divine dwelling or a structured celestial realm, emphasizing God's elevated, majestic abode and His complete mastery over the heavens and all celestial bodies. It speaks to His intentional design and construction of the universe.
* **"and hath founded his troop in the earth":** This phrase parallels the previous one, shifting focus to God's dominion over the terrestrial realm. "Troop" here likely refers to the foundations or structure of the earth, emphasizing God's role in establishing the very ground beneath our feet. Just as He built the heavens, He firmly laid the foundations of the earth, demonstrating His comprehensive control over all creation.
* **"he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth":** This vivid imagery illustrates God's absolute command over the most powerful natural forces. The "calling" signifies a sovereign summons, to which the vast, often turbulent, waters of the sea immediately respond. His "pouring them out" demonstrates His direct control over weather patterns, rainfall, and potential floods, highlighting His power to sustain life or bring judgment.
* **"The LORD is his name":** This concluding declaration is a powerful theological statement. "The LORD" translates the divine personal name, Yahweh (YHWH), signifying the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God. This affirms that the one who performs these cosmic feats of creation and control is none other than the God who revealed Himself to Israel, underscoring His unique identity, ultimate authority, and faithfulness to His covenant, even as He brings judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 9:6 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine omnipotence. The verse employs striking **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of God's cosmic architecture ("buildeth his stories in the heaven," "founded his troop in the earth") and His command over nature ("calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out"). This imagery appeals directly to the reader's imagination, conveying the vastness and majesty of God's power. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, with the celestial and terrestrial acts of creation ("heaven" and "earth") being balanced, and the two actions related to water ("calleth" and "poureth out") forming a complementary pair. This structural repetition reinforces the comprehensive scope of God's dominion. The entire verse functions as a **Hymnic Fragment** or **Doxology**, a short song of praise embedded within the prophetic text, often used in Amos to punctuate pronouncements of judgment with affirmations of God's unassailable power and identity. This serves to remind the audience of the inescapable nature of the God who judges them. Finally, the concluding declaration, "The LORD is his name," is a powerful **Affirmation of Divine Identity**, emphasizing that the God of cosmic power is none other than Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 9:6 deeply roots the prophetic message in the foundational truth of God's absolute sovereignty and creative power. It asserts that the God who judges Israel is not a localized deity but the universal Creator, whose dominion extends over all realms—celestial, terrestrial, and elemental. This understanding of God's boundless power provides the theological basis for His right to demand justice and to execute judgment, as well as His ultimate capacity for restoration. The verse connects the awe-inspiring acts of creation and control over nature directly to the personal, covenantal name of God, Yahweh, reminding Israel that their relationship is with the very being who holds all things in His hands. This truth calls for profound reverence and humble submission, recognizing that there is no escaping or manipulating the one who is the source and sustainer of all existence.

* [Psalm 19:1-2](/psalms/19-1-2 "Psalm 19:1-2 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"): "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge."
* [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Control Over the Sea"): "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?"
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God's Everlasting Power"): "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 9:6 offers a profound anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty. To know that the God we worship is the one who "buildeth his stories in the heaven" and "hath founded his troop in the earth," who commands the vast seas and pours them out, brings immense comfort and stability. This verse reminds us that no circumstance, no natural disaster, no human power, and no personal struggle is outside of His sovereign control. In moments of anxiety or fear, we can rest in the assurance that the same God who orchestrates the cosmos is intimately involved in the details of our lives. This truth should inspire not only trust but also deep reverence and humility. Our lives, our plans, and our very breath are held in the hands of this omnipotent Creator. Therefore, our response should be one of worshipful submission, aligning our will with His, and living in a manner that honors the majesty of His name. It challenges us to consider if our daily lives reflect the awe and obedience due to such a God, or if we, like ancient Israel, have grown complacent or rebellious in the face of His undeniable power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God building "stories in the heaven" and founding "his troop in the earth" deepen your understanding of His creative power?**
* **In what ways does God's control over the "waters of the sea" provide comfort or challenge to your personal faith?**
* **How does knowing that "The LORD is his name" (Yahweh) impact your view of God's relationship with humanity and His right to judge?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater reverence and submission to the sovereign God described in Amos 9:6?**

### FAQ

**What does "buildeth his stories in the heaven" signify?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's role as the supreme architect and builder of the cosmos. The Hebrew word for "stories" (maʻălâh) can refer to "steps," "ascents," or "upper chambers." It evokes the image of a majestic, multi-tiered dwelling or structure in the heavens, emphasizing God's elevated, glorious abode and His complete mastery over the celestial realms. It signifies that the heavens are not chaotic but are meticulously designed and ordered by God, serving as His magnificent dwelling place and throne room. This imagery underscores His transcendence and divine authority over all creation, from the highest reaches of the sky to the depths of the earth, as also seen in [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens").

**What is the significance of "The LORD is his name" at the end of this verse?**

Answer: The concluding declaration, "The LORD is his name," is profoundly significant. "The LORD" (all caps in the KJV) translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (Yahweh), which means "He is" or "He causes to be." This name, first revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses"), signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness. By concluding this powerful description of cosmic creation and control with "The LORD is his name," Amos emphasizes that the mighty, sovereign Creator is not an impersonal force but the very covenant God who revealed Himself to Israel. It underscores His unique identity, ultimate authority, and His right to both judge and redeem His people, reminding them that the one who is bringing judgment is the same God who made promises to their ancestors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 9:6, with its majestic portrayal of God's cosmic sovereignty, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest revelation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Creator God, who "buildeth his stories in the heaven" and "hath founded his troop in the earth," is precisely the God who became incarnate in Jesus. The New Testament consistently attributes all creation to Christ, affirming that "all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The one who "calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth" is none other than the one who calmed the storm with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and walked on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Matthew 14:25 - Jesus Walks on Water")), demonstrating His divine authority over creation. Furthermore, the declaration "The LORD is his name" points forward to Jesus, for it is in His name that "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, Amos's powerful hymn of praise to the sovereign Creator finds its ultimate focus and personal embodiment in Jesus, the Lord of all creation, through whom all things were made and in whom all things hold together.

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 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:

Psalms 104:3

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

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.

Psalms 104:13

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

Jeremiah 5:22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Exodus 3:14

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Exodus 3:15

And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this [is] my name for ever, and this [is] my memorial unto all generations.