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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Amos 9:6 powerfully declares the unmatched sovereignty and creative power of God, presenting Him as the ultimate architect and controller of all creation. This verse serves as a climactic statement of divine authority within Amos's prophetic message, reinforcing the inescapable nature of God's judgment and His absolute dominion over all.

Context of Amos 9:6

This verse comes at the conclusion of the Book of Amos, following a series of five visions (Amos 7:1-9:4) depicting God's impending judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel due to their idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual rebellion. Despite their attempts to evade God's wrath, Amos consistently reminds them that the God who judges is also the God who created and sustains all things. The preceding verses in chapter 9 speak of God's inescapable presence and power, asserting that no one can hide from Him, whether in the deepest parts of the earth or the highest heavens. Amos 9:6 acts as a summary declaration of the Lord's absolute dominion, underscoring that the one bringing judgment is none other than the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This context emphasizes that divine judgment is not arbitrary but flows from the just will of a sovereign God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Omnipotent Sovereignty: The verse paints a majestic picture of God as the supreme ruler over both the celestial and terrestrial realms. He "buildeth his stories in the heaven," suggesting His majestic dwelling and control over the cosmos and its celestial structures, and "hath founded his troop in the earth," indicating His dominion over earthly foundations and forces. This highlights God's absolute power and authority over all creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth.
  • The Creator God: Amos 9:6 affirms God as the architect and builder of the universe. The imagery of building and founding speaks directly to His role as the ultimate Creator, establishing the very structure and order of existence. This resonates with other biblical accounts of creation and God's power over His handiwork, such as those found in Genesis 1:1 or Psalm 33:6.
  • Control Over Nature and Judgment: The phrase "he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth" vividly illustrates God's command over natural elements. This not only points to His control over the water cycle and weather patterns but also implicitly reminds the audience of His power to bring floods or drought as instruments of judgment or blessing, as seen throughout biblical history. It demonstrates His power to sustain or destroy, making Him truly inescapable.
  • The Divine Name, Yahweh: The concluding declaration, "The LORD is his name," is profoundly significant. "The LORD" (all caps in KJV) translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (Yahweh). This emphasizes that the mighty, sovereign Creator is also the covenant God who revealed Himself to Israel. It reminds the audience that their relationship is with the very God who holds all power, underscoring both His faithfulness to His promises and His ultimate authority to execute justice. For more on the significance of God's name and identity, consider Exodus 3:14.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "stories" (מַעֲלָה, ma'alah) can mean "steps," "ascents," or "upper chambers." It evokes the idea of a majestic, multi-tiered dwelling or structure in the heavens, emphasizing God's elevated and glorious abode. The word for "troop" (אֲגֻדָּה, aguddah) can also mean "band," "bundle," or "foundation." While some interpretations link it to a "band" of God's people or angels, in this context, it more likely refers to the "foundations" or "structure" of the earth, paralleling the "stories in the heaven" and reinforcing God's comprehensive architectural control over all creation.

Practical Application and Reflection

Amos 9:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that we serve an utterly sovereign God who is in complete control of the universe. In times of uncertainty, fear, or crisis, this verse provides immense assurance that God's power is limitless and His plans are unshakeable. It encourages us to trust in His omnipotence, knowing that the same God who commands the seas and builds the heavens is intimately involved in our lives. Furthermore, it calls us to profound reverence and humble submission, recognizing that the Creator of all things is also our just Judge. Our worship and obedience should reflect the awesome majesty of the great God whose power is unsearchable and whose name is LORD, who holds all creation in His hands.

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 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.

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