Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!
After acknowledging his own hurts, habits and hangups in verses 2-3, Agur now offers some thoughts on Someone else who can do what Agur admits he can’t do himself. This verse consists of five rhetorical questions and a declarative statement.
I think it’s pretty clear Agur isn’t asking because he doesn’t know. Instead, he’s saying it this way because he’s certain he understands and is making a point.
He speaks of One who is beyond us – beyond our powers and comprehension. This One “has gone up to heaven and come down.”
The One of whom Agur speaks has also “gathered up the wind” in His hands, “wrapped up the waters in a cloak” and “established all the ends of the earth.” This One has both powers of the earth’s creation and heavenly connections.
Finishing his thoughts, Agur challenges “what is His name” and “what is the name of His Son?” Then, he adds, “Surely you know!”
Admittedly, Christians read this passage with a New Testament perspective. I’ve even given my own twist on the subject here by my capitalizing some pronouns!
It’s also been noted that Agur’s thoughts demonstrate traditional lines of Christian thought. First, comes personal confession (:2-3) and, secondly, a statement of his faith (:4).
This is the same order as Steps 1 & 2 of the 12 Steps. First, we admit our powerlessness (Step 1) and then acknowledge our belief that He can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves (Step 2).
It’s always been that way! It works, if we work it!