These words are, in part, ambiguous. How Mozart wrote a cantata at age seven, the faculty of memory, imagination, and comprehension of the most intricate and diverse matters - there's hardly any limit to the human mind. God's not giving specific answers to Job's questions suggests that: (1) It is not possible for man to know all the answers and that, (2) It is enough to know that God loves him (as evidenced to Job in the very fact of God's speaking to him). He tells Job about all the animals that he has made. He did not answer any of Job's questions, except in the implications of this reply. (Read Job 38:4-11) For the humbling of Job, God here shows him his ignorance, even concerning the earth and the sea. Job 38 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC). When they crouch in their dens, Our acceptance of the unity of Job, as regards the whole of it, except the Prologue and the Epilogue forbids that explanation. Such ability is not in men to create it; but God has freely given a mind every man. Someone has said that a computer with the ability to do everything that the human mind is able to do would more than fill up the state of Louisiana! Have the gates of death been revealed unto thee? Gird up now thy loins like a man] As men did use to do when they went to fight, 1 Kings 20:11.Stand to thy ward, and see to thyself; … "[2] Although we have interpreted the Epilogue and the Prologue as the work of Moses, who was inspired of God, we cannot believe that his inspired approval of Job's words regarding God would have been given if God indeed had said in Job 38:2, here, that those words were `without knowledge.'. Login or Create an Account. Although it is not entirely unique in the Psalter, the most striking thing about Psalm 91 is that it ends with a divine speech in verses 14-16. The mysteries of the sidereal creation are the theme here. Job 39. There are a lot of things that only God knows. We have filled in small details around the edges, but there is still a vast gap between the knowledge and wisdom of man and that of God. The new element in the second cycle is that Elihu’s speech is interrupted by the dramatic appearance of God himself (Job 38:1). (12-24) Concerning other mighty works. 38:4-11 For the humbling of Job, God here shows him his ignorance, even concerning the earth and the sea. "Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days began. The founding of the earth is likened altogether to that of a building constructed by man. It can be observed that God eloquently destroyed this overconfidence in human wisdom in this presentation to Job. On and on! This writer once saw a cow and her new-born calf, less than an hour old, swim a swollen river in flood; and no one who ever saw a thing like that could ever doubt the Providence of God. (3) The application of these words to Job leaves the entire six chapters of the Elihu speeches dangling without any response whatever from any person whomsoever, thus supporting the affirmation that the six chapters are an interpolation. This writer has seen the rain-dances of the Hopi Indians; and they could not make it rain any more than could Job. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Proceeds to several proofs of Job's inability to contend with him, because of his ignorance and weakness: for he knew nothing of the founding of the earth, ver. In all of such questions, the only answer must be sought within the pages of the Holy Bible, and nowhere else. He spoke to Job. Indeed, it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). - Modern science knows much more about the meteorological and hydrological systems of the earth (Job 38:8-11, 38:16, 38:25-30). 32 Canst thou bring forth the signs of the Zodiac at the right time, And canst thou guide the Bear with its children? Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? In the book’s first cycle, Job’s friends’ speeches were halted by the revelation of God’s wisdom. Ver. Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? What an unqualified marvel is the human mind! Elihu had silenced Job, but had not brought him to admit his guilt before God. Who provides food for the raven: God provides food for the birds (Matthew 6:26); it would be impossible for Job or any other man to do so. God’s speech from the whirlwind to Job has been a long time coming. Job, in turn, has responded to each of them, declaring his innocence and demanding that God give him answers. When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb; And thick darkness a swaddling band for it. ii. It pleased the Lord to interpose. Surely you know! God’s speech from the whirlwind to Job has been a long time coming. ", "That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it", "Hast thou seen the treasuries of the hail", "Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds". In most disputes the strife is who shall have the last word. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Commentary on Job 37:14-20 (Read Job 37:14-20) Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. Who provides food for the raven, Biblical Commentary Job 38:1-11, 34-41 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: The context for any passage in the book of Job has to begin with chapter 1, which establishes Job's excellent character (1:1-5), acknowledged even by God (1:8). God … Job could not catch such animals, but God made them. 1 - 3. The answer lies with God alone. But for their brightness, they are all called here stars of the morning, and said to sing together, as birds use to do at break of day; so … If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. 4 Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Job 38 - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible . Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Tell Me, if you have understanding. And the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? One quotes the sacred Gospel of Matthew from memory. To what were its foundations fastened? Canst thou establish the dominion thereof in the earth?". Job 38:8. Our foolish notions need to be taken apart now so that we can come rightly to God and find the Lord Jesus Christ. "Some commentators have applied Job 38:2 to Job, others to Elihu. Enlightenment thinking (emanating from the 18th century) freed man from much superstition, but it also exalted man’s reason (wisdom) as the measure of truth. WHO HATH GIVEN UNDERSTANDING TO THE MIND? Are we conscious after death? And to cause the tender grass to spring forth? One picks up the telephone and instantly recognizes a voice he has not heard in ten years! Enlightenment thinking (emanating from the 18th century) freed man from much superstition, but it also exalted man’s reason (wisdom) as the measure of truth. The wings of the os… We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. - Modern science knows much more about the nature of light (Job 38:19-20). When the morning stars sang together] There is but one morning star properly so called, viz. 12 - 15. Commentary on Psalm 91:9-16. Finally, in Job 38, Job gets his wish. God's answer, however, is a surprise. And one of the greatest mysteries of the whole physical creation is mentioned in Job 38:30. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Chapter 38. Aphar ( עָפַר ) here often means "earth," or "soil," rather than "dust." Not Job, nor any other man, was present when such great things were done. Here ya go, Job! Knowest thou the ordinances of the heavens? "Gird your loins like a hero. Or who has begotten the drops of dew, Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season, Do you know the ordinances of the heavens, Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?” a. But God permitted "the satan", one of the heavenly Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. "[5] The glorious light mentioned in that paragraph indicated the cessation of the storm. "The minimal weight of the New Testament talent Isaiah 45 pounds; and many scholars place it at 90 pounds. MORE QUESTIONS REGARDING NATURAL PHENOMENA. And now all of a sudden – the Lord appears in one of those storms. View Job . Resources » Commentaries » Job » Chapter 38 » exegesis. God by that action indicated the same evaluation of Elihu's words that Job 38:2 declares; and if Job 38:2 were placed in a parenthesis, that fact would be clearly indicated by the punctuation. Job, in turn, has responded to each of them, declaring his innocence and demanding that God give him answers. It meant that God approved of Job, that Job's integrity was established in the only place where it mattered, namely, with God Himself. Since man has so little understanding of God's creation, how can man presume to understand the actions of God as in this case of the trial of Job. Knowing God and being loved and known by Him - that is the Great Answer, the Great Truth, the Great Joy, the Great Salvation, Eternal Life! (4-11) Concerning the light and darkness. Job 38, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. In the book’s first cycle, Job’s friends’ speeches were halted by the revelation of God’s wisdom. God here is reminding Job of the distance between Himself and Job. GOD ANSWERS JOB FROM THE WHIRLWIND (JOB 38-41), THE FIRST PORTION OF GOD'S RESPONSE: THE PROBLEM. Job 38:32. iii. כּי, Job 38:5, interchanges with אם (comp. Through Job 37, Job has listened to three “friends” and Elihu speak to him about why he is suffering so badly. The punctuation of the Holy Bible is the work of men, not of God; and where punctuation can be made to harmonize or explain difficult passages, it should be utilized for that purpose. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Or who hath given understanding to the mind? Commentary on Job 38-42 (Job Meets God) June 22, 2015 Bill Pratt Leave a comment. How did our human race begin? Bible Book of Job: Job 38-42:9 – The Bible Teaching Commentary: shows us how helpful it can be to meet God in our lives. When by the heat of the sun's rays the ground grows hard, and the clods cleave fast together, baked into a compact mass, then is the time when rain is most needed, and when the Almighty in his mercy commonly sends it. God would at this point speak repeatedly to Job, asking many questions about many different things. And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; And here shalt thy proud waves be staid? Elihu has been focusing on storms and clouds and lightning. We might say that God’s approach to Job in this section undercuts much of modern thinking. Commentary for Job 38 . Yet with all this increased knowledge – as wonderful and glorious as it is – mankind is really not much closer at all to answering these questions that God set to Job. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. The big thing here is that Almighty God appeared to Job in one of the most remarkable theophanies in the Bible. 3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. "[1] It is the conviction of this writer that the words cannot possibly apply to anyone other than Elihu. The question here is, "Who did this"? With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! ii. Furthermore, Job offers his own sacrifices and sacrifices for his friends, rather than bringing them to the Levitical priests at the tabernacle or temple, etc. Canst thou restrain or hinder their influences? The conviction of this reply out any time or opt in phenomenon water. Raven, when its young ones cry to God and find the Lord speaks - Then the Lord Job... Helpless as was Job services we are not able to match colors with a UCG.org you... 25-41 ) 1-3 Job had silenced Job, in this presentation to Job than could Job usage.... _Gat_ * - Google Analytics cookie ever... snatch off the earth ( Job 38:19-20 ) is to! The waters hide themselves, and you declare to me or `` soil, or., or the east wind scattered upon the earth voice he has made,! Prologue and the sea can not be any fact or formula whatever, but had convinced. Not men know all about things such as these satan '', one the... 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