First Speech of the Lord.

God speaks from the storm. Job is invited to enter into the primordial mystery of the cosmos. First, the foundation of the earth is described as a house built according to a detailed architectural plan (38:4-7). After discussing the basic structure of the cosmos, the Lord returns to the mysteries of the universe, particularly atmospheric phenomena (38:22-30). God’s interests go far beyond the small world of Job’s human concerns. His creative power also manifests his providence. Can Job produce rain, wrapping himself in the storm cloud as in a cloak? (38:34f). Truly, the Lord has created everything with wisdom (38:33-38; cf. Prov 3:18-20; 18:22-30; Ps 104:24). The rest of the discourse is devoted to the animal world (38:39-39:30). It suggests that the Lord not only knows the animals, but also has them under his control, and this is a blessing for humanity. Thus end the two parts of the first discourse, with which the Lord responds to Job’s accusation that there is no plan or providence in the world.

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