Job 38:12-21
Chapter 38
12
Have you ever commanded the morning, or shown the dawn its place,
13
that it might grasp the earth by its edges and shake the wicked out of it,
14
when it takes on a clay color and changes its tint like a garment;
15
when the wicked are denied their own light, and their proud arm is shattered?
16
Have you traveled to where the sea begins Or walked into its deepest corners?
17
Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of Shadow?
18
Do you have an idea of how wide the earth is? Tell me if you know all this.
19
Where is the way to the home of light, and where does darkness dwell?
20
Can you guide them to their own regions and lead them on their homeward paths?
21
You know, for you were born before them, and your years are many!
Commentaries
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.
Discourses of the Lord.
The Lord has been listening and taking note (35:13); now he speaks. Job’s friends thought there was no need for God to speak. Job, on the other hand, did; he has asked him for either a list of charges or a verdict. Everyone is surprised. The Lord enters the debate as one more participant and responds with two speeches (38:1-40:2; 40:6-41:26), to which Job, in turn, will react briefly with two others (40:3-5; 42:1-6). The Lord does not answer any of the questions raised; in fact, his words offer only a series of counter-questions intended to bring Job out of his narrow perspective and open him up to a broader horizon.