Job 38

Job 38:1

OƲt of the whirlwinde] That his words might carry the greater majestie, and that Job might know with whom he had to do, 1 Kings 8:12. and 1 Kings 3:11. Ezekiel 1:4. Nah. 1. 3. Hebrews 12:18. Thus God comes to plead with Job, as he did desire, chap, 9. 34. and 13. 21, 22.

Job 38:2

Who is this that darkeneth counsell] Which by seeking out the secret counsell of God by mans reason, maketh it more obscure, and sheweth his own folly, Romans 1:22.

Who is this that darkeneth counsell, by words without knowledge?] Chap. 42. 3.

Job 38:3

Gird up now thy loins like a man] A metaphor from souldiers, who in those parts wearing loose garments, did gird them close when they went to sight, 1 Kings 20:11.

I will demand of thee] Because he had wished to dispute with God, chap. 13. 3, 22. God reasoneth with him, to declare his rashnesse.

answer thou me] Heb. make me know.

Job 38:4

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?] Psalms 104:5. Proverbs 30:4.

Where wast thou] Wast thou my companion or counsellour in creating the world, that thou wouldest be so in guiding it?

when I laid the foundatins of the earth?] A similitude from builders, who lay the foundation first, and do their work by time and levell, Zechariah 1:16. and Zechariah 2:1. and Zechariah 3:9. and Zechariah 4:7.

if thou hast understanding] Heb. if thou knowest understanding.

Job 38:6

foundations] Heb. sockets.

fastened] Heb. made to sink.

Job 38:7

When the morning starres sang together] When all creatures, but especially the heavenly, being newly, created, gave glory to the Creatour, every one in his way, Psalms 148:3. as birds sing at break of day.

all the sons of God] Meaning, the angels, Job 1:6.

Job 38:8

Or who shut up the sea with doors] Psalms 104:9.

Job 38:9

and thick darknesse a swadling-land for it] As though the sea were but as a little babe in the hands of God, to turn to and fro.

Job 38:10

brake up for it my decreed place] Or, established my decree upon it.

barres and doors] Psalms 104:9. Jeremiah 5:22.

Job 38:11

thy proud waves] Heb. the pride of thy waves.

Job 38:12

Hast thou commanded the morning] Was there no daylight before thou wast born?

Job 38:13

That it might take hold of the ends of the earth] That it may give light all the world over.

ends] Heb. wings.

the wicked might be shaken out of it?] Who having in the night been given to wickednesse, cannot abide the light but hide themselves, chap. 24. 13, 17. John 3:20.

Job 38:14

It is turned as clay to the seal] The earth is as it were new fashioned every morning: for nothing that grows on it, can be seen in the night.

they stan las a garment] Herbs, grasse, and flowers are seen to cover the earth, as a beautifull garment put on in the morning.

Job 38:15

their Light is withholden] Wicked men hide themselves in the day time, lest they be discovered: and when theeves are taken, they are punished in the day, chap. 24. 13, &c. to 18.

Job 38:16

in the search of the depth?] If thou art not able to seek out the depth of the Sea, how much lesse art thouable to comprehend the counsell of God?

Job 38:17

Have the gaes of death been opened unto thee?] Places under the earth, where the dead are buried: or, the depths of the earth.

Job 38:20

to] Or; at.

to the bound thereof] That thou mightest appoint it his wayes and limits.

Job 38:22

treasures of the snow?] Psalms 135:7.

Job 38:23

Which I have reserved agains tthe time of trouble] As arms in a magazin, to sight against mine enemies withall, Exodus 9:18. Joshua 10:11.

Job 38:24

By what way is the light parted?] That is, the lightning, chap. 37. 3.

Job 38:28

Hath the rain a father?] Who is the author and disposer of the rain, but I? Jere. 14. 22. Zechariah 10:1. Or, canst thou produce it at thy pleasure: or, knowest thou the course of it?

Job 38:29

the heary frest of heaven] Psalms 147:16.

Job 38:30

The waters are hid as with a stone] The ice covereth the water, as if it were ped over with stone.

is fizen] Heb. is taken.

Job 38:31

of Pleiades] Which stars arise in the spring time, and bring flowers.

Pleiades] Or, the seven starres. Heb. Cimah.

Of Orion] Canst thou order the course of Orion, which bringeth in winter: or, canst thou loose the earth, when in winter it is bound up with frost and cold.

Orion] Heb. Csil.

Job 38:32

Mazzaroth] Or, the twelve signes: Some think they were the twelve signes: or, constellations of the south.

guide] Heb. guide them.

Arctuus with his sons] The north star, with those that are about him.

Job 38:33

canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?] Canst thou cause the heavens to exercise their power over earthly bodies in showres, and influence, and distinction of times? Genesis 1:16. 18.

Job 38:35

Here we are?] Heb. Behold us.

Job 38:36

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?] Chap. 32. 8. Ecclesiastes 2:26.

Job 38:37

who can stay the bottles of heaven] That is, the clouds, wherein the water is contained, as in bottles.

who can stay] Heb. who can cause to lie down.

Job 38:38

When the dust groweth into hardnesse] Or, when the dust is nuned into mire.

groweth] Heb. is poured.

and the clods cleave fast together] For when God doth not open these bottles, the earth cometh to this inconvenience.

Job 38:39

wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion?] Psalms 104:21. After he had declared Gods works in the heavens, he sheweth his marvellous providence on oarth, even towards the brule beasts.

the appetite] Heb. the life.

Job 38:41

Who provideth for the raven his food?] Psalms 147:9. Matthew 6:26.