Job 38

Job 38:1

Then the Lord] Here Jehovah himself, out of a Whirle-winde begins to answer Iob. And this continues in two majestical speeches; far beyond those of Elihu for matter, and maner. And herein by his manifold, and marvelous works chap. XXXVIII. and XXXIX. And particularly by his creatures, Behemoth, chap. XL. and Leviathan, chap.

XLI. he convinceth Iob of ignorance, and of impotencie; and therefore that he should not take upon him to contend with God; to condemne God, that himself might be righteous. To each of which speeches there is adjoyned Iobs humble and penitent submission. And lastly the Lord prefers Iob, and his Cause, before his three friends; Orders their Submission, and Sacrifice, and Iobs Prayer for them; Accepts Iob, and blesseth him, giving him as many sonnes and daughters, and twice as much in all particulars of his substance and wealth, as he had before, chap. XLII.

Job 38:3

answer thou me.] Iob had desired this more then once: And Zophar too, chap. XI. 5. Iob had been right in the maine; yet some rash, if not raging speeches, had escaped from him; complaining of God, and his justice, if not injustice, in his dealing with him. For which, as Elihu before, so Jehovah here more calls him to answer.

Job 38:4

where wast thou] Thou that takest upon thee to censure me, and my actions, in governing the world; the various dispensations and administrations of my Providence towards the sonnes of men, Tell me, Where wast thou when I made the world; the Earth, ver. 4,—7 the Sea, ver. 8,—11. And need I thy counsel now in governing all? Hast thou caused and commanded the morning, and day-spring to know his place? ver. 12,—15. Knowest thou the springs, and depth of the Sea? the gates of death? the breadth of the earth? where light and darknesse dwelleth? the treasures of the Snow, and Haile, ver. 16,—23? Knowest thou who causeth and ordereth the lightning and thunder; the Waters, and water-courses, the Raine; Yce; Profit? ver. 24,—30. And yet takest thou upon thee to know and censure the depth of my wayes, and wisdome?

Canst thou order the Influences, and Ordinances of heaven? Or call for and command clouds, and lightnings, and raine? or give wisdome to man? ver. 31,—38. Wilt thou hunt the prey for the Lion? or provide the Raven his food? If not these things; then much lesse order me, and my wayes, and wisdome.