(Job 38:1-41) Jehovah appears unexpectedly in a whirlwind (already gathering Job 37:1-2), the symbol of "judgment" (Psa 50:3-4, &c.), to which Job had challenged Him. He asks him now to get himself ready for the conte…
1Entonces respondió Jehová a Job desde un torbellino, y dijo:
2¿Quién es ese que oscurece el consejo Con palabras sin sabiduría?
3Ahora ciñe como varón tus lomos; Yo te preguntaré, y tú me contestarás.
4¿Dónde estabas tú cuando yo fundaba la tierra? Házmelo saber, si tienes inteligencia.
5¿Quién ordenó sus medidas, si lo sabes? ¿O quién extendió sobre ella cordel?
6¿Sobre qué están fundadas sus bases? ¿O quién puso su piedra angular,
7Cuando alababan todas las estrellas del alba, Y se regocijaban todos los hijos de Dios?
8¿Quién encerró con puertas el mar, Cuando se derramaba saliéndose de su seno,
9Cuando puse yo nubes por vestidura suya, Y por su faja oscuridad,
10Y establecí sobre él mi decreto, Le puse puertas y cerrojo,
11Y dije: Hasta aquí llegarás, y no pasarás adelante, Y ahí parará el orgullo de tus olas?
12¿Has mandado tú a la mañana en tus días? ¿Has mostrado al alba su lugar,
13Para que ocupe los fines de la tierra, Y para que sean sacudidos de ella los impíos?
14Ella muda luego de aspecto como barro bajo el sello, Y viene a estar como con vestidura;
15Mas la luz de los impíos es quitada de ellos, Y el brazo enaltecido es quebrantado.
16¿Has entrado tú hasta las fuentes del mar, Y has andado escudriñando el abismo?
17¿Te han sido descubiertas las puertas de la muerte, Y has visto las puertas de la sombra de muerte?
18¿Has considerado tú hasta las anchuras de la tierra? Declara si sabes todo esto.
19¿Por dónde va el camino a la habitación de la luz, Y dónde está el lugar de las tinieblas,
20Para que las lleves a sus límites, Y entiendas las sendas de su casa?
21¡Tú lo sabes! Pues entonces ya habías nacido, Y es grande el número de tus días.
22¿Has entrado tú en los tesoros de la nieve, O has visto los tesoros del granizo,
23Que tengo reservados para el tiempo de angustia, Para el día de la guerra y de la batalla?
24¿Por qué camino se reparte la luz, Y se esparce el viento solano sobre la tierra?
25¿Quién repartió conducto al turbión, Y camino a los relámpagos y truenos,
26Haciendo llover sobre la tierra deshabitada, Sobre el desierto, donde no hay hombre,
27Para saciar la tierra desierta e inculta, Y para hacer brotar la tierna hierba?
28¿Tiene la lluvia padre? ¿O quién engendró las gotas del rocío?
29¿De qué vientre salió el hielo? Y la escarcha del cielo, ¿quién la engendró?
30Las aguas se endurecen a manera de piedra, Y se congela la faz del abismo.
31¿Podrás tú atar los lazos de las Pléyades, O desatarás las ligaduras de Orión?
32¿Sacarás tú a su tiempo las constelaciones de los cielos, O guiarás a la Osa Mayor con sus hijos?
33¿Supiste tú las ordenanzas de los cielos? ¿Dispondrás tú de su potestad en la tierra?
34¿Alzarás tú a las nubes tu voz, Para que te cubra muchedumbre de aguas?
35¿Enviarás tú los relámpagos, para que ellos vayan? ¿Y te dirán ellos: Henos aquí?
36¿Quién puso la sabiduría en el corazón? ¿O quién dio al espíritu inteligencia?
37¿Quién puso por cuenta los cielos con sabiduría? Y los odres de los cielos, ¿quién los hace inclinar,
38Cuando el polvo se ha convertido en dureza, Y los terrones se han pegado unos con otros?
39¿Cazarás tú la presa para el león? ¿Saciarás el hambre de los leoncillos,
40Cuando están echados en las cuevas, O se están en sus guaridas para acechar?
41¿Quién prepara al cuervo su alimento, Cuando sus polluelos claman a Dios, Y andan errantes por falta de comida?
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. this--Job.
this--Job.
counsel--impugning My divine wisdom in the providential arrangements of the universe. Such "words" (including those of the friends) rather obscure, than throw light on My ways. God is about to be Job's Vindicator, but must first bring him to a right state of mind for receiving relief.
II
Versículo 3
II. a man--hero, ready for battle (Co1 16:13), as he had wished (Job 9:35; Job 13:22; Job 31:37). The…
a man--hero, ready for battle (Co1 16:13), as he had wished (Job 9:35; Job 13:22; Job 31:37). The robe, usually worn flowing, was girt up by a girdle when men ran, labored, or fought (Pe1 1:13).
III
Versículo 4
III. To understand the cause of things, man should have been present at their origin. The finite creat…
To understand the cause of things, man should have been present at their origin. The finite creature cannot fathom the infinite wisdom of the Creator (Job 28:12; Job 15:7-8).
hast--"knowest."
understanding-- (Pro 4:1).
IV
Versículo 5
IV. measures--of its proportions. Image from an architect's plans of a building.
measures--of its proportions. Image from an architect's plans of a building.
line--of measurement (Isa 28:17). The earth is formed on an all-wise plan.
V
Versículo 6
V. foundations--not "sockets," as Margin.
foundations--not "sockets," as Margin.
fastened--literally, "made to sink," as a foundation-stone let down till it settles firmly in the clay (Job 26:7). Gravitation makes and keeps the earth a sphere.
VI
Versículo 7
VI. So at the founding of Zerubbabel's temple (Ezr 3:10-13). So hereafter at the completion of the Ch…
So at the founding of Zerubbabel's temple (Ezr 3:10-13). So hereafter at the completion of the Church, the temple of the Holy Ghost (Zac 4:7); as at its foundation (Luk 2:13-14).
morning stars--especially beautiful. The creation morn is appropriately associated with these, it being the commencement of this world's day. The stars are figuratively said to sing God's praises, as in Psa 19:1; Psa 148:3. They are symbols of the angels, bearing the same relation to our earth, as angels do to us. Therefore they answer to "sons of God," or angels, in the parallel. See on Job 25:5.
VII
Versículo 8
VII. doors--floodgates; these when opened caused the flood (Gen 8:2); or else, the shores.
doors--floodgates; these when opened caused the flood (Gen 8:2); or else, the shores.
womb--of chaos. The bowels of the earth. Image from childbirth (Job 38:8-9; Eze 32:2; Mic 4:10). Ocean at its birth was wrapped in clouds as its swaddling bands.
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. brake up for--that is, appointed it. Shores are generally broken and abrupt cliffs. The Greek for…
brake up for--that is, appointed it. Shores are generally broken and abrupt cliffs. The Greek for "shore" means "a broken place." I broke off or measured off for it my limit, that is, the limit which I thought fit (Job 26:10).
IX
Versículo 11
IX. stayed--Hebrew, "a limit shall be set to."
stayed--Hebrew, "a limit shall be set to."
X
Versículo 12
X. Passing from creation to phenomena in the existing inanimate world.
Passing from creation to phenomena in the existing inanimate world.
Hast thou--as God daily does.
commanded the morning--to rise.
since thy days--since thou hast come into being.
his place--It varies in its place of rising from day to day, and yet it has its place each day according to fixed laws.
XI
Versículo 13
XI. take hold of the ends, &c.--spread itself over the earth to its utmost bounds in a moment.
take hold of the ends, &c.--spread itself over the earth to its utmost bounds in a moment.
wicked--who hate the light, and do their evil works in the dark (Job 24:13).
shaken out of it--The corners (Hebrew, "wings" or "skirts") of it, as of a garment, are taken hold of by the dayspring, so as to shake off the wicked.
XII
Versículo 14
XII. Explaining the first clause of Job 38:13, as Job 38:15 does the second clause. As the plastic cla…
Explaining the first clause of Job 38:13, as Job 38:15 does the second clause. As the plastic clay presents the various figures impressed on it by a seal, so the earth, which in the dark was void of all form, when illuminated by the dayspring, presents a variety of forms, hills, valleys, &c.
turned--(Hebrew, "turns itself") alludes to the rolling cylinder seal, such as is found in Babylon, which leaves its impressions on the clay, as it is turned about; so the morning light rolling on over the earth.
they stand--The forms of beauty, unfolded by the dawn, stand forth as a garment, in which the earth is clad.
XIII
Versículo 15
XIII. their light--by which they work; namely, darkness, which is their day (Job 24:17), is extinguishe…
their light--by which they work; namely, darkness, which is their day (Job 24:17), is extinguished by daylight.
high--Rather, "The arm uplifted" for murder or other crime is broken; it falls down suddenly, powerless, through their fear of light.
XIV
Versículo 16
XIV. springs--fountains beneath the sea (Psa 95:4-5).
springs--fountains beneath the sea (Psa 95:4-5).
search--Rather, "the inmost recesses"; literally, "that which is only found by searching," the deep caverns of ocean.
XV
Versículo 17
XV. seen--The second clause heightens the thought in the first. Man during life does not even "see" t…
seen--The second clause heightens the thought in the first. Man during life does not even "see" the gates of the realm of the dead ("death," Job 10:21); much less are they "opened" to him. But those are "naked before God" (Job 26:6).
16
Versículo 18
16. Hast thou--as God doth (Job 28:24).
Hast thou--as God doth (Job 28:24).
17
Versículo 19
17. The marvels in heaven. "What is the way (to the place wherein) light dwelleth?" The origin of lig…
The marvels in heaven. "What is the way (to the place wherein) light dwelleth?" The origin of light and darkness. In Gen 1:3-5, Gen 1:14-18, "light" is created distinct from, and previous to, light-emitting bodies, the luminaries of heaven.
18
Versículo 20
18. Dost thou know its place so well as to be able to guide, ("take" as in Isa 36:17) it to (but UMBR…
Dost thou know its place so well as to be able to guide, ("take" as in Isa 36:17) it to (but UMBREIT, "reach it in") its own boundary, that is, the limit between light and darkness (Job 26:10)?
19
Versículo 21
19. Or without the interrogation, in an ironical sense [UMBREIT].
Or without the interrogation, in an ironical sense [UMBREIT].
then--when I created light and darkness (Job 15:7).
20
Versículo 22
20. treasures--storehouses, from which God draws forth snow and hail. Snow is vapor congealed in the …
treasures--storehouses, from which God draws forth snow and hail. Snow is vapor congealed in the air before it is collected in drops large enough to form hail. Its shape is that of a crystal in endless variety of beautiful figures. Hail is formed by rain falling through dry cold air.
21
Versículo 23
21. against the time of trouble--the time when I design to chastise men (Exo 9:18; Jos 10:11; Rev 16:…
against the time of trouble--the time when I design to chastise men (Exo 9:18; Jos 10:11; Rev 16:21; Isa 28:17; Psa 18:12-13; Hag 2:17).
22
Versículo 24
22. is . . . parted--parts, so as to diffuse itself over the whole earth, though seeming to come from…
is . . . parted--parts, so as to diffuse itself over the whole earth, though seeming to come from one point. Light travels from the sun to the earth, ninety millions of miles, in eight minutes.
which scattereth--rather, "And by what way the east wind (personified) spreads (scattereth) itself." The light and east wind are associated together, as both come from one quarter, and often arise together (Jon 4:8).
23
Versículo 25
23. waters--Rain falls, not in a mass on one spot, but in countless separate canals in the air marked…
waters--Rain falls, not in a mass on one spot, but in countless separate canals in the air marked out for them.
way for the lightning-- (Job 28:26).
24
Versículo 26
24. Since rain fails also on places uninhabited by man, it cannot be that man guides its course. Such…
Since rain fails also on places uninhabited by man, it cannot be that man guides its course. Such rain, though man cannot explain the reason for it, is not lost. God has some wise design in it.
25
Versículo 27
25. As though the desolate ground thirsted for God's showers. Personification. The beauty imparted to…
As though the desolate ground thirsted for God's showers. Personification. The beauty imparted to the uninhabited desert pleases God, for whom primarily all things exist, and He has ulterior designs in it.
26
Versículo 28
26. Can any visible origin of rain and dew be assigned by man? Dew is moisture, which was suspended i…
Can any visible origin of rain and dew be assigned by man? Dew is moisture, which was suspended in the air, but becomes condensed on reaching the--in the night--lower temperature of objects on the earth.
27
Versículo 29
27. job 38:29Job 37:10.
job 38:29Job 37:10.
28
Versículo 30
28. The unfrozen waters are hid under the frozen, as with a covering of stone.
The unfrozen waters are hid under the frozen, as with a covering of stone.
frozen--literally, "is taken"; the particles take hold of one another so as to cohere.
29
Versículo 31
29. sweet influences--the joy diffused by spring, the time when the Pleiades appear. The Eastern poet…
sweet influences--the joy diffused by spring, the time when the Pleiades appear. The Eastern poets, Hafiz, Sadi, &c., describe them as "brilliant rosettes." GESENIUS translates: "bands" or "knot," which answers better the parallelism. But English Version agrees better with the Hebrew. The seven stars are closely "bound" together (see on Job 9:9). "Canst thou bind or loose the tie?" "Canst thou loose the bonds by which the constellation Orion (represented in the East as an impious giant chained to the sky) is held fast?" (See on Job 9:9).
30
Versículo 32
30. Canst thou bring forth from their places or houses (Mazzaloth, Kg2 23:5, Margin; to which Mazzaro…
Canst thou bring forth from their places or houses (Mazzaloth, Kg2 23:5, Margin; to which Mazzaroth here is equivalent) into the sky the signs of the Zodiac at their respective seasons--the twelve lodgings in which the sun successively stays, or appears, in the sky?
Arcturus--Ursa Major.
his sons?--the three stars in his tail. Canst thou make them appear in the sky? (Job 9:9). The great and less Bear are called by the Arabs "Daughters of the Bier," the quadrangle being the bier, the three others the mourners.
31
Versículo 33
31. ordinances--which regulate the alternations of seasons, &c. (Gen 8:22).
ordinances--which regulate the alternations of seasons, &c. (Gen 8:22).
dominion--controlling influence of the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, &c., on the earth (on the tides, weather) (Gen 1:16; Psa 136:7-9).
inward parts . . . heart--But "dark clouds" ("shining phenomena") [UMBREIT]; "meteor" [MAURER], referring to the consultation of these as signs of weather by the husbandman (Ecc 11:4). But Hebrew supports English Version. The connection is, "Who hath given thee the intelligence to comprehend in any degree the phenomena just specified?"
heart--not the usual Hebrew word, but one from a root "to view"; perception.
35
Versículo 37
35. Who appoints by his wisdom the due measure of the clouds?
Who appoints by his wisdom the due measure of the clouds?
stay--rather, "empty"; literally, "lay down" or "incline" so as to pour out.
bottles of heaven--rain-filled clouds.
36
Versículo 38
36. groweth, &c.--rather, pour itself into a mass by the rain, like molten metal; then translate Job …
groweth, &c.--rather, pour itself into a mass by the rain, like molten metal; then translate Job 38:38, "Who is it that empties," &c., "when," &c.? The English Version, however, is tenable: "Is caked into a mass" by heat, like molten metal, before the rain falls; "Who is it that can empty the rain vessels, and bring down rain at such a time?" (Job 38:38).
37
Versículo 39
37. At Job 38:39-39:30, the instincts of animals. Is it thou that givest it the instinct to hunt its …
At Job 38:39-39:30, the instincts of animals. Is it thou that givest it the instinct to hunt its prey? (Psa 104:21).
appetite--literally, "life," which depends on the appetite" (Job 33:20).
38
Versículo 40
38. lie in wait?--for their prey (Psa 10:9).
lie in wait?--for their prey (Psa 10:9).
39
Versículo 41
39. job 38:41Luk 12:24. Transition from the noble lioness to the croaking raven. Though man dislikes …
job 38:41Luk 12:24. Transition from the noble lioness to the croaking raven. Though man dislikes it, as of ill omen, God cares for it, as for all His creatures.
Next: Job Chapter 39
Antiguo Testamento
Job — Capítulo 38
(Job 38:1-41) Jehovah appears unexpectedly in a whirlwind (already gathering Job 37:1-2), the symbol of "judgment" (Psa 50:3-4, &c.), to which Job had challenged Him. He asks him now to get himself ready for the conte…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Entonces respondió Jehová a Job desde un torbellino, y dijo:
2¿Quién es ese que oscurece el consejo Con palabras sin sabiduría?
3Ahora ciñe como varón tus lomos; Yo te preguntaré, y tú me contestarás.
4¿Dónde estabas tú cuando yo fundaba la tierra? Házmelo saber, si tienes inteligencia.
5¿Quién ordenó sus medidas, si lo sabes? ¿O quién extendió sobre ella cordel?
6¿Sobre qué están fundadas sus bases? ¿O quién puso su piedra angular,
7Cuando alababan todas las estrellas del alba, Y se regocijaban todos los hijos de Dios?
8¿Quién encerró con puertas el mar, Cuando se derramaba saliéndose de su seno,
9Cuando puse yo nubes por vestidura suya, Y por su faja oscuridad,
10Y establecí sobre él mi decreto, Le puse puertas y cerrojo,
11Y dije: Hasta aquí llegarás, y no pasarás adelante, Y ahí parará el orgullo de tus olas?
12¿Has mandado tú a la mañana en tus días? ¿Has mostrado al alba su lugar,
13Para que ocupe los fines de la tierra, Y para que sean sacudidos de ella los impíos?
14Ella muda luego de aspecto como barro bajo el sello, Y viene a estar como con vestidura;
15Mas la luz de los impíos es quitada de ellos, Y el brazo enaltecido es quebrantado.
16¿Has entrado tú hasta las fuentes del mar, Y has andado escudriñando el abismo?
17¿Te han sido descubiertas las puertas de la muerte, Y has visto las puertas de la sombra de muerte?
18¿Has considerado tú hasta las anchuras de la tierra? Declara si sabes todo esto.
19¿Por dónde va el camino a la habitación de la luz, Y dónde está el lugar de las tinieblas,
20Para que las lleves a sus límites, Y entiendas las sendas de su casa?
21¡Tú lo sabes! Pues entonces ya habías nacido, Y es grande el número de tus días.
22¿Has entrado tú en los tesoros de la nieve, O has visto los tesoros del granizo,
23Que tengo reservados para el tiempo de angustia, Para el día de la guerra y de la batalla?
24¿Por qué camino se reparte la luz, Y se esparce el viento solano sobre la tierra?
25¿Quién repartió conducto al turbión, Y camino a los relámpagos y truenos,
26Haciendo llover sobre la tierra deshabitada, Sobre el desierto, donde no hay hombre,
27Para saciar la tierra desierta e inculta, Y para hacer brotar la tierna hierba?
28¿Tiene la lluvia padre? ¿O quién engendró las gotas del rocío?
29¿De qué vientre salió el hielo? Y la escarcha del cielo, ¿quién la engendró?
30Las aguas se endurecen a manera de piedra, Y se congela la faz del abismo.
31¿Podrás tú atar los lazos de las Pléyades, O desatarás las ligaduras de Orión?
32¿Sacarás tú a su tiempo las constelaciones de los cielos, O guiarás a la Osa Mayor con sus hijos?
33¿Supiste tú las ordenanzas de los cielos? ¿Dispondrás tú de su potestad en la tierra?
34¿Alzarás tú a las nubes tu voz, Para que te cubra muchedumbre de aguas?
35¿Enviarás tú los relámpagos, para que ellos vayan? ¿Y te dirán ellos: Henos aquí?
36¿Quién puso la sabiduría en el corazón? ¿O quién dio al espíritu inteligencia?
37¿Quién puso por cuenta los cielos con sabiduría? Y los odres de los cielos, ¿quién los hace inclinar,
38Cuando el polvo se ha convertido en dureza, Y los terrones se han pegado unos con otros?
39¿Cazarás tú la presa para el león? ¿Saciarás el hambre de los leoncillos,
40Cuando están echados en las cuevas, O se están en sus guaridas para acechar?
41¿Quién prepara al cuervo su alimento, Cuando sus polluelos claman a Dios, Y andan errantes por falta de comida?
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. this--Job.
Versículo 3
II. a man--hero, ready for battle (Co1 16:13), as he had wished (Job 9:35; Job 13:22; Job 31:37). The…
Versículo 4
III. To understand the cause of things, man should have been present at their origin. The finite creat…
Versículo 5
IV. measures--of its proportions. Image from an architect's plans of a building.
Versículo 6
V. foundations--not "sockets," as Margin.
Versículo 7
VI. So at the founding of Zerubbabel's temple (Ezr 3:10-13). So hereafter at the completion of the Ch…
Versículo 8
VII. doors--floodgates; these when opened caused the flood (Gen 8:2); or else, the shores.
Versículo 10
VIII. brake up for--that is, appointed it. Shores are generally broken and abrupt cliffs. The Greek for…
Versículo 11
IX. stayed--Hebrew, "a limit shall be set to."
Versículo 12
X. Passing from creation to phenomena in the existing inanimate world.
Versículo 13
XI. take hold of the ends, &c.--spread itself over the earth to its utmost bounds in a moment.
Versículo 14
XII. Explaining the first clause of Job 38:13, as Job 38:15 does the second clause. As the plastic cla…
Versículo 15
XIII. their light--by which they work; namely, darkness, which is their day (Job 24:17), is extinguishe…
Versículo 16
XIV. springs--fountains beneath the sea (Psa 95:4-5).
Versículo 17
XV. seen--The second clause heightens the thought in the first. Man during life does not even "see" t…
Versículo 18
16. Hast thou--as God doth (Job 28:24).
Versículo 19
17. The marvels in heaven. "What is the way (to the place wherein) light dwelleth?" The origin of lig…
Versículo 20
18. Dost thou know its place so well as to be able to guide, ("take" as in Isa 36:17) it to (but UMBR…
Versículo 21
19. Or without the interrogation, in an ironical sense [UMBREIT].
Versículo 22
20. treasures--storehouses, from which God draws forth snow and hail. Snow is vapor congealed in the …
Versículo 23
21. against the time of trouble--the time when I design to chastise men (Exo 9:18; Jos 10:11; Rev 16:…
Versículo 24
22. is . . . parted--parts, so as to diffuse itself over the whole earth, though seeming to come from…
Versículo 25
23. waters--Rain falls, not in a mass on one spot, but in countless separate canals in the air marked…
Versículo 26
24. Since rain fails also on places uninhabited by man, it cannot be that man guides its course. Such…
Versículo 27
25. As though the desolate ground thirsted for God's showers. Personification. The beauty imparted to…
Versículo 28
26. Can any visible origin of rain and dew be assigned by man? Dew is moisture, which was suspended i…
Versículo 29
27. job 38:29Job 37:10.
Versículo 30
28. The unfrozen waters are hid under the frozen, as with a covering of stone.
Versículo 31
29. sweet influences--the joy diffused by spring, the time when the Pleiades appear. The Eastern poet…
Versículo 32
30. Canst thou bring forth from their places or houses (Mazzaloth, Kg2 23:5, Margin; to which Mazzaro…
Versículo 33
31. ordinances--which regulate the alternations of seasons, &c. (Gen 8:22).
Versículo 34
32. job 38:34Jer 14:22; above Job 22:11, metaphorically.
Versículo 35
33. Here we are--at thy disposal (Isa 6:8).
Versículo 36
34. inward parts . . . heart--But "dark clouds" ("shining phenomena") [UMBREIT]; "meteor" [MAURER], r…
Versículo 37
35. Who appoints by his wisdom the due measure of the clouds?
Versículo 38
36. groweth, &c.--rather, pour itself into a mass by the rain, like molten metal; then translate Job …
Versículo 39
37. At Job 38:39-39:30, the instincts of animals. Is it thou that givest it the instinct to hunt its …
Versículo 40
38. lie in wait?--for their prey (Psa 10:9).
Versículo 41
39. job 38:41Luk 12:24. Transition from the noble lioness to the croaking raven. Though man dislikes …