1 But Job answered and said,
2 How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
3 How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
4 To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
5 Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
7 He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
8 He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
9 He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.
10 He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
12 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
14 Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
Chapter 26 of the Book of Job in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a continuation of Job's response to his friends who have been trying to convince him that his sufferings are a result of his own sins. In this chapter, Job expresses his frustration and despair, but also acknowledges the power and sovereignty of God. The main themes of this chapter include the greatness of God, the insignificance of humans, and the complexity of God's ways. This chapter serves as a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, God is still in control and His ways are beyond human understanding.
After Bildad finishes speaking, Job begins his response in chapter 26. He addresses his friends' accusations and acknowledges that they have not been helpful in his time of need. He says, "How hast thou helped him that is without power? How savest thou the arm that hath no strength?" (Job 26:2 KJV). Job is essentially saying that his friends' words have not given him any comfort or strength in his suffering.
He then goes on to mock his friends' attempts to explain the ways of God. He says, "How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? And how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?" (Job 26:3 KJV). Job is pointing out the irony of his friends trying to explain the workings of God when they themselves do not fully understand them.
As Job continues his response, he shifts his focus to the greatness of God. He says, "Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof" (Job 26:5 KJV). Here, Job is referring to the creation of the world and how God's power and wisdom are displayed in His ability to form even the most lifeless things.
He then goes on to say, "Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering" (Job 26:6 KJV). Job is acknowledging that God sees and knows all, even the depths of the underworld. He is emphasizing the omnipotence of God and His authority over all things.
Job then describes the vastness of the sky and how it is a mere reflection of God's greatness. He says, "He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing" (Job 26:7 KJV). This is a reference to the vastness of the universe and how God has created and sustains it all.
Job also mentions the pillars of the earth and how they are a testament to God's power. He says, "He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it. He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end" (Job 26:8-10 KJV). Job is describing God's control over the natural elements and how He has set boundaries for them.
Through these descriptions, Job is reminding his friends that God is the Creator and Ruler of all things, and His greatness is beyond human comprehension.
Job continues to emphasize the greatness of God by contrasting it with the insignificance of humans. He says, "Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? But the thunder of his power who can understand?" (Job 26:14 KJV). Job is acknowledging that even though he has described some of God's ways, it is only a small fraction of His power and wisdom. He is also highlighting the fact that humans cannot fully understand or comprehend the ways of God.
He then goes on to say, "The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud" (Job 26:11-12 KJV). Job is describing how even the pillars of heaven and the sea are subject to God's power and authority. This further emphasizes the insignificance of humans in comparison to God.
Job also mentions the underworld and how it is subject to God's control. He says, "Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering" (Job 26:6 KJV). This is a reminder that even the place of death and destruction is under God's dominion.
Through these descriptions, Job is reminding his friends that humans are but a small part of God's creation and are insignificant in comparison to His greatness.
As Job concludes his response, he acknowledges that God's ways are beyond human understanding. He says, "Behold, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? But the thunder of his power who can understand?" (Job 26:14 KJV). Job is acknowledging that even though he has described some of God's ways, it is only a small fraction of His power and wisdom. He is also highlighting the fact that humans cannot fully understand or comprehend the ways of God.
Job also says, "He hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? But the thunder of his power who can understand?" (Job 26:13-14 KJV). Job is describing the intricacies and complexities of God's creation, which are beyond human understanding. The mention of the crooked serpent may also be a reference to the enigmatic and unpredictable nature of God's ways.
Through these statements, Job is acknowledging that even in his suffering, he cannot fully understand or question the ways of God. He is humbly submitting to the sovereignty and wisdom of God.
Chapter 26 of the Book of Job serves as a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, God is still in control and His ways are beyond human understanding. Job's descriptions of God's greatness, the insignificance of humans, and the complexity of God's ways highlight the fact that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). This chapter also serves as a rebuke to Job's friends who have been trying to explain God's ways and justify Job's suffering. It reminds us that we cannot fully understand or explain the ways of God, and we must humbly submit to His sovereignty and wisdom.
Furthermore, this chapter also serves as a reminder of God's power and authority over all things. Job's descriptions of the creation of the world, the pillars of the earth, and the heavens emphasize that God is the Creator and Ruler of all things. This can bring comfort and assurance to those who are going through suffering, knowing that God is in control and His power is greater than any human understanding.
Overall, chapter 26 of the Book of Job is a powerful reminder of God's greatness, the insignificance of humans, and the complexity of His ways. It teaches us to humbly submit to God and trust in His sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering. It also serves as a rebuke to those who try to explain or justify God's ways, reminding us that His ways are beyond human understanding.
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