God Speaks!
In Job chapters 38 and 39, God finally speaks to Job out of a whirlwind, addressing the questions and complaints raised throughout the dialogue.
At last, in Chapter 38, Job’s plea that God answers him is granted. Repeatedly, Job had longed for God to answer. Time and time again, he wished that an arbiter or an advocate or intercessor would speak on his behalf. But God’s response was nothing like Job had anticipated. Job longed for an opportunity to prove his innocence despite the injustice of the attacks against him. But instead of answering Job’s charges, God asked Job questions! “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me” (v. 2-3). Rather than explaining the theory of evil or the role of suffering, God rebuked Job for presuming to challenge His ways. In more than 70 questions — none of which Job could answer — God interrogated Job.
God uses a series of rhetorical questions to highlight His omnipotence and wisdom in creation, demonstrating the vast gap between His infinite knowledge and Job’s limited understanding. He challenges Job to explain the boundaries of the earth, the depths of the sea, and the nature of light and darkness (v. 4–21). God underscores His role in establishing the natural order, including the cycle of day and night, the oceans’ boundaries, and the storehouses of snow and hail. He describes His governance over the weather, such as the pathways of lightning, the origins of rain, and the provision of water for barren lands. He asks Job if he can command the constellations or control the natural forces of the earth, further emphasizing Job’s inability to comprehend the workings of the universe (v. 22-38). Shifting focus, God highlights His provision for the animals, asking if Job can provide food for the lion or the raven (v. 39-41).
This powerful introduction establishes God’s authority and sovereignty, suggesting that human beings cannot fully grasp the complexity of divine plans or the workings of the universe. Though Job was dumbfounded by this barrage of questions, he did meet God face to face, reassuring him that God had not abandoned him after all. While God does not directly explain Job’s suffering, His questions reframe the discussion. Suffering must be viewed in the context of God’s overarching wisdom and purposes, which are beyond human comprehension.
In Chapter 39, God continues to showcase His creation, directing Job’s attention to various aspects of the natural world. He describes the behaviors of wild animals, including the mountain goats and deer (v. 1-4), wild donkey (v. 5-8), ox (v. 9-12), ostrich (v. 13-18), horse (v. 19-25), and the hawk and majestic eagle (v. 26-30), focusing on His care and control over each one. God highlights the instincts and provisions He has designed for these creatures, emphasizing their independence and strength, as well as His wisdom and power as Creator. This chapter demonstrates God’s intimate involvement in the natural world and humanity’s inability to fully understand or control it.
God asked Job several questions about the animal kingdom in order to demonstrate how limited Job’s knowledge really was. God was not seeking answers from Job; in these questions, the Lord meant to humble Job. He was getting Job to recognize and submit to God’s power and sovereignty. Only then could he hear what God was really saying to him. Overall, these chapters mark a significant shift in the narrative, as God directly addresses Job’s concerns and challenges him to reconsider his perspective.
Like Job, when faced with trials or uncertainties, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control, even when we don’t understand His purposes. Recognizing our limitations should lead us to approach God with humility. Instead of demanding answers, we can trust His wisdom and submit to His will. Reflecting on the beauty and complexity of creation inspires awe and worship, reminding us of God’s greatness and care. Just as God provides for the creatures of the earth, He also provides for us, offering comfort through His personal involvement in our lives. In moments of chaos or suffering, God often speaks to us—not necessarily with answers, but by revealing His presence and reminding us of who He is. Trusting Him in these moments deepens our faith. Ultimately, these chapters challenge us to shift our focus from seeking answers to seeking God. They remind us of His infinite greatness and invite us to trust His wisdom and care in every aspect of our lives.
This is a great commentary on these chapters. Thanks so much for providing this information.
On a personal note, Job 38:33 is quoted by Carl Sagan at the beginning of a chapter from his book, Cosmos.
As a boy, I was completely enamored by Sagan and his naturalistic worldview. But it intrigued me that someone who was a staunch atheist would quote Scripture in his own book.
My takeaway was that the Bible must contain great wisdom for an intellect such as Sagan to quote it. It was one of the first times that I can recall a desire to learn the contents of the Bible and it sparked in me a reverence for the book of Job. All this…