Wesley Corpus

Chapter XXXVIII God begins with an awakening challenge, ver. 1 - 3. Proceeds to several proofs of Job's inability to contend with him, because of his ignorance and weakness: for he knew nothing of the founding of the earth, ver. 4 - 7. The limiting of the sea, ver. 8 - 11. Of the morning light, ver. 12 - 15. The recesses of the sea and earth, ver. 16 - 21. Of the treasures in the clouds, ver. 22 - 27. He could do nothing toward the making of his own soul, the producing of rain, frost, lightning, or the directing of the stars and their influences, ver. 28 - 38. He could not provide for the lions or the ravens, ver. 39 - 41. How then should he direct God's secret counsels Here God takes up the argument, begun by Elihu, and prosecutes it in inimitable words, exceeding his, and all other mens in the loftiness of the style, as much as thunder does a whisper. Lord - The eternal word, Jehovah, the same who spake from mount Sinai. Answered - Out of a dark and thick cloud, from which he sent a tempestuous wind, as the harbinger of his presence. In this manner God appears and speaks to awaken Job and his friends, to the more serious attention to his words; and to testify his displeasure both against Job, and them, that all of them might be more deeply humbled and prepared to receive, and retain the instructions which God was about to give them. Counsel - God's counsel. For the great matter of the dispute between Job and his friends, was concerning God's counsel and providence in afflicting Job; which Job had endeavoured to obscure and misrepresent. This first word which God spoke, struck Job to the heart. This he repeats and echoes to, chap.42:3, as the arrow that stuck fast in him. Gird up - As warriors then did for the battle. Where - Thou art but of yesterday; and dost thou presume to judge of my eternal counsels! When - When I settled it as firm upon its own center as if it had been built upon the surest foundations. Measures - Who hath prescribed how long and broad and deep it should be. Line - the measuring line to regulate all its dimensions.