Introduction

Job 38:1–18: Yesterday’s reading concluded with Elihu telling Job that we cannot fully know God’s greatness. In today’s reading, God speaks to Job out of a storm, and God’s dialogue with Job continues through the end of chapter 41.

Today’s Key Verse: Job 38:18 GNT

[The LORD said to Job:] Have you any idea how big the world is? Answer me if you know.

Read

38 Then out of the storm the Lord spoke to Job.

The Lord

2 Who are you to question my wisdom
with your ignorant, empty words?
3 Now stand up straight
and answer the questions I ask you.
4 Were you there when I made the world?
If you know so much, tell me about it.
5 Who decided how large it would be?
Who stretched the measuring line over it?
Do you know all the answers?
6 What holds up the pillars that support the earth?
Who laid the cornerstone of the world?
7 In the dawn of that day the stars sang together,
and the heavenly beings shouted for joy.

8 Who closed the gates to hold back the sea
when it burst from the womb of the earth?
9 It was I who covered the sea with clouds
and wrapped it in darkness.
10 I marked a boundary for the sea
and kept it behind bolted gates.
11 I told it, “So far and no farther!
Here your powerful waves must stop.”
12 Job, have you ever in all your life
commanded a day to dawn?
13 Have you ordered the dawn to seize the earth
and shake the wicked from their hiding places?
14 Daylight makes the hills and valleys stand out
like the folds of a garment,
clear as the imprint of a seal on clay.
15 The light of day is too bright for the wicked
and restrains them from doing violence.

16 Have you been to the springs in the depths of the sea?
Have you walked on the floor of the ocean?
17 Has anyone ever shown you the gates
that guard the dark world of the dead?
18 Have you any idea how big the world is?
Answer me if you know.

Reflect

The LORD answers Job with a series of questions about the deep mysteries of creation. They highlight God’s creative power and conclude with the demand: “Answer me if you know.” Why does the LORD respond to Job in this way?

Pray

Lord God of heaven and earth, you command all things and show forth your greatness. I am in awe of your works, and thank and praise you for all your marvelous deeds. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Job 40:1–24: The LORD continues speaking to Job.