Job 38:31
Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion?
Can you bind
The phrase "Can you bind" challenges human capability in comparison to divine power. The Hebrew root for "bind" is "קָשַׁר" (qashar), which means to tie or bind together. This word evokes the image of control and order, suggesting that God alone has the authority and power to govern the cosmos. In the context of Job, it serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the sovereignty of God over creation.

the chains of the Pleiades
The "chains of the Pleiades" refers to the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades, visible in the night sky. The Hebrew word for "chains" is "מַעֲדַנּוֹת" (ma'adannot), which implies a sense of binding or fastening. Historically, the Pleiades have been associated with agricultural seasons and navigation, symbolizing order and regularity in the universe. This imagery underscores God's intricate design and control over celestial bodies, which humans cannot alter or comprehend fully.

or loosen the belt of Orion?
The phrase "or loosen the belt of Orion?" contrasts with the previous clause, emphasizing God's exclusive ability to control the cosmos. The Hebrew root for "loosen" is "פָּתַר" (pathar), meaning to release or untie. Orion, a prominent constellation, is depicted with a "belt" that humans cannot adjust. This imagery highlights the majesty and complexity of God's creation, reminding believers of their place within it. The constellations serve as a testament to God's eternal power and wisdom, inviting awe and reverence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. The book of Job details his suffering and his quest for understanding God's ways.

2. God
The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of divine wisdom and power.

3. Pleiades
A cluster of stars mentioned in the Bible, known for its beauty and often associated with the idea of binding or clustering together.

4. Orion
A prominent constellation, often depicted as a hunter. In this context, it symbolizes something that is bound or controlled by divine power.

5. Whirlwind
The medium through which God speaks to Job, symbolizing God's power and the mystery of His ways.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The mention of Pleiades and Orion highlights God's supreme authority over the universe. Just as He controls the stars, He governs the events of our lives.

Human Limitations
Job is reminded of his limited understanding and power compared to God's infinite wisdom and might. This calls us to humility and trust in God's greater plan.

The Mystery of God's Ways
God's questions to Job reveal the mystery and complexity of His creation, encouraging us to trust in His wisdom even when we do not understand our circumstances.

Trust in Divine Order
The constellations serve as a reminder of the order and precision in God's creation, prompting us to trust that He is in control, even in chaos.

Worship and Awe
Recognizing God's power over the cosmos should lead us to worship and stand in awe of His majesty and greatness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the Pleiades and Orion in Job 38:31 help us understand God's power and authority?

2. In what ways can acknowledging our limitations lead to a deeper trust in God's plan for our lives?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Genesis 1 and Psalm 147:4, reinforce the message of God's sovereignty found in Job 38:31?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate humility and trust in God when faced with life's mysteries and challenges?

5. How can reflecting on the order and beauty of creation enhance our worship and relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account, where God establishes the heavens and the earth, demonstrating His authority over all creation, including the stars and constellations.

Psalm 147:4
This verse speaks of God determining the number of stars and calling them by name, emphasizing His intimate knowledge and control over the universe.

Amos 5:8
This passage refers to God as the Creator of the Pleiades and Orion, reinforcing His sovereignty over the cosmos.
Delightful Influences of Spring TideHomilistJob 38:31
Influence and PowerA. G. Dixon, D. D.Job 38:31
Influence Cannot be RestrainedPeter Pounder.Job 38:31
Interrogations Humble PrideT. De Witt Talmage.Job 38:31
Light UnrestrainableW. M. Statham.Job 38:31
Moral GravitationT. De Witt Talmage.Job 38:31
OrionHugh Macmillan, D. D.Job 38:31
PleiadesHugh Macmillan, D. D.Job 38:31
SpringH. Grey, D. D.Job 38:31
The Sweet Influences of LifeT. De Witt Talmage.Job 38:31
Human Impotence and Ignorance ExposedR. Green Job 38:4, 19, 32, 33
Astrology and AstronomyW.F. Adeney Job 38:31, 32
People
Job, Satellites
Places
Uz
Topics
Attractions, Bands, Beautiful, Bind, Canst, Chains, Cluster, Cords, Fasten, Fixed, Influences, Kesil, Kimah, Loose, Loosen, Open, Orion, Pleiades, Plei'ades, Sweet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 38:31

     4040   beauty

Job 38:1-41

     5273   creativity

Job 38:22-35

     1305   God, activity of

Job 38:31-32

     4937   fate, fatalism

Job 38:31-33

     1325   God, the Creator
     4212   astronomy
     4281   stars
     5955   strength, divine

Library
August 11 Evening
Where is the way that light dwelleth?--JOB 38:19. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.--The Father . . . hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24. "Where is the Way Where Light Dwelleth" (Job xxxviii. 19).
"Where is the way where light dwelleth" (Job xxxviii. 19). Jewels, in themselves, are valueless, unless they are brought in contact with light. If they are put in certain positions they will reflect the beauty of the sun. There is no beauty in them otherwise. The diamond that is back in its dark gallery or down in the deep mine, displays no beauty whatever. What is it but a piece of charcoal, a bit of common carbon, unless it becomes a medium for reflecting light? And so it is also with the other
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Tragic Break in the Plan.
The Jerusalem Climate: the contrasting receptions, Luke 2. the music of heaven, Job 38:6, 7. Luke 2:13, 14. pick out the choruses of Revelation, the crowning book.--the after-captivity leaders, see Ezra and Nehemiah--ideals and ideas--present leaders--Herod--the high priest--the faithful few, Luke 2:25, 38. 23:51. The Bethlehem Fog: Matthew 1 and 2. Luke 2. a foggy shadow--suspicion of Mary--a stable cradle--murder of babes--star-students--senate meeting--a troubled city-flight--Galilee. The
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

God's Restraining Power.
(New Year's Day.) TEXT: JOB xxxviii. 11. "Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed." THESE words are taken from a sublime discourse, which -- is put by the writer in the mouth of the Highest Himself, the Creator and Preserver of the world. In it He answers Job out of the whirlwind, when he had complained, though reverently and humbly, that the Lord did not allow men to find Him; that, moreover, He gave no account of His matters to them, and that therefore
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Joy of the Lord.
IT is written "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Every child of God knows in some measure what it is to rejoice in the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ must ever be the sole object of the believer's joy, and as eyes and heart look upon Him, we, too, like "the strangers scattered abroad" to whom Peter wrote shall "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. i:8). But it is upon our heart to meditate with our beloved readers on the joy of our adorable Lord, as his own personal joy. The
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Evil of Sin visible in the Fall of Angels and Men.
1 When the great Builder arch'd the skies, And form'd all nature with a word, The joyful cherubs tun'd his praise, And every bending throne ador'd. 2 High in the midst of all the throng, Satan, a tall archangel, sat, Amongst the morning stars he sung [1] Till sin destroy'd his heavenly state. 3 ['Twas sin that hurl'd him from his throne, Grov'ling in fire the rebel lies: "How art thou sunk in darkness down, "Son of the morning, from the skies!" [2] 4 And thus our two first parents stood Till sin
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

The Old and New Creation.

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Whether it was Fitting that the Gathering Together of the Waters Should Take Place, as Recorded, on the Third Day?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was not fitting that the gathering together of the waters should take place on the third day. For what was made on the first and second days is expressly said to have been "made" in the words, "God said: Be light made," and "Let there be a firmament made."But the third day is contradistinguished from the first and the second days. Therefore the work of the third day should have been described as a making not as a gathering together. Objection 2: Further, the earth
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether this Name "Father" is Applied to God, Firstly as a Personal Name?
Objection 1: It would seem that this name "Father" is not applied to God, firstly as a personal name. For in the intellect the common precedes the particular. But this name "Father" as a personal name, belongs to the person of the Father; and taken in an essential sense it is common to the whole Trinity; for we say "Our Father" to the whole Trinity. Therefore "Father" comes first as an essential name before its personal sense. Objection 2: Further, in things of which the concept is the same there
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Proper to the Rational Nature to be Adopted?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not proper to the rational nature to be adopted. For God is not said to be the Father of the rational creature, save by adoption. But God is called the Father even of the irrational creature, according to Job 38:28: "Who is father of the rain? Or who begot the drops of dew?" Therefore it is not proper to the rational creature to be adopted. Objection 2: Further, by reason of adoption some are called sons of God. But to be sons of God seems to be properly attributed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

'The End of the Lord'
'Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2. I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can he withholden from Thee. 3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4. Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak: I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me. 5. I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Being of God
Q-III: WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES PRINCIPALLY TEACH? A: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. Q-IV: WHAT IS GOD? A: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Here is, 1: Something implied. That there is a God. 2: Expressed. That he is a Spirit. 3: What kind of Spirit? I. Implied. That there is a God. The question, What is God? takes for granted that there
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained
They shall see God. Matthew 5:8 These words are linked to the former and they are a great incentive to heart-purity. The pure heart shall see the pure God. There is a double sight which the saints have of God. 1 In this life; that is, spiritually by the eye of faith. Faith sees God's glorious attributes in the glass of his Word. Faith beholds him showing forth himself through the lattice of his ordinances. Thus Moses saw him who was invisible (Hebrews 11:27). Believers see God's glory as it were
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

They Shall be Called the Children of God
They shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 In these words the glorious privilege of the saints is set down. Those who have made their peace with God and labour to make peace among brethren, this is the great honour conferred upon them, They shall be called the children of God'. They shall be (called)', that is, they shall be so reputed and esteemed of God. God never miscalls anything. He does not call them children which are no children. Thou shalt be called the prophet of the Highest'
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. Who is a fit messenger to declare this message? Can darkness comprehend the light, or apprehend it? Or can those that are blind form any lively notion of light, to the instruction and persuasion of others? Truly, no more can we conceive or speak of God, who is that pure light, than a blind man can discourse on colours, or a deaf man on sounds. "Who is blind as the Lord's servant?" And
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

On the Animals
The birds are the saints, because they fly to the higher heart; in the gospel: and he made great branches that the birds of the air might live in their shade. [Mark 4:32] Flying is the death of the saints in God or the knowledge of the Scriptures; in the psalm: I shall fly and I shall be at rest. [Ps. 54(55):7 Vulgate] The wings are the two testaments; in Ezekiel: your body will fly with two wings of its own. [Ez. 1:23] The feathers are the Scriptures; in the psalm: the wings of the silver dove.
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42).
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

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