Job 11:7
Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?
Can you fathom
The Hebrew word for "fathom" here is "חָקַר" (chaqar), which means to search out, examine, or investigate thoroughly. This word suggests a deep, almost scientific inquiry into the mysteries of God. In the context of Job, it challenges human presumption in understanding divine wisdom. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern view that the divine realm is beyond human comprehension, emphasizing humility before God.

the deep things of God
The phrase "deep things" translates from the Hebrew "עֲמֻקּוֹת" (amukot), indicating profound, hidden, or mysterious aspects of God. This suggests that God's nature and plans are not only vast but also beyond human understanding. Scripturally, this aligns with passages like Isaiah 55:8-9, which highlight the transcendence of God's thoughts and ways compared to human understanding.

or discover
The Hebrew root "מָצָא" (matsa) means to find, attain, or come upon. This implies an active pursuit or quest for knowledge. In the context of Job, it underscores the futility of human efforts to fully grasp God's essence or purposes. This reflects a broader biblical theme that true wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, not merely the result of human effort.

the limits of the Almighty
The term "limits" comes from the Hebrew "תַּכְלִית" (takhlit), meaning end, completeness, or perfection. It suggests boundaries or extents, which in this context, are beyond human reach. "The Almighty" is translated from "שַׁדַּי" (Shaddai), a name for God that emphasizes His power and sovereignty. Historically, this name is associated with God's might and authority over creation. The rhetorical question posed here serves to remind believers of God's infinite nature and the limitations of human understanding.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Zophar the Naamathite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Zophar speaks to Job, challenging his understanding of God's wisdom and power.

3. The Almighty (God)
The central divine figure in the Book of Job, whose wisdom and power are beyond human comprehension. The term "Almighty" emphasizes God's omnipotence.

4. The Deep Things of God
Refers to the profound and unfathomable aspects of God's nature and plans, which are beyond human understanding.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, divine justice, and the limits of human understanding.
Teaching Points
The Limitations of Human Understanding
Humans are finite beings with limited understanding. We must acknowledge that there are aspects of God's nature and plans that are beyond our comprehension.

The Majesty of God
Recognizing the majesty and omnipotence of God should lead us to a posture of humility and worship. God's greatness is a call to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.

Trusting in God's Wisdom
Even when we do not understand our circumstances, we can trust that God is wise and His plans are for our ultimate good. This trust is foundational to a life of faith.

The Role of Humility in Faith
Humility is essential in our relationship with God. Acknowledging our limitations and God's greatness helps us to rely on Him rather than our own understanding.

Seeking God in Mystery
While we may not fully understand God's ways, we are invited to seek Him and grow in our relationship with Him. This pursuit is a lifelong journey of faith and discovery.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does acknowledging the limits of our understanding affect our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can recognizing God's majesty and omnipotence influence our daily lives and decisions?

3. How can we cultivate a posture of humility in our faith journey, especially when faced with life's mysteries?

4. What are some practical ways to trust in God's wisdom when we encounter situations that we do not understand?

5. How can we encourage others who are struggling with the mystery of God's ways, using insights from Job 11:7 and related scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 40:28
This verse speaks of God's everlasting nature and unsearchable understanding, echoing the theme of God's incomprehensibility found in Job 11:7.

Romans 11:33
Paul marvels at the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, reinforcing the idea that God's ways are beyond human understanding.

Psalm 145:3
This psalm praises God's greatness and unsearchable nature, similar to the message conveyed by Zophar in Job 11:7.
Difficulties Concerning God's ProvidenceR. Fiddes.Job 11:7
Doctrine of Trinity not a Contradiction to ReasonH. Melvill, B. D.Job 11:7
Feelings After GodDavid Swing.Job 11:7
God IncomprehensibleG. Burder.Job 11:7
God Incomprehensible by His CreaturesN. Emmons, D. D.Job 11:7
God Searchable and Yet UnsearchableF. G. Crossman.Job 11:7
How Can I Know There is a GodCharles Leach, D. D.Job 11:7
Man Can Never Apprehend First CausesHaeckel, History of Creation.Job 11:7
Man's Imperfect Knowledge of GodBaxter, RichardJob 11:7
Nature's Testimony of God InsufficientJob 11:7
Searching After GodHomilistJob 11:7
The Divine Nature IncomprehensibleJames Roe, M. A.Job 11:7
The Eternity and Unchangeableness of GodHugh BinningJob 11:7
The Incomprehensibility of GodW. S. Plumer, D. D.Job 11:7
The Incomprehensible Character of GodJohn Ayre, M. A.Job 11:7
The Incomprehensibleness of GodRichard Lucas, D. D.Job 11:7
The Incomprehensibleness of GodJ. Tillotson, D. D.Job 11:7
The Incomprehensibleness of GodH. Groves.Job 11:7
The Incomprehensibleness of the Divine Nature and PerfectionH. Groves.Job 11:7
The Soul's Way to GodC. Beard, B. A.Job 11:7
The Unsearchable Depth of GodW.F. Adeney Job 11:7
The Unsearchableness of GodP. B. Power, M. A.Job 11:7
The Unsearchableness of GodD. Moore, M. A.Job 11:7
Humble Yourselves Beneath the Mighty Hand of GodE. Johnson Job 11:1-20
Man Humbled Before GodR. Green Job 11:7-12
People
Job, Zophar
Places
Uz
Topics
Able, Almighty, Attain, Canst, Deep, Depths, Discover, Discovery, Fathom, God's, Limit, Limits, Measure, Mighty, Mysteries, Mystery, Perfection, Probe, Purpose, Ruler, Searching
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 11:7

     1105   God, power of
     1145   God, transcendent
     1441   revelation, necessity
     6694   mystery

Job 11:7-9

     5441   philosophy

Library
The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God.
Exod. iii. 14.--"I AM THAT I AM."--Psal. xc. 2.--"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God."--Job xi. 7-9.--"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea." This is the chief point of saving knowledge,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

God Incomprehensible and Sovereign.
1 Can creatures to perfection find [1] Th' eternal uncreated mind? Or can the largest stretch of thought Measure and search his nature out? 2 'Tis high as heaven, 'tis deep as hell, And what can mortals know or tell? His glory spreads beyond the sky, And all the shining worlds on high. 3 But man, vain man, would fain be wise, Born like a wild young colt he flies Thro' all the follies of his mind, And swells and snuffs the empty wind. 4 God is a King of power unknown, Firm are the orders of his throne;
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Whether God is a Body
Whether God is a Body We proceed to the first article thus: 1. It seems that God is a body. For what has three dimensions is a body, and sacred Scripture attributes three dimensions to God, as in Job 11:8-9: "It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea." God is therefore a body. 2. Again, everything that has figure is a body, since figure is a mode of quantity. Now it seems that God has
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether Security Belongs to Magnanimity?
Objection 1: It seems that security does not belong to magnanimity. For security, as stated above (Q[128], ad 6), denotes freedom from the disturbance of fear. But fortitude does this most effectively. Wherefore security is seemingly the same as fortitude. But fortitude does not belong to magnanimity; rather the reverse is the case. Neither therefore does security belong to magnanimity. Objection 2: Further, Isidore says (Etym. x) that a man "is said to be secure because he is without care." But
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Confidence Belongs to Magnanimity?
Objection 1: It seems that confidence does not belong to magnanimity. For a man may have assurance not only in himself, but also in another, according to 2 Cor. 3:4,5, "Such confidence we have, through Christ towards God, not that we are sufficient to think anything of ourselves, as of ourselves." But this seems inconsistent with the idea of magnanimity. Therefore confidence does not belong to magnanimity. Objection 2: Further, confidence seems to be opposed to fear, according to Is. 12:2, "I will
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether God is a Body?
Objection 1: It seems that God is a body. For a body is that which has the three dimensions. But Holy Scripture attributes the three dimensions to God, for it is written: "He is higher than Heaven, and what wilt thou do? He is deeper than Hell, and how wilt thou know? The measure of Him is longer than the earth and broader than the sea" (Job 11:8,9). Therefore God is a body. Objection 2: Further, everything that has figure is a body, since figure is a quality of quantity. But God seems to have figure,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible
Take its teachings about God Himself. What does the Bible teach us about God? It declares that He is Eternal: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou are God" (Ps. 90:2). It reveals the fact that He is Infinite: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee" (I Kings 8:27). Vast as we know the universe to be, it has its bounds; but we must go beyond
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered?
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether There Should have Been Man Ceremonial Precepts?
Objection 1: It would seem that there should not have been many ceremonial precepts. For those things which conduce to an end should be proportionate to that end. But the ceremonial precepts, as stated above ([2105]AA[1],2), are ordained to the worship of God, and to the foreshadowing of Christ. Now "there is but one God, of Whom are all things . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom are all things" (1 Cor. 8:6). Therefore there should not have been many ceremonial precepts. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6.--"And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Here they join the punishment with the deserving cause, their uncleanness and their iniquities, and so take it upon them, and subscribe to the righteousness of God's dealing. We would say this much in general--First, Nobody needeth to quarrel God for his dealing. He will always be justified when he is judged. If the Lord deal more sharply with you than with others, you may judge there is a difference
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Divine Impartiality Considered.
"For there is no respect of persons with God." The divine impartiality is often asserted in the holy scriptures; and the assertion coincides with our natural ideas of deity. The pagans indeed attributed to their Gods, the vices, follies and weaknesses of men! But the beings whom they adored were mostly taken from among men, and might be considered as retaining human imperfections,--Had unbiased reason been consulted to find out a supreme being, a different object would have been exhibited to view.
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Letter ix. Meditation.
"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15. MY DEAR SISTER: The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God. Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and example; and concerning which, let us observe, 1. Its importance. That God has required it, ought to
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What,"
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of the Name of God
Exod. iii. 13, 14.--"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." We are now about this question, What God is. But who can answer it? Or, if answered, who can understand it? It should astonish us in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal.
THE most glorious Sight questionless that was ever to be seen upon the face of the Earth, was to see the Son of God here, to see the supreme Being and Governour of the World here; to see the Creator of all things conversing here with his own Creatures; to see God himself with the nature, and in the shape of Man; walking about upon the surface of the Earth, and discoursing with silly Mortals here; and that with so much Majesty and Humility mixed together, that every expression might seem a demonstration
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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