Job 25:5
If even the moon does not shine, and the stars are not pure in His sight,
If even the moon does not shine
The phrase begins with "If even," suggesting a hypothetical or rhetorical situation that emphasizes the insignificance of celestial bodies compared to God's majesty. The "moon" in ancient Near Eastern culture was often associated with deities and was a symbol of beauty and constancy. However, Bildad, the speaker in this passage, uses it to illustrate the inadequacy of even the most revered natural phenomena before God. The Hebrew word for "moon" is "יָרֵחַ" (yareach), which appears throughout the Old Testament as a symbol of time and seasons. The idea that the moon "does not shine" underscores the belief that all creation, no matter how magnificent, pales in comparison to the Creator. This reflects a conservative Christian perspective that emphasizes God's supreme authority and the humility required of humanity in recognizing our limitations.

and the stars are not pure in His sight
The "stars" in ancient times were often seen as symbols of guidance and constancy, used for navigation and marking seasons. The Hebrew word for "stars" is "כּוֹכָבִים" (kokhavim), which appears frequently in the Old Testament, often symbolizing numerous descendants or divine promises, as in God's promise to Abraham. However, Bildad's assertion that the stars "are not pure in His sight" serves to highlight God's absolute holiness and the imperfection of all creation in comparison. The word "pure" in Hebrew is "זַךְ" (zakh), meaning clean or clear, often used in a ritualistic sense to denote purity before God. This phrase reinforces the conservative Christian view of God's transcendence and the inherent impurity of creation due to the fall of man. It serves as a reminder of the need for redemption and the grace offered through Christ, who alone can purify and reconcile us to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bildad the Shuhite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Bildad is the speaker in Job 25, offering his perspective on God's majesty and human insignificance.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His account is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and divine justice.

3. God
The Almighty Creator, whose majesty and purity are being discussed by Bildad in this passage. The focus is on God's holiness and the inherent impurity of creation in comparison.

4. The Moon and Stars
Celestial bodies used metaphorically by Bildad to illustrate the purity and majesty of God compared to even the most magnificent parts of His creation.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that addresses the nature of suffering and the righteousness of God.
Teaching Points
God's Incomparable Purity
The purity of God surpasses even the most brilliant aspects of His creation. This should lead us to a posture of humility and reverence before Him.

Human Limitations
Recognizing our limitations and imperfections in light of God's holiness can deepen our dependence on His grace and mercy.

The Majesty of Creation
While creation is magnificent, it serves to point us to the Creator, whose glory and purity are beyond comparison.

The Need for Redemption
Understanding our impurity in contrast to God's holiness highlights our need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Reflecting God's Light
As believers, we are called to reflect God's light in the world, acknowledging that our purity comes from Him alone.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Bildad's description of the moon and stars in Job 25:5 help us understand the holiness of God?

2. In what ways can recognizing our own limitations and imperfections lead us to a deeper relationship with God?

3. How does the imagery of light and purity in Job 25:5 connect with other biblical descriptions of God's nature?

4. What practical steps can we take to reflect God's light and purity in our daily lives?

5. How does understanding the majesty of creation enhance our worship and reverence for God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 8
This Psalm reflects on the majesty of God and the place of humanity within creation, similar to Bildad's reflections on the purity of celestial bodies compared to God.

Isaiah 40
This chapter speaks of God's incomparable greatness and the insignificance of the nations before Him, echoing Bildad's theme of divine majesty.

1 John 1:5
This verse speaks of God as light, with no darkness in Him, reinforcing the idea of God's absolute purity.
Ideas of God and ManHomilistJob 25:1-6
The Awe of God's HolinessW.F. Adeney Job 25:5, 6
People
Bildad, Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Behold, Bright, Brightness, Clean, Moon, Pure, Shineth, Sight, Stars, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 25:5

     4212   astronomy

Job 25:1-6

     5003   human race, and God

Job 25:2-6

     5816   consciousness

Job 25:4-5

     8326   purity, moral and spiritual

Job 25:4-6

     4835   light, spiritual

Library
Whether There Can be Strife or Discord among the Angels?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be strife or discord among the angels. For it is written (Job 25:2): "Who maketh peace in His high places." But strife is opposed to peace. Therefore among the high angels there is no strife. Objection 2: Further, where there is perfect charity and just authority there can be no strife. But all this exists among the angels. Therefore there is no strife among the angels. Objection 3: Further, if we say that angels strive for those whom they guard, one angel
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Matter of Christ's Body Should have Been Taken from a Woman?
Objection 1: It would seem that the matter of Christ's body should not have been taken from a woman. For the male sex is more noble than the female. But it was most suitable that Christ should assume that which is perfect in human nature. Therefore it seems that He should not have taken flesh from a woman but rather from man: just as Eve was formed from the rib of a man. Objection 2: Further, whoever is conceived of a woman is shut up in her womb. But it ill becomes God, Who fills heaven and earth,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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

What Now Shall I Say Concerning the Very Carefulness and Watchfulness against Sin? "Who...
48. What now shall I say concerning the very carefulness and watchfulness against sin? "Who shall boast that he hath a chaste heart? or who shall boast that he is clean from sin?" [2200] Holy virginity is indeed inviolate from the mother's womb; but "no one," saith he, "is clean in Thy sight, not even the infant whose life is of one day upon the earth." [2201] There is kept also in faith inviolate a certain virginal chastity, whereby the Church is joined as a chaste virgin unto One Husband: but That
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies Pertaining to Holy Things?
Objection 1: It would seem that no sufficient reason can be assigned for the ceremonies of the Old Law that pertain to holy things. For Paul said (Acts 17:24): "God Who made the world and all things therein; He being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made by hands." It was therefore unfitting that in the Old Law a tabernacle or temple should be set up for the worship of God. Objection 2: Further, the state of the Old Law was not changed except by Christ. But the tabernacle denoted
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all the Angels who are Sent, Assist?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels who are sent also assist. For Gregory says (Hom. xxxiv in Evang.): "So the angels are sent, and assist; for, though the angelic spirit is limited, yet the supreme Spirit, God, is not limited." Objection 2: Further, the angel was sent to administer to Tobias. Yet he said, "I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord" (Tob. 12:15). Therefore the angels who are sent, assist. Objection 3: Further, every holy angel is nearer to God than
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Its Problem
In this and the following chapter our aim will be fourfold. First, to demonstrate the impossibility of any sinner obtaining acceptance and favour with God on the ground of his own performances. Second, to show that the saving of a sinner presented a problem which nought but omniscience could solve, but that the consummate wisdom of God has devised a way whereby He can pronounce righteous a guilty transgressor of His Law without impeaching His veracity, sullying His holiness, or ignoring the claims
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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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