◄ Job 26:12 ►
By His power He stirred the sea; by His understanding He shattered Rahab.
Study Bible
By His power
The Hebrew word for "power" here is "koach," which signifies strength, might, or force. In the context of Job, this word emphasizes God's omnipotence and His ability to control the natural world. The power of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His supreme authority over creation. This phrase reminds us of the divine strength that governs the universe, a power that is beyond human comprehension and control. It is a call to recognize the might of God in our lives, acknowledging that His power is at work even in the chaos of the world.

He stilled the sea
The imagery of God stilling the sea is rich with biblical symbolism. The sea often represents chaos and disorder in ancient Near Eastern literature. The Hebrew word "yam" for "sea" can also refer to a large body of water, often associated with tumult and unpredictability. In this context, God's ability to still the sea demonstrates His mastery over chaos and His capacity to bring peace and order. This echoes the account of Jesus calming the storm in the New Testament, reinforcing the message that God has the power to bring tranquility to the storms of our lives.

by His understanding
The Hebrew term for "understanding" is "tebunah," which conveys insight, wisdom, and discernment. This word highlights the divine intelligence and wisdom that God possesses. It is not merely brute force that God uses to accomplish His will, but a profound understanding of the universe and its workings. This phrase invites us to trust in God's wisdom, knowing that His plans are crafted with perfect insight and knowledge. It reassures believers that God's actions are not arbitrary but are guided by His infinite understanding.

He shattered Rahab
"Rahab" in this context is not referring to the woman from Jericho but is a symbolic name for a mythical sea monster or a representation of chaos and evil. The Hebrew word "Rahab" is often used in biblical poetry to depict forces of chaos that oppose God. By stating that God "shattered Rahab," the text underscores His victory over chaos and evil. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ultimate triumph over all that stands against His divine order. It serves as an assurance to believers that no force of chaos or evil can withstand the might and wisdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his patience and faithfulness amidst suffering. Job is speaking in this chapter, reflecting on God's power and wisdom.

2. God
The omnipotent Creator, whose power and understanding are highlighted in this verse. He is the one who stills the sea and shatters Rahab.

3. The Sea
Often symbolic of chaos and disorder in ancient Near Eastern literature, representing the forces of nature that God controls.

4. Rahab
A mythical sea monster or symbol of chaos and pride, often used in the Bible to represent opposition to God. In this context, it signifies God's victory over chaos and evil.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Chaos
God has ultimate control over the forces of chaos and disorder in the world. Just as He stilled the sea and shattered Rahab, He can bring peace and order into our lives.

Understanding God's Power
Reflect on the vastness of God's power and wisdom. Recognize that His understanding surpasses human comprehension, and trust in His ability to manage the complexities of life.

Victory Over Evil
Rahab symbolizes opposition and pride against God. God's shattering of Rahab is a reminder of His ultimate victory over evil. Believers can find assurance in God's triumph over sin and chaos.

Faith in Times of Turmoil
In moments of personal chaos or turmoil, remember that God is capable of calming the storms in our lives. Trust in His power and seek His peace.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's power over chaos, as described in Job 26:12, influence your perspective on current challenges in your life?

2. In what ways can the imagery of God stilling the sea and shattering Rahab encourage you in your faith journey?

3. How do the connections between Job 26:12 and other scriptures like Psalm 89 and Isaiah 51 enhance your understanding of God's sovereignty?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's peace in a chaotic situation. How can this verse serve as a reminder of His faithfulness?

5. How can you apply the lessons from Job 26:12 to strengthen your trust in God during times of uncertainty or fear?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account where God brings order out of chaos, similar to how He stills the sea in Job 26:12.

Psalm 89:9-10
This passage also speaks of God’s power over the sea and His defeat of Rahab, reinforcing the theme of God’s sovereignty over chaos.

Isaiah 51:9-10
References to God’s past acts of salvation and His power over the sea and Rahab, illustrating His ongoing protection and deliverance.

Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus calming the storm, demonstrating His divine authority over nature, echoing the power of God described in Job 26:12.
Sermons
Praises of the EternalE. Johnson Job 26:1-14
The Transcendent Greatness of GodHomilistJob 26:1-14
The Divine Ways But Partially RevealedR. Green Job 26:6-14
People
Abaddon, Job, Rahab
Places
Uz
Topics
Churned, Cut, Divideth, Pieces, Power, Proud, Quiet, Quieted, Rahab, Shattered, Smiteth, Smitten, Smote, Stilled, Stirreth, Stirs, Strikes, Understanding, Wisdom, Wounded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 26:12

     4266   sea

Library
Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The Principle of Life in the Creature.
"By His Spirit He hath garnished the heavens; His hand hath formed the crooked serpent."-- Job xxvi. 13. We have seen that the work of the Holy Spirit consists in leading all creation to its destiny, the final purpose of which is the glory of God. However, God's glory in creation appears in various degrees and ways. An insect and a star, the mildew on the wall and the cedar on Lebanon, a common laborer and a man like Augustine, are all the creatures of God; yet how dissimilar they are, and how varied …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Whether Fear Remains in Heaven
Whether Fear Remains in Heaven We proceed to the eleventh article thus: 1. It seems that fear does not remain in heaven. For it is said in Prov. 1:33: " . . . shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil," and this is to be understood as referring to those who already enjoy wisdom in eternal blessedness. Now all fear is fear of evil, since evil is the object of fear, as was said in Arts. 2 and 5, and in 12ae, Q. 42, Art. 1. There will therefore be no fear in heaven. 2. Again, in heaven …
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether the virtues of Heaven Will be Moved when Our Lord Shall Come?
Objection 1: It would seem that the virtues of heaven will not be moved when our Lord shall come. For the virtues of heaven can de. note only the blessed angels. Now immobility is essential to blessedness. Therefore it will be impossible for them to be moved. Objection 2: Further, ignorance is the cause of wonder (Metaph. i, 2). Now ignorance, like fear, is far from the angels, for as Gregory says (Dial. iv, 33; Moral. ii, 3), "what do they not see, who see Him Who sees all." Therefore it will be …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Wisdom is the Greatest of the Intellectual virtues?
Objection 1: It would seem that wisdom is not the greatest of the intellectual virtues. Because the commander is greater than the one commanded. Now prudence seems to command wisdom, for it is stated in Ethic. i, 2 that political science, which belongs to prudence (Ethic. vi, 8), "orders that sciences should be cultivated in states, and to which of these each individual should devote himself, and to what extent." Since, then, wisdom is one of the sciences, it seems that prudence is greater than wisdom. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Power of the Holy Ghost
We shall look at the power of the Holy Ghost in three ways this morning. First, the outward and visible displays of it; second, the inward and spiritual manifestations of it; and third, the future and expected works thereof. The power of the Spirit will thus, I trust, be made clearly present to your souls. I. First, then, we are to view the power of the Spirit in the OUTWARD AND VISIBLE DISPLAYS OF IT. The power of the Sprit has not been dormant; it has exerted itself. Much has been done by the Spirit …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

That the Self-Existent Being must be All-Powerful.
The self-existent being, the supreme cause of all things, must of necessity have infinite power.--This proposition is evident, and undeniable. For since nothing (as has been already proved,) can possibly be self-existent, besides himself; and consequently all things in the universe were made by him, and are entirely dependent upon him; and all the powers of all things are derived from him, and must therefore be perfectly subject and subordinate to him; it is manifest that nothing can make any difficulty …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Host of Heaven and of Earth.
"The Spirit of God hath made me."--Job xxxiii. 4. Understanding somewhat the characteristic note of the work of the Holy Spirit, let us see what this work was and is and shall be. The Father brings forth, the Son disposes and arranges, the Holy Spirit perfects. There is one God and Father of whom are all things, and one Lord Jesus Christ through whom are all things; but what does the Scripture say of the special work the Holy Spirit did in creation and is still doing? For the sake of order we examine …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

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

Christian Perfection
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." Phil. 3:12. 1. There is scarce any expression in Holy Writ which has given more offence than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whosoever preaches perfection (as the phrase is,) that is, asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them worse than a heathen man or a publican. 2. And hence some have advised, wholly to lay aside …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Of Creation
Heb. xi. 3.--"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."--Gen. i. 1. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." We are come down from the Lord's purposes and decrees to the execution of them, which is partly in the works of creation and partly in the works of providence. The Lord having resolved upon it to manifest his own glory did in that due and predeterminate time apply his …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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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