Explanation: In Job 26 Job begins a six-chapter reply to Bildad. These six chapters conclude the talks between Job and his three friends. Afterward comes the reply of Elihu (32-37), followed by the reply of God himself (38-42). The heavens, as depicted in the painting above, are mentioned several time in this chapter, particularly the reference in verse 13 to God garnishing the heavens.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Job 25. Job 27. Job 28. Job 29. Job 30. Job 31. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

     Job began his reply to Bildad by asking him how his words had given strength, deliverance, counsel, or understanding to anyone (1-3). Job also asked Bildad who helped him utter his words and whose breath came out from him -- in other words, was he claiming inspiration or special insight? If so, his words did not show it (4). To further make his point, he contrasts Bildad's "insight" with God's insight. In the sight of God, even Hell and destruction are open (5-6). Job then describes God's power and majesty. He stretches out the north (which many interpret as the northern skies) over an empty place. He hangs the earth on nothing. Many consider this an anticipation of the scientific fact that the earth is unsupported in the sky (7). He withholds the rain, even when the clouds are heavy with water (8). He hides his throne by spreading his cloud over it (9). "He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness" (ESV). This apparently describes the circle of the horizon on the sea as seen at sunrise or sunset (10). The pillars of heaven (referring, perhaps, to the mountains) tremble at his rebuke (11). Job then mentions that God divided the sea. If this refers to the division of the Red Sea, it would mean that the book of Job was written after the time of Moses. But the events in Job, according to many commentators, happened around the time of Abraham. Accordingly, various commentators believe that the division of the sea refers to the point in the creation narrative when God divided the land from the waters (12). By his Spirit, God garnished the heavens (referring to the stars, the sun, and the moon); and (on earth) his hand formed the crooked serpent (13). These are parts of God's ways -- but only a small part; no one fully understands his power (14).

     ² How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength? ³ How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is? ⁴ To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee? ⁵ Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof. ⁶ Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. ⁷ He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. ⁸ He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. ⁹ He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it. ¹⁰ He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end. ¹¹ The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. ¹² He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. ¹³ By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. ¹⁴ Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

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