Path of these metals, (Menochius) or a path in general. (Haydock) --- They fly, as beasts roam about, without keeping the high road; yet never miss their way, or fail to return to their own place, though they may have crossed the sea or woods, and been absent many months. This instinct is one of the wonders of nature. (Calmet) read more
1-11 Job maintained that the dispensations of Providence were regulated by the highest wisdom. To confirm this, he showed of what a great deal of knowledge and wealth men may make themselves masters. The caverns of the earth may be discovered, but not the counsels of Heaven. Go to the miners, thou sluggard in religion, consider their ways, and be wise. Let their courage and diligence in seeking the wealth that perishes, shame us out of slothfulness and faint-heartedness in labouring for the... read more
Man's Foolish Search for Riches v. 1. Surely there is a vein for the silver, a place prepared by the Creator where it is found, and a place for gold where they fine it, where men refine gold, after the ore has been taken out of the ground. The connection of thought between the statements in this paragraph and that of the previous chapter is this, that true wisdom cannot be dug out of the earth or acquired by the wicked rich like minerals. v. 2. Iron is taken out of the earth, brought out by... read more
III. Job alone: His closing address to the vanquished friends. Chap. 27—28a. Renewed asseveration of his innocence, accompanied by a reference to his joy inGod, which had not forsaken him even in the midst of his deepest misery Job 27:1-101 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said:2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment;and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;3 all the while my breath is in me,and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;—4 my lips shall not speak... read more
the Pearl of Great Price Job 28:1-28 A search for this pearl of great price has occupied men in every age. Job compares it with the search of the miner for the hidden treasures of the earth, Job 28:1-12 . This paragraph should be read in the r.v. The shaft into the earth, the miner’s exile from the cheerful haunts of human life, his exposure to dangers from foul air, water, and the falling-in of the mine, the binding up of the streams, are vividly portrayed. But the miner perseveres through... read more
In a fine passage Job now discussed the question of wisdom. What was supremely lacking in his friends' dealing with him was wisdom to understand. As an introduction to the main statement of his argument, he described man's ability to obtain possession of the precious things of the earth. Silver, gold, and iron are mined, and -the description of how man does it is full of beauty. Man opens a shaft. In the midst of his operation he is forgotten by men who pass by. In a path that no bird knows... read more
Job 28. Here again we come to a critical question. It is difficult to fit this chapter into the argument, whether Job 27:7-Isaiah : is given to Job or to Zophar. It is a widely accepted conclusion of scholars that the chapter is an independent poem on Wisdom (a very fine one) which has somehow found its way into the text of the Book of Job. In its present form it opens with the word “ For,” marking a connexion with something that has gone before; so that the beginning appears to be lost.... read more
A path, to wit, in the dark depths and bowels of the earth. The vulture; whose eye is very quick and strong, and which searcheth all places for its prey, but cannot reach to these places, which yet the wisdom of man by the direction of God’s providence findeth out. read more
JOB’S DESCANT ON TRUE WISDOMThe place occupied by this chapter one peculiar to itself. Its connection with the preceding or succeeding portions of the book by no means obvious. Appears scarcely to form a part of the dialogue. Seems, as it stands before us, to have been delivered by Job during a lull in the controversy. Forms a poetical descant on the praises of true wisdom. Job left alone in the field, and now in a much calmer mood, in circumstances to enter on such a subject. Perhaps led to it... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Job 28:2-11
(2) Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. (3) He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. (4) The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men. (5) As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire. (6) The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold. (7)... read more