Job 38:17

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Job 38:17

doors = gates. read more

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 38:17

Job 38:17. Have the gates of death been opened unto thee?— It has been objected against the famous passage in the 19th chapter, which we have interpreted of the doctrine of a resurrection, that neither Elihu nor Jehovah, in their determination of the debate, mention any thing of that doctrine; the mention of which, say the objectors, would have rendered every thing plain and easy. Now, in answer to this, let it be observed, that the great question in debate between Job and his friends was,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Job 38:17

17. seen—The second clause heightens the thought in the first. Man during life does not even "see" the gates of the realm of the dead ("death," Job 10:21); much less are they "opened" to him. But those are "naked before God" (Job 26:6). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Job 38:4-30

God’s questions of Job 38:4-39:30As Job’s friends had done, God began to break Job down blow by verbal blow. Finally all his pride was gone. However, where Job’s friends had failed, God succeeded."The function of the questions needs to be properly understood. As a rhetorical device, a question can be another way of making a pronouncement, much favoured by orators. For Job, the questions in the Lord’s speeches are not such roundabout statements of fact; they are invitations, suggestions about... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Job 38:1-34

The Speeches of the AlmightyWhen the human debate was over, and Job had proudly asserted his readiness to confront God, conscious of his innocence (Job 31:35-37), there was nothing left, if the contest was to be decided, except a direct intervention of God. This Job had himself again and again demanded. He had challenged God to meet him and justify the treatment He accorded to him. He complains bitterly that God evades him, and lets him suffer, though He knows that he is innocent. Now at last... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Job 38:1-41

The First Speech of the Almighty (Job 38, 39)The marvels of creation, which witness to the infinite wisdom, power, and watchful care of the Creator, are presented to Job in such a way as to force from him a confession of ignorance and weakness, and of presumption in venturing to contend with God.1-38. The wonders of earth and heaven. What does Job know of their nature and origin and ordering?1. Whirlwind] rather, ’storm.’ Theophanies, or manifestations of God to man, are usually represented in... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Job 38:1-41

The First Chapter of Genesis Job 38:4 The real object of the narrative in Genesis is not to teach scientific truth, but to teach religious truth. I. One object of the narrative will be evident at once: it is to show, in opposition to the crude conceptions current in many parts of the ancient world, that the world is not self-originated; that it was called into existence, and brought gradually into its present state, at the will of a Spiritual Being, prior to it, independent of it, deliberately... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Job 38:1-41

XXVIII.THE RECONCILIATIONJob 38:1 - Job 42:6THE main argument of the address ascribed to the Almighty is contained in chapters 38 and 39 and in the opening verses of chapter 42. Job makes submission and owns his fault in doubting the faithfulness of Divine providence. The intervening passage containing descriptions of the great animals of the Nile is scarcely in the same high strain of poetic art or on the same high level of cogent reasoning. It seems rather of a hyperbolical kind, suggesting... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Job 38:1-38

V. THE LORD’S TESTIMONY TO JOB AND CONTROVERSY WITH Him CHAPTER 38:1-38 1. The Lord speaks to Job (Job 38:1-3 ) 2. The questions of the Lord (Job 38:4-38 ) Job 38:1-3 . The voice of man is hushed; the voice of the Lord begins to speak. The Almighty, the Creator, the Lord of All comes now upon the scene. He too, like Elihu, had been the silent listener; He heard Job’s complaint and wailing and the babblings of his friends. Elihu’s wonderful utterance, inspired by the Lord, was ended. The... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Job 38:1-41

Marvellously, God Himself directly intervenes in this discussion so early in the history of man. The storm that had been brewing as Elihu spoke becomes a whirlwind, and God spoke to Job out of the whirlwind. Job had felt his whole life to be in the vortex of a whirlwind, but he little realised that God was speaking in the very troubles he faced, therefore God spoke directly to him. This was miraculous, of course, and there was no possibility that Job would not listen. It may seem amazing... read more

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