Job 12:13-25 - Homilies By E. Johnson

Images of the irresistible power of God.

I. THE WALL , OR HOUSE , OR CITY THUS DEMOLISHED CANNOT BE BUILT UP AGAIN . ( Job 12:14 .) Swept with the besom of destruction, it becomes the possession of the bittern and pools of water ( Isaiah 14:23 ). The ruined walls of Babylon and her charred gates defy the weary toil of the people ( Jeremiah 51:58 ); she sinks, and shall not rise from the evil that Jehovah will bring upon her ( Jeremiah 51:64 ). Men may build, but he will throw down ( Malachi 1:4 ).

II. THE PRISON - DOORS WHICH HE SHUTS NO MAN CAN OPEN . ( Job 12:14 .) He hath the key of David ( Isaiah 22:22 ; Revelation 3:7 ). Vain all human bravery when the Lord hath determined to "deliver a man into the hand of his enemy" ( 1 Samuel 26:8 ). Yet there is a merciful aspect of this seeming harsh truth, as pointed out by St. Paul: "He hath shut them all up in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all" ( Romans 11:32 ).

III. THE DRYING UP AND SENDING OF FLOODS . ( Job 12:15 .) As illustrated in the ancient story of Genesis 6:1-22 . and 8; and of the drought in Elijah's time ( 1 Kings 17:1-24 .). He shuts the heaven ( 1 Kings 8:35 ), arid he alone can give showers ( Jeremiah 14:22 ).

IV. THE SUBJUGATION OF EARTHLY KINGS . ( Genesis 6:18 .) As illustrated in the carrying of Manasseh captive to Babylon ( 2 Chronicles 23:1-21 .), and of Zedekiah ( Jeremiah 52:1-34 .). The thought is repeated in verse 21, and further illustrations may be drawn from the cases of Pharaoh, of Saul, of Ahab.

V. THE DEPRIVATION OF SPEECH AND WISDOM . (Verse 20.) Men's sagacity is turned to folly; their prudence is vain when it pleases him to put forth his power (comp. Isaiah 3:1-3 ). So in verse 24, where we are reminded of the striking judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar ( Daniel 4:1-37 .).

VI. THE INCREASE AND DESTRUCTION OF NATIONS . (Verse 23.) The rise and fall of empires and peoples is determined by constant laws. Obedience to law means increase and prosperity; violation of law, decay and ruin.

VII. CONFUSION AND BEWILDERMENT are evidences of the practical power of God (verses 24, 25). Chaos, wandering, darkness, helpless vacillation, fall upon men and nations from time to time, because they have been unfaithful to the true light and the Divine leading.—J.