Chapter 38 – FAMILIA MUNDIAL
1 [1] Now the LORD enters the debate and addresses two discourses (Job 38-39 and Job 40-41) to Job, in which he speaks of his wisdom and power, which are altogether beyond the capacity of Job, who therefore should never dare to demand a reason for the divine actions. Out of the storm: frequently the background of the appearances of the LORD in the Old Testament; cf Psalm 18; 50; ⇒ Nahum 1:3; Hebrews 3.
2 [3] Gird up your loins: prepare for combat – figuratively, be ready to defend yourself in debate.
3 [7] Sons of God: angels; cf ⇒ Job 1:6.
4 [21] Divine irony.
5 [22-23] Hail . . . of war: thus God used a hailstorm to rout Joshua’s foes in the battle of Gibeon; cf ⇒ Joshua 10:11; ⇒ Sirach 46:5.
6 [31-32] Pleiades . . . Orion . . . Bear: cf ⇒ Job 9:9. Mazzaroth: It is uncertain what astronomical group is meant by this Hebrew word; perhaps a southern constellation (cf ⇒ Job 9:9).
7 [34] Veil yourself . . . storm: wrap yourself in a cloud, as God comes in a theophany; cf ⇒ Psalm 18:12.
8 [35] Here we are: at your service.
9 [36] Understanding: the reflection of divine Wisdom discernible in the created animal instincts of the cock.