Job 38:1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm….
The first thing I glean from this verse is that God is present. Job has felt separated from Him since everything went wrong in the early chapters. Commentary seems to indicate that God came in the storm. But I’ve maintained throughout that God is with us always—even when things go horribly wrong, even when we can’t feel Him, even when nothing makes sense. God speaks here in verse one because He is with Job and has been through it all.
Job 38:2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?”
The English Standard Version translates this verse as “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” Modern sensibilities regard ignorant as an insult, though here it simply means someone who does not know. Commentary suggests that God is being almost playful in His chastisement. I don’t quite see that, but, given all I know about how God feels about Job from the early chapters, I don’t think God is lambasting him here with the intent of humiliation. He wants Job to understand that he, Job, doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.
Job 38:3 “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for Your loving patience with us when we are in pain, fear, or doubt. We don’t understand Your ways, Lord. Thank You for Your fierce love and compassion, even through our questioning. Draw us closer. Amen.
Job 38:4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”
Have a blessed day.