Job 12:18
He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.
Original Language Analysis
מוּסַ֣ר
the bond
H4148
מוּסַ֣ר
the bond
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
פִּתֵּ֑חַ
He looseth
H6605
פִּתֵּ֑חַ
He looseth
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 6
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וַיֶּאְסֹ֥ר
and girdeth
H631
וַיֶּאְסֹ֥ר
and girdeth
Strong's:
H631
Word #:
4 of 6
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient kings wore distinctive girdles or belts as symbols of authority. To have these loosened and replaced with prisoner's bonds represented total reversal of status—a common fate in ancient warfare when defeated monarchs were led captive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's authority over kings affect how we pray for political leaders?
- What comfort comes from knowing no earthly ruler operates outside God's control?
- How should the temporary nature of human power shape our political engagement?
Analysis & Commentary
God removes the authority of kings ('looseth the bond of kings') and binds them with chains around their waists as captives. This continues Job's theme of divine sovereignty over human rulers. The imagery reverses the typical scene—kings who bound others are themselves bound by God's decree. Reformed theology emphasizes God's authority even over kings and kingdoms, fulfilling Daniel's declaration that God 'removeth kings, and setteth up kings' (Daniel 2:21).