Job 22:12
Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
Original Language Analysis
הֲֽלֹא
H3808
הֲֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמָ֑יִם
of heaven
H8064
שָׁמָ֑יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
4 of 9
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וּרְאֵ֤ה
and behold
H7200
וּרְאֵ֤ה
and behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
רֹ֖אשׁ
the height
H7218
רֹ֖אשׁ
the height
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כּוֹכָבִ֣ים
of the stars
H3556
כּוֹכָבִ֣ים
of the stars
Strong's:
H3556
Word #:
7 of 9
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology conceived of God/gods dwelling above the heavens. Mesopotamian ziggurats and Egyptian pyramids attempted to bridge earth and heaven. Israel's theology affirmed God's transcendence (1 Kings 8:27—heaven of heavens cannot contain Him) while maintaining His engagement with earth (Psalm 113:5-6). This tension between divine transcendence and immanence shapes all biblical theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold together God's transcendence and His intimate involvement in our lives?
- What does the incarnation reveal about God's transcendence not implying distance?
- How should God's exaltation above all creation inform both our worship and our confidence in prayer?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz challenges Job: "Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!" The noun gavah (גָּבַהּ, "height") emphasizes God's exaltation. The rhetorical question expects affirmation: yes, God is transcendent. Eliphaz will argue (verse 13-14) that Job wrongly thinks God's transcendence means He doesn't observe earthly affairs. This sets up a false dilemma: either God is distant (deism) or intimately involved (theism). Reformed theology affirms both divine transcendence and immanence—God's transcendence doesn't imply distance but rather His sovereignty over all. Isaiah 57:15 captures this paradox: God dwells "in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." The incarnation supremely demonstrates this: the eternal Son took flesh, uniting transcendence and immanence in one Person. Eliphaz correctly affirms transcendence but wrongly implies Job denies divine observation.