Job 25:3

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

Original Language Analysis

הֲיֵ֣שׁ Is there H3426
הֲיֵ֣שׁ Is there
Strong's: H3426
Word #: 1 of 8
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
מִ֭סְפָּר any number H4557
מִ֭סְפָּר any number
Strong's: H4557
Word #: 2 of 8
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
לִגְדוּדָ֑יו of his armies H1416
לִגְדוּדָ֑יו of his armies
Strong's: H1416
Word #: 3 of 8
a crowd (especially of soldiers)
וְעַל H5921
וְעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִ֝֗י H4310
מִ֝֗י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָק֥וּם arise H6965
יָק֥וּם arise
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 7 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אוֹרֵֽהוּ׃ and upon whom doth not his light H216
אוֹרֵֽהוּ׃ and upon whom doth not his light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 8 of 8
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

Is there any number of his armies? (הֲיֵשׁ מִסְפָּר לִגְדוּדָיו)—The rhetorical question expects 'no'—God's armies (גְדוּדָיו, gedudav, military troops or raiding bands) are innumerable. This likely refers to angelic hosts who execute divine will (Psalm 103:20-21, 148:2). And upon whom doth not his light arise? (וְעַל־מִי לֹא־יָקוּם אוֹרֵהוּ)—God's or (אוֹר, light) universally illuminates, perhaps meaning His omniscience or general revelation.

Bildad argues from God's cosmic sovereignty to human insignificance, preparing his devastating conclusion in verses 4-6 that man is a maggot. But he misses the scandal of biblical faith: this incomprehensibly great God personally covenants with His creatures (Psalm 8:3-5). Jesus bridges this paradox—the Light of the World (John 8:12) who numbers the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30).

Historical Context

The concept of divine armies appears throughout Scripture, from Joshua meeting the 'commander of the LORD's army' (Joshua 5:14) to Elisha's servant seeing horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:17). Ancient Israel understood that earthly battles reflected spiritual realities involving heavenly hosts.

Questions for Reflection