Job 26:9

Authorized King James Version

He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מְאַחֵ֥ז
He holdeth back
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#2
פְּנֵי
the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
כִסֵּ֑ה
of his throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#4
פַּרְשֵׁ֖ז
and spreadeth
to expand
#5
עָלָ֣יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
עֲנָנֽוֹ׃
his cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection