Job 34:13
Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
פָקַ֣ד
Who hath given him a charge
H6485
פָקַ֣ד
Who hath given him a charge
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עָלָ֣יו
H5921
עָלָ֣יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּמִ֥י
H4310
וּמִ֥י
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
שָׂ֝֗ם
or who hath disposed
H7760
שָׂ֝֗ם
or who hath disposed
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions depicted gods receiving domains from higher deities (Marduk appointed by Anu, Zeus by Cronus). Biblical monotheism rejects such hierarchies—Yahweh alone is ultimate, accountable to none. This radical theology distinguished Israel from surrounding nations and prevented subjecting God to external standards. Yet God voluntarily enters covenant, binding Himself by promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's underived authority relate to His trustworthiness and moral character?
- What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and His self-imposed covenant obligations?
- How can we question God's ways while acknowledging He's accountable to no higher authority?
Analysis & Commentary
Elihu defends God's justice: "Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?" These rhetorical questions expect the answer: no one. The Hebrew paqad (פָּקַד, "given charge") means to appoint or entrust. The verb sum (שׂוּם, "disposed") means to set or establish. Elihu argues that God's sovereignty is underived—no higher authority commissioned Him. From a Reformed perspective, this establishes God's aseity (self-existence) and independent sovereignty. God rules by inherent right, not delegated authority. This truth grounds divine justice: God is accountable to no one because no one stands above Him to establish standards He must meet. Yet this creates tension: how can creatures evaluate divine justice? The answer lies in God's self-revelation—He voluntarily discloses His character and ways, making Himself known. Job seeks not to judge God but to understand Him, a legitimate longing God will honor by appearing directly.