Job 38:13
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
Original Language Analysis
לֶ֭אֱחֹז
That it might take hold
H270
לֶ֭אֱחֹז
That it might take hold
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
1 of 6
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
בְּכַנְפ֣וֹת
of the ends
H3671
בְּכַנְפ֣וֹת
of the ends
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
2 of 6
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
Cross References
Psalms 104:35Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.Job 37:3He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.Exodus 14:27And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
Historical Context
Ancient criminals often worked at night, as do modern ones. Dawn brought renewed social order and safety. The ancient world lacked artificial lighting, making night genuinely dangerous. God's daily provision of light thus represented both physical and moral order being reasserted. This would encourage Job that God actively opposes evil despite appearances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does daily sunrise serve as God's reminder that He opposes wickedness and champions righteousness?
- In what ways should we, as children of light, participate in exposing and opposing works of darkness?
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Analysis & Commentary
"That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?" God describes dawn gripping earth's edges like shaking out a garment, dislodging the wicked who operate under darkness's cover. The Hebrew yinnater (יִנָּעֵר, "be shaken out") suggests vigorous action. This reveals God's moral governance—light exposes and disrupts wickedness. The imagery anticipates final judgment when Christ the Light fully expels all darkness and evil. Dawn becomes God's daily reminder that evil's reign is temporary and light will triumph.