Job 38:23
Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָשַׂ֥כְתִּי
Which I have reserved
H2820
חָשַׂ֥כְתִּי
Which I have reserved
Strong's:
H2820
Word #:
2 of 7
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
לְעֶת
against the time
H6256
לְעֶת
against the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
3 of 7
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
Cross References
Joshua 10:11And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.Revelation 16:21And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.Isaiah 30:30And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.Exodus 9:18Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare often interpreted weather phenomena as divine intervention. Israel's history included God fighting for them through natural means (hail, storms, darkness). This would assure Job and readers that God actively governs history, using creation itself to accomplish His purposes and defend His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign preparation of judgment instruments demonstrate His control over history?
- What comfort comes from knowing God has resources reserved for every future need or battle?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?" God reveals His strategic stockpiling of natural phenomena (snow, hail from v.22) for use in judgment and warfare. The Hebrew chasakhti (חָשַׂכְתִּי, "I have reserved/withheld") indicates intentional storage for future purposes. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over history—He prepares instruments of judgment long in advance. Biblical examples include hailstones at Gibeon (Joshua 10:11) and future judgments (Revelation 16:21). God's meticulous preparation assures that no contingency catches Him unprepared.