Job 38:25
Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 7
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
לַשֶּׁ֣טֶף
for the overflowing of waters
H7858
לַשֶּׁ֣טֶף
for the overflowing of waters
Strong's:
H7858
Word #:
3 of 7
a deluge (literally or figuratively)
תְּעָלָ֑ה
a watercourse
H8585
תְּעָלָ֑ה
a watercourse
Strong's:
H8585
Word #:
4 of 7
a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a wound)
וְ֝דֶ֗רֶךְ
or a way
H1870
וְ֝דֶ֗רֶךְ
or a way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Ancient peoples recognized they couldn't control or predict weather patterns—these were firmly in divine hands. Modern meteorology understands atmospheric processes but cannot dictate them. The principle endures: God sovereignly governs natural phenomena with purposes beyond human comprehension or control.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise control over "random" natural events shape your view of providence?
- What circumstances in your life seem chaotic but may have divine channels you cannot perceive?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder?" God questions who channels rainwater and lightning. The Hebrew pelleg (פֶּלֶג, "watercourse/channel") and derekh (דֶּרֶךְ, "way/path") suggest intentional routing. Rain doesn't fall randomly—God directs it with purpose. Lightning follows divinely ordained paths. This reveals God's detailed governance of seemingly chaotic phenomena. Providence extends to minutiae. If God governs rain and lightning with such precision, He certainly governs human affairs purposefully.