Job 38:27
To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
Original Language Analysis
לְהַשְׂבִּ֣יעַ
To satisfy
H7646
לְהַשְׂבִּ֣יעַ
To satisfy
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
1 of 6
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
וּמְשֹׁאָ֑ה
and waste
H4875
וּמְשֹׁאָ֑ה
and waste
Strong's:
H4875
Word #:
3 of 6
(a) ruin, abstractly (the act) or concretely (the wreck)
וּ֝לְהַצְמִ֗יחַ
to spring forth
H6779
וּ֝לְהַצְמִ֗יחַ
to spring forth
Strong's:
H6779
Word #:
4 of 6
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
Historical Context
Desert regions in ancient Near East seemed permanently barren, yet occasional rains produced brief stunning blooms. This miracle would remind observers of God's power to bring life from death. For exiled Israel, this promise of desolate places reviving offered hope for national restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ability to make desolate places bloom encourage hope in your spiritual barrenness?
- What "waste ground" in your life or community might God intend to satisfy and revive?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?" God's rain satisfies (sova, שֹׂבַע, "to satisfy/saturate") even desolate places, making vegetation spring forth. This demonstrates God's redemptive impulse—He delights in bringing life from barrenness, beauty from desolation. The imagery anticipates Isaiah's promises of desert blooming (Isaiah 35:1-2) and ultimately points to spiritual regeneration where God brings life to dead souls. God wastes nothing; even wasteland receives His gracious attention.