Job 38:30
The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.
Original Language Analysis
מַ֣יִם
The waters
H4325
מַ֣יִם
The waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
2 of 6
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וּפְנֵ֥י
and the face
H6440
וּפְנֵ֥י
and the face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples in warmer climates would find ice formation mysterious and impressive. Even the chaotic deep, feared in mythology, becomes solid at God's word. This power demonstration would assure readers of God's absolute sovereignty over all threatening forces, natural or spiritual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ability to transform chaotic waters into solid stone encourage trust in His power?
- What seemingly overwhelming or chaotic situations need to be reminded that God can freeze them solid?
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Analysis & Commentary
"The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen." God describes water's transformation to ice—liquid becoming solid "as with a stone" (kaeven, כָּאֶבֶן). Even the deep (tehom, תְּהוֹם), primordial waters representing chaos, freezes solid under God's command. This demonstrates God's power to transform and control even the most formidable natural forces. Ice formation's mystery (understood now but unknown then) illustrated God's comprehensive governance of all states of matter and conditions of nature.