Job 38:31
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
Original Language Analysis
הַֽ֭תְקַשֵּׁר
Canst thou bind
H7194
הַֽ֭תְקַשֵּׁר
Canst thou bind
Strong's:
H7194
Word #:
1 of 7
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
4 of 7
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
Cross References
Job 9:9Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.Amos 5:8Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern astrology attempted to harness stellar powers. God's question mocks this pretension - humans cannot control cosmic forces.
Questions for Reflection
- What cosmic forces beyond your control do you attempt to manipulate?
- How does recognizing divine control of the stars humble human pretensions?
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks: 'Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?' This references stellar constellations beyond human control. Even the 'sweet influences' (beneficial effects) of stars operate under divine governance, not human manipulation.