Job 38:32
Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
Original Language Analysis
הֲתֹצִ֣יא
Canst thou bring forth
H3318
הֲתֹצִ֣יא
Canst thou bring forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 7
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מַזָּר֣וֹת
Mazzaroth
H4216
מַזָּר֣וֹת
Mazzaroth
Strong's:
H4216
Word #:
2 of 7
some noted constellation (only in the plural), perhaps collectively, the zodiac
בְּעִתּ֑וֹ
in his season
H6256
בְּעִתּ֑וֹ
in his season
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
3 of 7
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
וְ֝עַ֗יִשׁ
Arcturus
H5906
וְ֝עַ֗יִשׁ
Arcturus
Strong's:
H5906
Word #:
4 of 7
the constellation of the great bear (perhaps from its migration through the heavens)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient astronomical observation was highly developed in Mesopotamia and Egypt, where star charts and zodiacal systems were used for timekeeping, agriculture, and astrology. God's reference to these constellations asserts His authority over what pagan cultures considered divine powers. The biblical witness consistently affirms that celestial bodies are created servants, not gods (Psalm 148:3-6, Isaiah 40:26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over the cosmos affect your confidence in His governance of your life's details?
- What modern equivalents to ancient astrology do you trust more than God's providence?
- How does the vastness of creation that God governs inspire both humility and trust in His care for you personally?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God challenges Job with astronomical phenomena beyond human control. 'Mazzaroth' (mazzarot, מַזָּרוֹת) likely refers to the constellations or zodiac in their seasons, though the exact meaning is debated. 'Arcturus with his sons' refers to the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear) with its associated stars. The verbs 'bring forth' (yatsa, יָצָא) and 'guide' (nachah, נָחָה) emphasize active direction and leading, asking whether Job can command the heavenly bodies to appear and move according to divine schedule. This verse reveals God's governance of celestial mechanics with implications for His sovereignty over time itself—seasons, years, and ages all move at His command. The stars that ancient cultures worshiped as deities are merely obedient servants of Yahweh. This cosmic perspective humbles human pretensions to wisdom while establishing that the God who controls the universe is trustworthy to govern individual lives, even when we cannot understand His purposes.