Job 38:7
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The phrase "sons of God" (benei Elohim) in Job's prologue clearly denotes angelic beings who appear before God's throne (Job 1:6, 2:1). Ancient Near Eastern literature sometimes used similar terminology for divine council members—lesser deities or servants attending the high god. Biblical usage demythologizes this concept: "sons of God" aren't gods but created spirit beings serving the one true God.
The image of stars or celestial beings singing reflects ancient cosmology's sense of wonder at the heavens. Psalm 19:1-4 declares that heavens declare God's glory, their voice going out through all earth. While ancient pagans often deified stars and planets, Scripture consistently portrays them as God's creation, witnesses to His majesty rather than objects of worship.
Early Christian interpretation saw Christological significance here. Christ as eternal Word was present at creation (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16), and Hebrews 1:6 quotes God commanding angels to worship Christ at His incarnation. The angelic joy at creation's beginning anticipates their announcement of redemption's beginning: "Glory to God in the highest" at Christ's birth (Luke 2:13-14). Creation and redemption both evoke heavenly worship, both display God's wisdom and power.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the angels' worship at creation reveal about the goodness and glory of God's creative work?
- How does knowing that angels witnessed creation and rejoiced provide perspective on human existence and purpose?
- What is the significance of God reminding Job that creation evoked worship from those who witnessed it?
- How does this image of cosmic worship at creation's beginning connect to the heavenly worship scenes in Revelation?
- In what ways should creation's beauty and order still evoke worship and wonder in believers today?
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Analysis & Commentary
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? God continues His creation discourse with this stunning poetic image of celestial worship at earth's founding. "Morning stars" (kokhvei boker, כּוֹכְבֵי בֹקֶר) likely refers to angelic beings rather than literal stars, paralleled by "sons of God" (benei Elohim, בְּנֵי אֱלֹהִים), a phrase elsewhere denoting angels (Job 1:6, 2:1). The parallelism suggests these are synonymous terms for heavenly beings who witnessed creation.
"Sang together" (ranan yachad, רָנַן יַחַד) uses a verb meaning to shout for joy or cry out in jubilation, with yachad emphasizing unity—they sang in chorus. "Shouted for joy" (heri'u, הֵרִיעוּ) intensifies the image: a loud cry of celebration or triumph. The scene portrays creation as cosmic worship service, with angels as choir celebrating God's creative work. Their joy reflects creation's goodness—everything God made was very good (Genesis 1:31).
This verse has profound theological implications. It reveals that creation existed before humanity—angels witnessed earth's founding, establishing that God's purposes transcend human history. It also shows that creation evokes worship from those who perceive God's wisdom and power rightly. When Job questions God's governance, God reminds him that celestial beings who witnessed creation's beginning worshiped—should not Job trust the Creator whom angels praise? Revelation 4-5 echoes this imagery, depicting heavenly beings worshiping God for creation and redemption.