Job 9:9
Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.
Original Language Analysis
עֹֽשֶׂה
Which maketh
H6213
עֹֽשֶׂה
Which maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עָ֭שׁ
Arcturus
H5906
עָ֭שׁ
Arcturus
Strong's:
H5906
Word #:
2 of 6
the constellation of the great bear (perhaps from its migration through the heavens)
כְּסִ֥יל
Orion
H3685
כְּסִ֥יל
Orion
Strong's:
H3685
Word #:
3 of 6
any notable constellation; specifically orion (as if a burly one)
Cross References
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:Genesis 1:16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.Psalms 147:4He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.Acts 28:13And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:Psalms 104:13He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
Historical Context
Ancient astronomy was advanced for its time, with sophisticated observation of stellar patterns used for calendars, navigation, and astrology. Job's reference demonstrates cultural literacy while rejecting astrological divination in favor of seeing stars as God's creation declaring His glory, not as independent forces controlling destiny.
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's grandeur (stars, constellations) both magnify God's glory and deepen our humility?
- What does God's creation of cosmic order teach about His faithfulness and reliability despite our temporary confusion?
- In what ways does knowing Christ as Creator transform how we view the created order?
Analysis & Commentary
Job references constellations: 'Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.' The Hebrew terms (Ash, Kesil, Kimah, chadre teman) likely refer to specific star groups, though exact identification is debated. 'Arcturus' may be the Bear, 'Orion' the Hunter, 'Pleiades' the Seven Stars, and 'chambers of the south' perhaps southern constellations or the zodiac. God's making (asah, עָשָׂה) these stellar phenomena demonstrates creative power and cosmic scope.
Ancient peoples navigated and marked seasons by stars (Genesis 1:14). Job affirms God's authorship of these celestial markers—they aren't divine beings but created instruments serving God's purposes. This cosmological knowledge positions Job as scientifically sophisticated for his era while maintaining theological monotheism. The stars' regularity witnesses to divine faithfulness; their beauty reveals divine glory (Psalm 19:1).
The New Testament reveals Christ as the One through whom all things were made (Colossians 1:16), including stellar phenomena. Job confesses the Creator's power while suffering under it; Christians confess the Creator became incarnate and suffered, bridging the infinite gap Job perceives between divine power and human frailty.