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Commentary on Job 28 verses 1–11
Here Job shows, 1. What a great way the wit of man may go in diving into the depths of nature and seizing the riches of it, what a great deal of knowledge and wealth men may, by their ingenious and industrious searches, make themselves masters of. But does it therefore follow that men may, by their wit, comprehend the reasons why some wicked people prosper and others are punished, why some good people prosper and others are afflicted? No, by no means. The caverns of the earth may be discovered, but not the counsels of heaven. 2. What a great deal of care and pains worldly men take to get riches. He had observed concerning the wicked man (Job 27:16) that he heaped up silver as the dust; now here he shows whence that silver came which he was so fond of and how it was obtained, to show what little reason wicked rich men have to be proud of their wealth and pomp. Observe here,
I. The wealth of this world is hidden in the earth. Thence the silver and the gold, which afterwards they refine, are fetched, Job 28:1. There they lay mixed with a great deal of dirt and dross, like a worthless thing, of no more account than common earth; and abundance of them will so lie neglected, till the earth and all the works therein shall be burnt up. Holy Mr. Herbert, in his poem called Avarice, takes notice of this, to shame men out of the love of money: -
Money, thou bane of bliss, thou source of woe,
Whence com'st thou, that thou art so fresh and fine?
I know thy parentage is base and low;
Man found thee poor and dirty in a mine.
Surely thou didst so little contribute
To this great kingdom which thou now hast got
That he was fain, when thou wast destitute,
To dig thee out of thy dark cave and grot.
Man calleth thee his wealth, who made thee rich,
And while he digs out thee falls in the ditch.
Iron and brass, less costly but more serviceable metals, are taken out of the earth (Job 28:2), and are there found in great abundance, which abates their price indeed, but is a great kindness to man, who could much better be without gold than without iron. Nay, out of the earth comes bread, that is, bread-corn, the necessary support of life, Job 28:5. Thence man's maintenance is fetched, to remind him of his own original; he is of the earth, and is hastening to the earth. Under it is turned up as it were fire, precious stones, that sparkle as fire - brimstone, that is apt to take fire - coal, that is proper to feed fire. As we have our food, so we have our fuel, out of the earth. There the sapphires and other gems are, and thence gold-dust is digged up;, Job 28:6. The wisdom of the Creator has placed these things, 1. Out of our sight, to teach us not to set our eyes upon them, Pro 23:5. 2. Under our feet, to teach us not to lay them in our bosoms, nor to set our hearts upon them, but to trample upon them with a holy contempt. See how full the earth is of God's riches (Psa 104:24) and infer thence, not only how great a God he is whose the earth is and the fulness thereof (Psa 24:1), but how full heaven must needs be of God's riches, which is the city of the great King, in comparison with which this earth is a poor country.
II. The wealth that is hidden in the earth cannot be obtained but with a great deal of difficulty. 1. It is hard to be found out: there is but here and there a vein for the silver, Job 28:1. The precious stones, though bright themselves, yet, because buried in obscurity and out of sight, are called stones of darkness and the shadow of death. Men may search long before they light on them. 2. When found out it is hard to be fetched out. Men's wits must be set on work to contrive ways and means to get this hidden treasure into their hands. They must with their lamps set an end to darkness; and if one expedient miscarry, one method fail, they must try another, till they have searched out all perfection, and turned every stone to effect it, Job 28:3. They must grapple with subterraneous waters (Job 28:4, Job 28:10, Job 28:11), and force their way through rocks which are, as it were, the roots of the mountains, Job 28:9. Now God has made the getting of gold, and silver, and precious stones, so difficult, (1.) For the exciting and engaging of industry. Dii laboribus omnia vendunt - Labour is the price which the gods affix to all things. If valuable things were too easily obtained men would never learn to take pains. But the difficulty of gaining the riches of this earth may suggest to us what violence the kingdom of heaven suffers. (2.) For the checking and restraining of pomp and luxury. What is for necessity is had with a little labour from the surface of the earth; but what is for ornament must be dug with a great deal of pains out of the bowels of it. To be fed is cheap, but to be fine is chargeable.
III. Though the subterraneous wealth is thus hard to obtain, yet men will have it. He that loves silver is not satisfied with silver, and yet is not satisfied without it; but those that have much must needs have more. See here, 1. What inventions men have to get this wealth. They search out all perfection, Job 28:3. They have arts and engines to dry up the waters, and carry them off, when they break in upon them in their mines and threaten to drown the work, Job 28:4. They have pumps, and pipes, and canals, to clear their way, and, obstacles being removed, they tread the path which no fowl knoweth (Job 28:7, Job 28:8), unseen by the vulture's eye, which is piercing and quick-sighted, and untrodden by the lion's whelps, which traverse all the paths of the wilderness. 2. What pains men take, and what vast charge they are at, to get this wealth. They work their way through the rocks and undermine the mountains, Job 28:10. 3. What hazards they run. Those that dig in the mines have their lives in their hands; for they are obliged to bind the floods from overflowing (Job 28:11), and are continually in danger of being suffocated by damps or crushed or buried alive by the fall of the earth upon them. See how foolish man adds to his own burden. He is sentenced to eat bread in the sweat of his face; but, as if that were not enough, he will get gold and silver at the peril of his life, though the more is gotten the less valuable it is. In Solomon's time silver was as stones. But, 4. Observe what it is that carries men through all this toil and peril: Their eye sees every precious thing, Job 28:10. Silver and gold are precious things with them, and they have them in their eye in all these pursuits. They fancy they see them glittering before their faces, and, in the prospect of laying hold of them, they make nothing of all these difficulties; for they make something of their toil at last: That which is hidden bringeth he forth to light, Job 28:11. What was hidden under ground is laid upon the bank; the metal that was hidden in the ore is refined from its dross and brought forth pure out of the furnace; and then he thinks his pains well bestowed. Go to the miners then, thou sluggard in religion; consider their ways, and be wise. Let their courage, diligence, and constancy in seeking the wealth that perisheth shame us out of slothfulness and faint-heartedness in labouring for the true riches. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! How much easier and safer! Yet gold is sought for, but grace neglected. Will the hopes of precious things out of the earth (so they call them, though really they are paltry and perishing) be such a spur to industry, and shall not the certain prospect of truly precious things in heaven be much more so?
He means that if God has established an order in the realities of nature, he did even more with regard to human realities. Indeed, he foresees and takes care of events, and nothing comes from him at random. Or, on the other hand, [he means] that the whole of realities is quite visible but the plans of God are invisible; in fact, silver and copper have a place, whereas nobody has ever known the “place” of wisdom. But God only knows wisdom, and he has said to mortals that “piety is wisdom,” and knowledge means to do good.“He has set a place for darkness,” he says; he was right in saying “a place,” because darkness knows how to give way and fade away [before the daylight]. Who drives this obscurity away? From where does such beautiful order in such a situation come? Then he discusses his power, and then his wisdom in order to persuade us that he does not want to call God to account. Why darkness, he says? Do we really know anything at all? God can do anything. He does everything with wisdom.
44. Heretics are used to pride themselves against us by the self-priding of their righteousness, and to boast high their practices with the swelling of ostentation, and ourselves, as we have said, they impeach either for being or having been bad persons. Accordingly in a most humble confession, and in a truthful defence against those, the holy man speaks, saying, Iron is taken out of the earth. As if he said in plain speech; ‘men of strength, who by the sharpest swords of their tongues are become iron in this pitched battle of the defending of the faith, were one time but’ earth ‘in the lowest sphere of actions.’ For to man on his sinning it was spoken; Earth thou art, and unto earth shalt thou return. But ‘iron is taken out of the earth,’ when the hardy champion of the Church is separated from an earthly course of conduct, which he before maintained. Accordingly he ought not to be contemned in any thing whatever, that he was, who has already begun to be that which he was not. Was not Matthew found in the earth, who, involved in earthly matters, served the business of the receipt of custom? But having been taken out of the earth, he was strengthened into the forcibleness of iron, in that by his tongue, as by the sharpest sword, the Lord in the enforcing of the Gospel pierced the hearts of unbelievers. And he that before was weak and contemptible by his earthly occupations, was afterwards made strong for heavenly preachings. Hence it is yet further subjoined;
And the stone being melted with heat is turned into brass.
45. Then is ‘the stone dissolved with heat,’ when the heart that is hard and cold to the fire of divine love is touched by that same fire of divine love, and melted in the glowing warmth of the Spirit, that to the life that follow’s it should bum with the heat of its longings, which life on hearing of before, it remained uninfluenced. By the power of which same heat, he is at once softened down to love and invigorated to practice, that as before he was hard in the love of the world, so he should afterwards give himself out strong unto the love of God, and what he declined to give ear to before, he should henceforth begin both to believe and to preach. And so, the stone being dissolved with heat is turned into brass, because the hardened mind, being melted by the fire of love from Above, is changed to true strength. So that the sinner that was before unmoved should afterwards be made at once strong in respect of authority, and sounding in respect of preaching. Which is well spoken by Isaiah; They that trust in the Lord shall change their strength. [Is. 40, 31] We ‘change our strength,’ when being converted, we eschew the present scene of things with as much power and might as we before were seeking it. But because the foregoing life is unfairly by adversaries counted to the character of Catholics
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SUMMARY
Job 28:2 is a vivid poetic expression within a profound interlude, celebrating humanity's remarkable ingenuity and tireless effort in extracting valuable, hidden resources from the earth. By detailing the arduous process of mining and metallurgy, the verse sets a powerful stage for the chapter's central theological inquiry: while humanity can master the physical world and unearth its treasures, true wisdom remains elusive, hidden from human discovery, and ultimately belongs to God alone.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Job 28 stands as a magnificent, self-contained poetic interlude, often referred to as the "Hymn to Wisdom," strategically placed between Job's final defense (Job 27) and the speeches of Elihu (Job 32-37). It serves as a profound pivot in the narrative, shifting the focus from the individual suffering and theological debates of Job and his friends to a universal contemplation of wisdom's nature and source. The chapter begins by detailing humanity's impressive ability to delve into the earth's deepest recesses, creating intricate mines and tunnels to unearth hidden treasures like silver and gold, as described in Job 28:1. Verse 2 specifically highlights the extraction of iron from the ground and the smelting of brass (or copper) from stone, further illustrating humanity's mastery over the physical world. This vivid description of human technological prowess and daring exploration serves as a powerful backdrop to the chapter's central, rhetorical question: "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" posed in Job 28:12. The ultimate conclusion, meticulously built through the poem, is that true wisdom is not found in the earth's depths, nor can it be purchased with the most precious gems; it belongs to God alone, as affirmed in Job 28:23 and Job 28:28.
Historical & Cultural Context: The descriptions in Job 28:1-11 reflect a sophisticated understanding of ancient mining and metallurgical practices prevalent in the Near East. Iron and copper (often translated as "brass" in older versions like the KJV, but more accurately referring to copper or its alloy, bronze) were foundational metals for ancient civilizations, essential for tools, weapons, and various implements. The process of extracting iron from the earth involved identifying ore deposits, often deep underground, and then laboriously digging it out. Smelting brass (copper/bronze) from "stone" refers to the process of heating copper ore (such as malachite or azurite) to extremely high temperatures in furnaces, often with charcoal, to separate the pure metal from the rock. This was a dangerous and labor-intensive endeavor, requiring significant engineering skill, knowledge of geology, and precise control over fire. The text's detailed portrayal of miners hanging by ropes in shafts, far from human habitation, underscores the perilous nature of these ancient industries. This context highlights humanity's persistent drive to harness natural resources, a drive that was both technologically advanced for its time and fraught with immense risk.
Key Themes: Job 28:2 contributes significantly to several major themes within the chapter and the broader book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Human Ingenuity and Diligence, showcasing humanity's remarkable capacity for exploration, hard work, and innovation. People go to extraordinary lengths and endure significant danger to extract materials that sustain and advance civilization, reflecting a God-given creative impulse within mankind. Secondly, it emphasizes Mastery Over the Physical World, demonstrating humanity's ability to subdue and utilize the earth's resources. The complex processes described—mining iron and smelting copper—were vital technologies in the ancient world, signifying a sophisticated understanding of metallurgy and a degree of dominion over creation, echoing themes found in the creation account and specifically Genesis 1:28. Thirdly, and most crucially, the verse sets up a profound Contrast with Divine Wisdom. This impressive human skill in mastering the physical realm is presented in stark contrast to humanity's inability to discover or comprehend divine wisdom through their own efforts. The chapter implies that while we can find gold, silver, iron, and copper, wisdom's true source remains hidden from human eyes and cannot be purchased or unearthed by human endeavor alone, as underscored in Job 28:12-14.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 28:2, like the entire chapter, is rich in Imagery, painting vivid pictures of human endeavor and the physical world. The images of "iron taken out of the earth" and "brass molten out of the stone" evoke the arduous, dangerous, yet ultimately successful efforts of ancient miners and metallurgists. This concrete imagery grounds the chapter's abstract discussion of wisdom in tangible human experience, making the subsequent contrast more impactful. The verse also employs Juxtaposition and Contrast, which are central to the chapter's overall message. The impressive human ability to extract and refine metals from the earth is implicitly contrasted with humanity's inability to discover or create true wisdom through similar means. This sets up the profound theological point that while humans can master the physical world, divine wisdom remains beyond their grasp. Furthermore, the metals themselves can be seen as Symbols: iron and copper/bronze symbolize earthly wealth, human achievement, and the tangible products of human labor, which are ultimately limited in value compared to the infinite, transcendent worth of divine wisdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:2 beautifully illustrates humanity's God-given capacity for dominion and creativity, echoing the creation mandate in Genesis 1:28. Humans are uniquely endowed with the intellect, drive, and skill to explore, understand, and harness the natural world, transforming raw materials into useful tools and treasures. This verse celebrates human ingenuity as a reflection of the Creator's own wisdom embedded within His creation. However, this verse, within the larger context of Job 28, serves to highlight the profound limitation of human wisdom when it comes to ultimate truth and understanding. While we can delve into the deepest parts of the earth and master its resources, we cannot, by our own efforts, discover the hidden wisdom of God. This wisdom is not a commodity to be mined or smelted; it is a divine revelation, accessible only through reverent obedience and the fear of the Lord. The chapter thus establishes a crucial distinction between human technical skill and divine, salvific wisdom, emphasizing that true understanding originates with the Creator, not with human ingenuity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:2 invites us to marvel at the incredible human capacity for discovery, innovation, and diligent work—a testament to the creative spark God has instilled within us. We are capable of amazing feats in science, technology, and exploration, transforming our world in countless ways. This verse encourages us to pursue knowledge, develop skills, and engage with the material world with excellence and responsibility, recognizing these abilities as gifts from God. However, the chapter's overarching message calls for profound humility: while we can extract physical treasures from the earth, true wisdom, understanding, and the deepest truths about life, suffering, and God are not found through human effort or intellectual prowess alone. They are gifts from God, requiring reverence, obedience, and a posture of humility before the Creator. This passage challenges us to recognize the limits of our own understanding and to seek ultimate wisdom not in the depths of human achievement, but in the revealed Word and character of God. It reminds us that our greatest ingenuity should ultimately lead us to greater awe of the One who holds all wisdom and is the source of all truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "brass" in Job 28:2, given that true brass was less common in ancient times?
Answer: The KJV translation of "brass" in Job 28:2, from the Hebrew word nᵉchûwshâh (נְחֻשָׁה), most accurately refers to copper or, more commonly, bronze. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, which was a highly significant metal in the ancient Near East, preceding the widespread use of iron. True brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, became more prevalent in later periods. The significance here is not the precise metallurgical composition but the human ability to extract and transform raw ore (stone) into a valuable and useful metal through the complex process of smelting. This highlights the advanced technological understanding of the time and humanity's mastery over the earth's resources, setting the stage for the contrast with the elusive nature of divine wisdom.
Why does Job 28 focus so extensively on mining and metallurgy before discussing wisdom?
Answer: The extensive focus on mining and metallurgy in Job 28:1-11 serves as a powerful and vivid analogy to underscore the chapter's central theme: the elusiveness of true wisdom. The poet meticulously details humanity's incredible efforts, ingenuity, and daring in delving into the deepest, darkest, and most dangerous parts of the earth to extract hidden, precious metals like silver, gold, iron, and copper. This demonstrates the peak of human capability in mastering the physical world. By contrasting this impressive human achievement with the rhetorical question, "But where shall wisdom be found?" asked in Job 28:12, the chapter makes a profound point: if humans can go to such extraordinary lengths to find earthly treasures, yet cannot find wisdom by similar means, then wisdom must reside in a realm beyond human discovery and acquisition. It establishes that true wisdom is not a commodity to be unearthed or purchased, but a divine attribute and gift, ultimately found only in God, as declared in Job 28:23.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:2, with its depiction of humanity's tireless pursuit and mastery over the earth's hidden treasures, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reorientation in the person of Jesus Christ. While humanity can unearth iron and smelt copper, the true, ultimate treasure—divine wisdom—is not found in the earth's depths but is revealed in Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's wisdom, as 1 Corinthians 1:24 declares, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." In Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," as affirmed in Colossians 2:3. Just as miners descend into darkness to bring forth light-reflecting metals, Christ, the light of the world, descended into the darkness of humanity's sin and death to bring forth the light of salvation and true understanding. The "fear of the Lord" that Job 28 concludes as the beginning of wisdom in Job 28:28 is perfectly realized in Christ, who perfectly humbled Himself and obeyed God, even to death on a cross, as described in Philippians 2:8. He is the one who truly "knows the way to wisdom" and "understands its place" because He is God's wisdom incarnate, making known the Father's heart and mind to a humanity otherwise lost in its own limited pursuits, as seen in John 1:18. In Christ, the search for wisdom culminates, not in a material find, but in a living relationship with the One who is the source of all truth and life.