Job 28:26

When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:

When he made {H6213} a decree {H2706} for the rain {H4306}, and a way {H1870} for the lightning {H2385} of the thunder {H6963}:

when he made a law for the rain and cleared a path for the thunderbolts;

when He set a limit for the rain and a path for the thunderbolt,

When he made a decree for the rain, And a way for the lightning of the thunder;

Context of Job 28:26

Job 28 is a remarkable poetic interlude within the book of Job, shifting focus from the debate between Job and his friends to a profound meditation on the nature of wisdom. The chapter describes humanity's relentless and ingenious efforts to mine the earth for its hidden treasures – silver, gold, and precious stones – reaching into the darkest and most remote places. Yet, the chapter concludes that true wisdom (chokmah in Hebrew) is not found in these earthly pursuits nor can it be bought with any price. Instead, it is known only by God. Verse 26, "When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:", highlights God's absolute sovereignty and intimate knowledge of creation as evidence of His unparalleled wisdom. It serves as a direct lead-in to the chapter's conclusion that God alone comprehends wisdom because He established the very laws of the universe.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nature: This verse powerfully illustrates God's ultimate control over natural phenomena. Rain, lightning, and thunder are not random occurrences but operate according to divine "decree" and "way." This emphasizes that all aspects of creation are ordered and governed by God's will.
  • God's Unsearchable Wisdom: The meticulous organization of the natural world, from the paths of lightning to the timing of rain, serves as undeniable proof of God's profound and unsearchable wisdom. Humans may understand the science behind weather, but only God established its fundamental laws and controls its every manifestation. This reinforces the central message of Job 28 that true wisdom originates with God.
  • Order in Creation: Despite the seemingly chaotic power of a thunderstorm, the verse asserts that there is a divine order and purpose behind it. God has set boundaries and paths for these mighty forces, demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge and ability to command even the most formidable elements.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "decree" for the Hebrew term choq (חֹק), which implies an established rule, statute, or boundary. This suggests that God doesn't merely *allow* rain but actively *ordains* its coming, setting its timing and measure. Similarly, "a way" for the lightning (from derekh, דֶּרֶךְ) signifies a directed path or course, emphasizing that even the swift and unpredictable flash of lightning follows a route prescribed by the Creator. These terms underline the deliberate and intentional nature of God's control over creation.

Practical Application

Job 28:26 invites us to gaze upon the natural world with a sense of awe and reverence for its Creator. In a world that often seeks to explain everything through purely naturalistic terms, this verse reminds us of the divine hand at work behind all creation. It encourages trust in a God who meticulously orders even the most powerful and complex forces of nature, implying that His wisdom and control extend to every aspect of our lives. Recognizing God's sovereignty over the rain and lightning can foster a deeper sense of humility and lead us to seek true wisdom not in earthly pursuits, but in the fear of the Lord, as the chapter concludes in Job 28:28.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 38:25

    ¶ Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;

  • Job 37:3

    He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

  • Zechariah 10:1

    ¶ Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; [so] the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

  • Psalms 148:8

    Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

  • Psalms 29:3

    The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

  • Psalms 29:10

    The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

  • Jeremiah 14:22

    Are there [any] among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? [art] not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these [things].

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