Job 25:3

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

Is there {H3426} any number {H4557} of his armies {H1416}? and upon whom doth not his light {H216} arise {H6965}?

Can his armies be numbered? On whom does his light not shine?

Can His troops be numbered? On whom does His light not rise?

Is there any number of his armies? And upon whom doth not his light arise?

Commentary

Context

Job 25:3 is part of the final, and shortest, speech delivered by Bildad the Shuhite, one of Job's three friends. In the larger narrative of the Book of Job, Bildad, along with Eliphaz and Zophar, attempts to convince Job that his suffering is a direct result of his sin. This particular verse comes after Bildad has already asserted God's immense power and holiness (Job 25:2) and before he concludes by emphasizing humanity's impurity in God's sight (Job 25:4-6). His aim is to humble Job by highlighting the immeasurable greatness of God, implying that Job, a mere mortal, cannot possibly stand righteous before such an awesome and all-encompassing Creator.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty: The rhetorical question, "Is there any number of his armies?" powerfully conveys the limitless and unconquerable power of God. His "armies" refer to the vast celestial hosts, including angels and the innumerable stars and cosmic forces, all subject to His command. This underscores His absolute control over all creation.
  • Divine Omnipresence and Universal Influence: The second question, "and upon whom doth not his light arise?", speaks to God's pervasive presence and influence. His "light" symbolizes His knowledge, revelation, blessing, and inescapable judgment. It signifies that no person or place is beyond His reach or awareness, and His divine glory illuminates all things. This theme of God's universal light is echoed in other scriptures, such as John 1:9, which speaks of the true Light that enlightens every man.
  • Human Insignificance in Contrast: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the underlying message of Bildad's argument is to contrast God's immeasurable power and omnipresence with the perceived weakness and impurity of humanity. This serves to reinforce the friends' belief that Job's suffering must be due to his sin, as no one can be righteous before such a magnificent God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "armies" (צְבָאָיו - ts'va'av) literally means "his hosts" or "his armies." In biblical context, it frequently refers to celestial bodies (like the "host of heaven," i.e., stars) or angelic beings, both under God's command. The "light" (אוֹרוֹ - 'oro) signifies not just physical illumination but also divine favor, knowledge, truth, and the pervasive presence of God's glory, similar to how Psalm 139:7 speaks of God's omnipresence from which none can flee.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God's innumerable "armies" or hosts is found throughout scripture. For example, Psalm 147:4 declares that God "telleth the number of the stars" and "calleth them all by their names," emphasizing His meticulous knowledge and control over His vast creation. Similarly, the idea of God's light arising upon all is reflected in passages that speak of His universal sovereignty and the fact that nothing is hidden from His sight, as seen in Hebrews 4:13.

Practical Application

Job 25:3 serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate majesty and authority. For us today, it encourages a posture of humility and awe before the Creator. Knowing that there is no limit to His power and that His "light" (presence and knowledge) arises upon everyone should instill both reverence and comfort. It reminds us that God is aware of all circumstances, good and bad, and that His control extends to every corner of the universe. This understanding can foster trust in His divine plan, even when life's challenges feel overwhelming, much like Job's own struggles.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • James 1:17 (4 votes)

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • Matthew 5:45 (3 votes)

    That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

  • Genesis 1:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

  • Genesis 1:16 (2 votes)

    And 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.

  • Revelation 5:11 (2 votes)

    And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

  • Matthew 26:53 (2 votes)

    Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

  • Daniel 7:10 (2 votes)

    A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.