Job 5:10

Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:

Who giveth {H5414} rain {H4306} upon {H6440} the earth {H776}, and sendeth {H7971} waters {H4325} upon {H6440} the fields {H2351}:

He gives rain to the earth, pours water down on the fields.

He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields.

Who giveth rain upon the earth, And sendeth waters upon the fields;

Commentary

Commentary on Job 5:10 KJV

Job 5:10, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, is a poetic affirmation of God's absolute control and benevolent provision over the natural world: "Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:" This verse highlights a foundational truth about divine sovereignty, even within Eliphaz's broader, and often flawed, theological argument to Job.

Context

This verse is part of Eliphaz's first discourse to Job, where he attempts to console and correct his suffering friend. Eliphaz argues that God is just and punishes the wicked while rewarding the righteous. In chapters 4 and 5, he outlines his view of divine justice, urging Job to confess any hidden sin to find restoration. Verse 10 comes within a passage (Job 5:8-16) where Eliphaz describes God's mighty works in creation and His care for the humble, contrasting it with His judgment on the proud. For ancient agricultural societies, rain was not merely a weather phenomenon but the very essence of life and sustenance, making God's control over it a profound demonstration of His power and provision.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The verse unequivocally declares God as the sole giver of rain and water. This emphasizes His ultimate authority and control over all natural processes, which are essential for life and agriculture. It underscores that humanity is utterly dependent on His gracious provision for daily sustenance.
  • God's Universal Care: While Eliphaz's immediate application might lean towards God blessing the righteous, the statement itself points to God's general benevolence in sustaining the earth. Rain falls universally, nourishing all life, a concept echoed later in Matthew 5:45 where Jesus speaks of God sending rain on both the just and the unjust.
  • Dependence on God: The imagery of rain and water for fields vividly illustrates humanity's inherent reliance on a power greater than themselves for basic needs. It fosters a sense of humility and gratitude for the Creator's ongoing sustenance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here are straightforward: "matar" (ืžึธื˜ึธืจ) for rain and "mayim" (ืžึทื™ึดื) for waters. The simplicity of the language underscores the directness and universality of God's action. The verb "giveth" (ื ึนืชึตืŸ - nothen) and "sendeth" (ืฉึนืืœึตื—ึท - sholeach) highlight God's active, intentional role as the source of these vital resources, not merely a passive observer.

Practical Application

Job 5:10 serves as a powerful reminder for us today to recognize God's ongoing hand in sustaining creation. In a world where we often take natural resources for granted, this verse calls us to:

  • Cultivate Gratitude: To acknowledge God as the ultimate provider for our daily needs, including the food we eat, which is dependent on His provision of water. This aligns with Psalm 104:13, which speaks of God watering the hills from His chambers.
  • Trust in Divine Providence: To place our trust in God's consistent and faithful care for the earth and its inhabitants, even amidst difficulties. He who provides rain also provides for our deeper needs.
  • Appreciate Creation: To marvel at the intricate systems of nature, recognizing them not as random occurrences but as manifestations of a wise and powerful Creator who sustains life. The Psalmist beautifully expands on God's care for the earth in Psalm 65:9-10.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 14:17 (4 votes)

    Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

  • Jeremiah 5:24 (3 votes)

    Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

  • Jeremiah 14:22 (3 votes)

    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].

  • Psalms 147:8 (3 votes)

    Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

  • Job 36:28 (2 votes)

    Which the clouds do drop [and] distil upon man abundantly.

  • Job 38:26 (2 votes)

    To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is; on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man;

  • Job 38:28 (2 votes)

    Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?