Job 9:5

Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.

Which removeth {H6275} the mountains {H2022}, and they know {H3045} not: which overturneth {H2015} them in his anger {H639}.

"He moves the mountains, although they don't know it, when he overturns them in his anger.

He moves mountains without their knowledge and overturns them in His anger.

Himthat removeth the mountains, and they know it not, When he overturneth them in his anger;

Commentary

Job 9:5 profoundly describes the immeasurable power of God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over creation. This verse highlights His ability to effortlessly manipulate even the most stable and enduring elements of the natural world, specifically mountains, which are often symbolic of permanence and strength. It forms part of Job’s discourse acknowledging God's unchallengeable might and wisdom, contrasting it sharply with the inherent weakness and inability of humanity to stand against Him.

Context

This verse is embedded within Job chapter 9, where Job is responding to Bildad's argument that God only punishes the wicked. Job agrees with the premise of God's justice and power but feels utterly overwhelmed by His majesty. He concludes that no human being, regardless of their righteousness, can truly contend with or justify themselves before such an omnipotent Being. Job lists a series of God's awe-inspiring acts, ranging from creation to judgment, to underscore His absolute control and the futility of questioning His ways. This specific verse contributes to the powerful declaration found in Job 9:4-10, which extols God's limitless power and wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty: The central theme is God's unparalleled power. The imagery of "removeth the mountains" and "overturneth them" signifies His effortless control over the most formidable aspects of nature. This power is beyond human comprehension and challenges any notion of human ability to resist or challenge Him.
  • The Incomprehensibility of God's Actions: The phrase "and they know not" can be interpreted in several ways. It may suggest that God's actions are so vast and subtle that even the mountains themselves are unaware of their displacement, or it could imply that human understanding is insufficient to grasp the full scope of His workings. This underscores God's transcendence and the mystery of His ways.
  • Divine Judgment and Righteous Anger: The addition "in his anger" reveals that God's power is not only for creation but also for righteous judgment. The act of "overturning" can imply a forceful, destructive act of divine displeasure against sin or unrighteousness. This aligns with other biblical portrayals of God's holy wrath, such as in Nahum 1:6, where His indignation is described as an unquenchable fire.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "removeth" (הֶעְתִּיק, he'etiq) conveys the idea of displacing or causing something to depart, emphasizing the ease with which God can alter even the most massive natural formations.
  • "Overturneth" comes from the Hebrew root הָפַךְ (haphakh), a strong verb often used in the Old Testament to describe God's powerful acts of overthrow or destruction, as seen in the judgment of cities like Sodom.
  • "Anger" is translated from the Hebrew אַף ('aph), which literally means "nose" or "nostril" but is commonly used idiomatically to denote intense anger, particularly divine righteous indignation rather than human capriciousness.

Practical Application

Job 9:5 serves as a profound reminder of God's ultimate authority and power in our lives. It calls believers to a posture of awe and reverence, encouraging trust in a God who is capable of anything, even moving the seemingly immovable obstacles we face. This verse also highlights the importance of humility before Him, recognizing that human limitations prevent us from fully comprehending or contending with His infinite might. It encourages us to acknowledge God's sovereignty even when His ways are mysterious or when we experience hardship, much like Job eventually submitted to God's majesty in Job 40:2.

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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

  • Luke 21:11 (5 votes)

    And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

  • Matthew 27:51 (5 votes)

    And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

  • Revelation 16:18 (4 votes)

    And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.

  • Revelation 16:20 (4 votes)

    And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

  • Revelation 11:13 (4 votes)

    And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

  • Habakkuk 3:10 (4 votes)

    The mountains saw thee, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.

  • Revelation 6:14 (3 votes)

    And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.