The
Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said:Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning
and shown the dawn its place
For taking hold of the ends of the earth,
till the wicked are shaken from its surface?
The earth is changed as is clay by the seal,
and dyed as though it were a garment;
But from the wicked the light is withheld,
and the arm of pride is shattered.
Have you entered into the sources of the sea,
or walked about in the depths of the abyss?
Have the gates of death been shown to you,
or have you seen the gates of darkness?
Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell me, if you know all:
Which is the way to the dwelling place of light,
and where is the abode of darkness,
That you may take them to their boundaries and set them on their homeward paths?
Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell me, if you know all:
Which is the way to the dwelling place of light,
and where is the abode of darkness,
That you may take them to their boundaries and set them on their homeward paths?
Job 38:1, 12-21
The
Book of Job is a study of the Problem of Evil.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Job was the quintessential good guy but nonetheless suffered
immensely. This passage is the God’s
reply. It invites faith that all is as it must be.
Photo: The Pillars of Creation Nebula
