Job 38:8

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

«مَنِ الَّذِي حَصَرَ البَحْرَ خَلفَ أبوَابٍ، عِنْدَمَا اندَفَعَ كَأنَّهُ خَارِجٌ مِنَ الرَّحِمِ.

What Does This Mean?

In Job 38:8, God is speaking to Job and asks who shut the sea behind doors when it first burst forth, comparing the sea's birth to that of a child being born. This verse emphasizes God's power over nature.

Explained for Children

Imagine the ocean was a baby in mommy's tummy. When it was time for the ocean to be born, God was there to make sure it didn't overflow everywhere. Just like how your parents keep you safe, God keeps the sea from flooding everything.

Historical Background

The Book of Job was written by an unknown author, possibly after the Exodus but before the Babylonian Exile, around 500-1000 BCE. The audience was likely Israelites, and the cultural setting reflects the belief in a powerful God who controls nature.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can think about how we manage our resources. Just as God controls the sea, we can think about how we manage our time, money, and energy to prevent overflow and chaos in our lives.

Topics

• God's power
• Nature
• Creation
• Divine control
• Wisdom
• Oceans

Related Verses

• Genesis 1:9-10
• Psalm 104:5-9
• Jeremiah 5:22
• Mark 4:39
• Revelation 21:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'shut up the sea with doors' mean?

This means God had control over the sea, keeping it from flooding the earth, just as one might close a door to prevent water from entering a room.

Why does God compare the sea to a child being born?

This comparison emphasizes the idea that the sea, like all creation, came into existence through God's power and control.

How does this verse relate to God's overall power?

This verse highlights God's omnipotence, showing that He has control over all aspects of creation, including the vast and unpredictable sea.

Can you find other verses that talk about God controlling the sea?

Yes, verses like Genesis 1:9-10, Psalm 104:5-9, and Jeremiah 5:22 also speak about God's control over the sea.