God’s Power in Creation in Judgment (Job 26:5-14)

2023-11-12

To come before the LORD is to come before the Creator and Judge of the whole world. In Job’s defense to his friends, he enumerated much of the power of the Almighty in Job 26:5-14.

Consider the judgment of the flood, where we read, “Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof” (Job 26:5). The worldwide judgment drowned and buried billions of creatures including people under the water. The wickedness of humankind was so great that His righteous judgment He could spare no longer. Again, we read, “Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering” (Job 26:6). Even in the grave and in hell nobody can hide from the LORD. Even after judgment in this life, one cannot escape God’s wrath and power. This is testament to His omniscience and omnipresence.

When God created the earth, He suspended it in space, as we know from modern science. “He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing” (Job 26:7). He suspends the waters in the heavens in clouds and holds back rains. “He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them” (Job 26:8).

He obfuscates His throne so you cannot see it from earth. “He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it” (Job 26:9). Even the heavens shake with fear, awe, and honor before the LORD. “The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof” (Job 26:11).

God holds back the seas from covering the earth perpetually. “He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end” (Job 26:10). In His power, He holds back the sea, yet He used the water to judge the earth. “He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud” (Job 26:12). The “proud” is the same as Rahab; this is likely a reference to the dragon in the water that God judged in primeval history.

By His Spirit He lit the heavens, yet He also fashioned the serpent. “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent” (Job 26:13). Though the serpent was created for His glory, it became the fall of humankind.

“Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26:14). We can only know so much of the glory of the LORD and the wisdom by which He created the world. We know enough to stand in awe and fear before Him. By Him comes both judgment and grace. Since He is the omnipotent Creator, He has charge over all these things. These things force us to trust in Him, and praise God for that.