12 Hast thou since thy days commanded the morning? hast thou caused the dawn to know its place, 13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked might be shaken out of it? 14 It is changed like the signet-clay; and [all things] stand forth as in a garment: 15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the uplifted arm is broken. 16 Hast thou entered as far as the springs of the sea? and hast thou walked in the recesses of the deep? 17 Have the gates of death been revealed unto thee? and hast thou seen the gates of the shadow of death? 18 Hath thine understanding compassed the breadths of the earth? Declare if thou knowest it all. 19 Where is the way to where light dwelleth? and the darkness, where is its place, 20 That thou shouldest take it to its bound, and that thou shouldest know the paths to its house? 21 Thou knowest, for thou wast then born, and the number of thy days is great! 22 Hast thou entered into the storehouses of the snow, and hast thou seen the treasuries of the hail, 23 Which I have reserved for the time of distress, for the day of battle and war? 24 By what way is the light parted, [and] the east wind scattered upon the earth?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 38:12-24
Commentary on Job 38:12-24
(Read Job 38:12-24)
The Lord questions Job, to convince him of his ignorance, and shame him for his folly in prescribing to God. If we thus try ourselves, we shall soon be brought to own that what we know is nothing in comparison with what we know not. By the tender mercy of our God, the Day-spring from on high has visited us, to give light to those that sit in darkness, whose hearts are turned to it as clay to the seal, 2 Corinthians 4:6. God's way in the government of the world is said to be in the sea; this means, that it is hid from us. Let us make sure that the gates of heaven shall be opened to us on the other side of death, and then we need not fear the opening of the gates of death. It is presumptuous for us, who perceive not the breadth of the earth, to dive into the depth of God's counsels. We should neither in the brightest noon count upon perpetual day, nor in the darkest midnight despair of the return of the morning; and this applies to our inward as well as to our outward condition. What folly it is to strive against God! How much is it our interest to seek peace with him, and to keep in his love!