Job 38:4

4 Where were you when I put the earth on its base? Say, if you have knowledge.

Job 38:4 Meaning and Commentary

Job 38:4

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
&c.] The earth has foundations, and such firm ones that it cannot be moved; but what are they, since it is hung in the air on nothing! No other than the power and will of God, who laid these foundations, and the Son of God, who has created and upholds all things by the word of his power, ( Hebrews 1:3 Hebrews 1:10 ) . Where was Job then? In a state of nothingness, a mere nonentity: he was not present when this amazing work of nature was done, and saw not how the Lord went about it; and yet takes upon him to dive into the secret works and ways of Providence, for which he is rebuked by this question and the following;

declare, if thou hast understanding:
Job had the understanding of a man in things natural and civil, and of a good man in things spiritual and divine; but he had no understanding of this, of what he is questioned about; could not declare in what place he was, and where he stood, when the earth was founded.

Job 38:4 In-Context

2 Who is this who makes the purpose of God dark by words without knowledge?

3 Get your strength together like a man of war; I will put questions to you, and you will give me the answers.

4 Where were you when I put the earth on its base? Say, if you have knowledge.

5 By whom were its measures fixed? Say, if you have wisdom; or by whom was the line stretched out over it?

6 On what were its pillars based, or who put down its angle-stone,