Job 38:4

4 Where wast thou when I founded the earth? tell me now, if thou hast 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 that hides counsel from me, and confines words in heart, and thinks to conceal from me?

3 Gird thy loins like a man; and I will ask thee, and do thou answer me.

4 Where wast thou when I founded the earth? tell me now, if thou hast knowledge,

5 who set the measures of it, if thou knowest? or who stretched a line upon it?

6 On what are its rings fastened? and who is he that laid the corner-stone upon it?