Job 12:8

8 Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you; let the fish of the sea inform you.

Job 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

Job 12:8

Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee
Or ask "a sprig of the earth" ^F14, any shrub, or tree, or whatsoever grows out of it, and they will all unite in this doctrine, that they are raised and preserved by the power of God, and are so many instances of his wisdom, power, and goodness:

and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee;
as mute as they are, they will proclaim this truth, that God is the mighty Maker and wise Disposer of them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Ural xyv) "virgultum terrae", Pagninus, Schmidt; so Drusius and Michaelis.

Job 12:8 In-Context

6 The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure; God's power provides this.

7 But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; [ask] the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.

8 Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you; let the fish of the sea inform you.

9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?

10 The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.