Job 38:38

38 For it is spread out as dusty earth, and I have cemented it as one hewn stone to another.

Job 38:38 Meaning and Commentary

Job 38:38

When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast
together?
] When the dust is attenuated, and ground, as it were, into powder; and the clods cleave together, as if glued, as in a drought for want of rain: or the bottles of heaven being unstopped and poured out; or

``sprinkling the dust with this sprinkling,''

as Mr. Broughton. Or rather, pouring on the dust with pouring; that is, pouring down rain, by unstopping the bottles of heaven. The dust, as meal, by water poured into it, cements, unites, and is compacted, and becomes earth, that may be cultivated; is clodded and cleaves together, and may be ploughed and sown.

Job 38:38 In-Context

36 And who has given to women skill in weaving, or knowledge of embroidery?
37 And who is he that numbers the clouds in wisdom, and has bowed the heaven to the earth?
38 For it is spread out as dusty earth, and I have cemented it as one hewn stone to another.
39 And wilt thou hunt a prey for the lions? and satisfy the desires of the serpents?
40 For they fear in their lairs, and lying in wait couch in the woods.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.