Job 38:14

14 The earth takes shape like clay under a seal. Its features stand out like the different parts of your clothes.

Job 38:14 Meaning and Commentary

Job 38:14

It is turned as clay [to] the seal
As the clay receives a different form by the impress of the seal upon it, so the earth appears in a different manner by the spring of morning light upon it; in the darkness of the night nothing of its form and beauty is to be seen; it is a mere "tohu" and "bohu", like the chaos, ( Genesis 1:2 ) ; its rising hills, and spreading dales, and beautiful landscapes, cannot be observed with pleasure; but when the light breaks forth in the morning, it is seen in all its beauty and glory: of the change the light of the Gospel makes in men, see ( 2 Corinthians 3:18 ) ;

and they stand as a garment;
or things stand upon it as a garment, as Mr. Broughton renders the words; herbs, plants, and trees, unseen in the night, stand up like a vesture to the earth in the morning light; and as they are clothed themselves, they are a garment to that, which now puts on another and beautiful habit; the pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys covered with corn, and the whole earth with light itself, as with a garment: and as beautifully do men made light in the Lord appear; see ( Isaiah 41:10 ) ( Revelation 3:4 Revelation 3:5 ) ( 12:1 ) .

Job 38:14 In-Context

12 "Job, have you ever commanded the morning to come? Have you ever shown the sun where to rise?

13 The daylight takes the earth by its edges as if it were a blanket. Then it shakes sinful people out of it.

14 The earth takes shape like clay under a seal. Its features stand out like the different parts of your clothes.

15 Sinners would rather have darkness than light. When the light comes, their power is broken.

16 "Have you traveled to the springs at the bottom of the ocean? Have you walked in its deepest parts?