Job 38:13

13 so that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?

Job 38:13 Meaning and Commentary

Job 38:13

That it might take hold of the ends of the earth
As when the morning light springs forth, it quickly does, reaching in a short time the extreme part of the hemisphere; which, and what goes before, may be applied to the light of the Gospel, and the direction of that under divine Providence in the several parts of the world, and unto the ends of it; see ( Psalms 19:4-6 ) ( Romans 10:18 ) ;

that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
the earth, by means of the light; which may be understood either of wicked men who have been all night upon works of darkness, and be take themselves on the approach of light to private lurking places, like beasts of prey, so that the earth seems to be, as it were, clear of them; or of their being taken up in the morning for deeds done in the night, and brought to justice, which used to be exercised in mornings, ( Jeremiah 21:12 ) ( Psalms 101:8 ) ; and so the earth rid of them: thus wicked men shun the light, of the Gospel, and are condemned by it; and in the latter day light and glory they will cease from the earth; see ( John 3:19 John 3:20 ) ( Psalms 10:16 ) ( 104:35 ) .

Job 38:13 In-Context

11 and said, "Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped'?
12 "Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 so that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 It is changed like clay under the seal, and it is dyed like a garment.
15 Light is withheld from the wicked, and their uplifted arm is broken.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.