Hiob 28:2-12

2 Eisen bringt man aus der Erde, und aus den Steinen schmelzt man Erz.

3 Man macht der Finsternis ein Ende und findet zuletzt das Gestein tief verborgen. {~} {~}

4 Man bricht einen Schacht von da aus, wo man wohnt; darin hangen und schweben sie als die Vergessenen, da kein Fuß hin tritt, fern von den Menschen.

5 Man zerwühlt unten die Erde wie mit Feuer, darauf doch oben die Speise wächst.

6 Man findet Saphir an etlichen Orten, und Erdenklöße, da Gold ist. {~}

7 Den Steig kein Adler erkannt hat und kein Geiersauge gesehen;

8 es hat das stolze Wild nicht darauf getreten und ist kein Löwe darauf gegangen. {~}

9 Auch legt man die Hand an die Felsen und gräbt die Berge um. {~} {~}

10 Man reißt Bäche aus den Felsen; und alles, was köstlich ist, sieht das Auge.

11 Man wehrt dem Strome des Wassers und bringt, das darinnen verborgen ist, ans Licht.

12 Wo will man aber die Weisheit finden? und wo ist die Stätte des Verstandes?

Hiob 28:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 28

The design of this chapter is either to show the folly of such who are very diligent in their search and pursuit after earthly things, and neglect an inquiry after that which is infinitely more valuable, true wisdom; or rather to observe, that though things the most secret, and which are hidden in the bowels of the earth, may be investigated and discovered by the sagacity and diligence of men, yet wisdom cannot, especially the wisdom of God in his providences, which are past finding out; and particularly in what concerns the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous; the reason of which men should be content to be ignorant of for the present, and be studious to possess that wisdom which is attainable, and be thankful for it, if they have it; which lies in the fear of the Lord, and a departure from evil, with which this chapter concludes. It begins with setting forth the sagacity of men in searching and finding out useful metals, and other things the earth produces; the difficulty, fatigue, and labour, that attend such a search, and the dangers they are exposed unto in it, Job 28:1-11; then it declares the unsearchableness of wisdom, its superior excellency to things the most valuable, and that it is not to be found by sea or land, or among any of the creatures, Job 28:12-22; and that God only knows its way and place, who has sought it out, prepared and declared it, Job 28:23-27; and that which he has thought fit to make known of it, and is most for his glory and the good of men, is, that it is to fear God, and depart from evil, Job 28:28.