Topic: Can You…?

Can You…?
JOB 38 VERSES 31-33
Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? 32 Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children? 33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?

Job suffered mightily due to Satan’s attempts to cause him to stumble and falter in his faith for God. At the end of his suffering, he cried out to God, seeking an explanation for his suffering. The verses above present part of God’s challenge to Job. God’s response was probably not exactly what Job wanted. (Everyone should read Job and try to comprehend the extent of his suffering so that they have a better understanding of God’s response). God, here, declares his command over the heavens, specifically all of the constellations (that’s what Mazzaroth means), and lists three well known constellations in which ancient people were well aware.
Job was, undoubtedly, a very intelligent man, but it is doubtful he had as much scientific knowledge as we have today. He probably did not have an understanding of gravity or a deep understanding of how stars work. He probably did have a good understanding of the night sky and how the sky changes throughout the year and over time. However, God is showing that Job was powerless in regards to these heavenly objects, events and laws. God is presenting himself as much higher than Job and that He is above Job’s challenges and suffering.

Today, we have access to a tremendous volume of knowledge in the areas of astronomy & cosmology and, in fact, all of the sciences. We understand gravity, the phenomenon that binds Pleiades together and holds Orion together. Even with our advanced knowledge and understanding, we, nevertheless, are every bit as powerless as Job. God’s message to Job is just as relevant today. Can we cause the Pleiades to remain gravitationally bound, can we cause Orion to break apart? Of course not. All of our knowledge does not cause us to be like God or closer to his power. Gathering knowledge and becoming wise in the ways of science is not a bad thing, but we must not allow it to lead us away from God, but rather, allow us to grow closer to him. We can accomplish that by reflecting on the things that God would have us reflect; these are God’s precepts, laws, wondrous works, and his mighty deeds. A greater understanding is a good thing, and in the proper context can draw us closer to God.
However, we should also, finally, consider the end of Job and how God ultimately treats Job. God did not leave Job to continue suffering and to be left with a sense that he was meaningless to God. Job eventually repented before God, and God accepted his repentance. In fact, God restored Job to good health, restored his wealth, and gave him a new family, where his daughters were the most beautiful in the land. God’s response to Job showed a little of just how much greater God was and is compared to Job (and us), yet God is not unconcerned or unfeeling towards his people.


Printable version (PDF Format)

Also available as a Kindle or print book

This article is also available as part of the Refrigerator Devotionals Volume 1 book (available in print and Kindle form) from
Click here to buy the book on Amazon.