The Pulpit Commentary — Job — Section 574

to the regularity of caull88; e.nd the whole eeries of effects and oaueea resolves itself into the conoeption of law, high, unerring, unbroken. Even with a very imperfect knowledge of the structure of the cosmos, there is some dim perception of these truths: how much more should consummate science impress them upon the spirit I Every phe- nomenon that strikes with e.we the senses, or the.t gently excites the wonder and curiosity of the mind, hints at an Intelligence which is ever at work. The snow, the rain-torrents which give pause to the labours of me.n, e.nd compel his gaze to the sky; the crouching of the wild beast in his lair before the fury of the storm; the rushing forth of the blasts as from ~ome hidden repository (as the Greeks fabled, the cave of lEo\us); the congela- tion of the waters; the clouds discharging their weight of moisture or flashing forth their lightnings ;-all speak of superhuman powl"r, 111\-controlling and still guiding the march of nature by a principle of right ; now scourging men's folly, and now rewarding and blessing their obedience. In the fearful and beautiful scenes of the storm and of winter we indeed no longer see signs of the personal displeasure of God. We explain them by the "l&WI! of n.&ture." But none the less do these phenomena tell of the power, the wisdom, and the goodness of God, e.nd hint to us the duty and the need of prayer to him who gave to Nature her laws. 3. Inferences; e:dwrtations. (Ch. xx.xvii. 14---24.) If this be the view Nature gives us of her God and of our Creator, instead of murmuring at him or disputing his dealings, let Job e.nd all sufferers draw the true conclusions amidst the dark enigmas of their lives. Let the preceding impressions be laid well to heart, and in quiet contemplation let the mystery of the Divine operations be reviewed. Ce.n me.n explain the secrets of nature? If not, why should he expect to explain fully th&t which is a part of the ea.me system, under the same rule, controlled by the same God, namely, his own life e.nd its mingled web of weal and woe (ver. 14, sgq.)? "We have but faith; we cannot know." "If man is not called by God to his side in other matters of his daily doing, to be as &judge e.nd counsellor, e.nd this. can be expected by none, and none presumes to murmur against that order, it is right that ma.n should not demand that the method of God's government should be shown him in this world, but that he should acquiesce in it, whether he understands it or no ; that he should believe his Word, and await his good in patience" (Cocceius). CoNCLUSION. And now the speaker-pointing to the rising storm which has been gathering during his discourse, brings hie words, in solemn iteration e.nd summing-up, to a close (vere. 21-24). The aspect of yonder heaven is a symbol of Job's position in relation to God. The light that flashes in its wonted splendour behind the clouds is not seen just now, but a wind rises and sweeps those clouds &way; e.nd so the God who is concealed for a time, and of whom we are in danger of entertaining wrong thoughts, may suddenly, to our surprise and shame, discover himself. Let us, then, humble our- selves in presence of the destiny that just now is full of darkness. From the gloom as of midnight there bursts forth the gleam as of gold-brilliant token of the sublime power of Jehovah. And God remains inaccessible to sense, to knowledge, dwelling in the unapproachable light. But, a.midst all the terror and the mystery, the voice of conscience, the moral sense in man, tells him that, though God be incomprehensible, this much concerning him may be known-he is no Perverter ofright and justice; he is the infallibly good e.nd wise, just aad holy One. This faith is the foundation of reverence, of piety; and as for the "self-wise," the men wise in their own conceits, God holds them in no regard. (On the dazzling light, the symbol of the majesty of God, compare the hymn of Binney, "Eternal Light! Eternal Light I ")-J. Vers, 5--17.-Tl,,e perfec1,ness of the Divine ways. Elihu continues to speak on God's behalf. He defends the Divine ways from what he est.eems to be Job's reflections upon them. He will fain "ascribe righteousness" to his "Maker." The perfectness and justness of the ways of him who is "mighty in strength and wisdom" is traced by Elilrn in many instances. Though greatly exalted, God does not look disdaiufully upon man ; nor doth he despise the work of his own hands, His perfect work is 100n- I. IN Hll! .JUDG.llENTS UPON THE UNGODLY. "He prcserveth not the life of the wicked." ll. IN HIS .rul!TloE TO THE OPPREss&o. "He giveth right to the poor;" "He delivereth t.he poor in hie affliction" (ver. 16). OH, X.XXVI, J -38.] THE BOOK OF JOB.