What is the meaning of Job 26:12? By His power • Job introduces the thought by asserting that everything begins with God’s raw, unrivaled strength. Psalm 62:11 says, “Power belongs to God,” echoing the same certainty. • This power is not abstract—it is active, creative, and sustaining (Jeremiah 32:17; Colossians 1:17). • The verse reminds readers that only the Almighty possesses the might to intervene in the natural order without limit (Job 26:14). He stirred the sea • The sea, often a picture of chaos and danger, is shown here as wholly subject to God’s command. Psalm 89:9 agrees: “You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them”. • Historically, God “stirred the sea” at the Exodus—Exodus 14:21 records that the LORD drove the Red Sea back, creating dry ground for Israel. • Whether in creation (Genesis 1:9–10), in judgement (Jonah 1:4), or in salvation events (Psalm 77:16), God’s stirring of the waters is a tangible proof that no force of nature can resist Him. By His understanding • Power alone could frighten us, but Job pairs it with divine insight. Isaiah 40:28 declares, “His understanding is beyond searching out”. • God’s wisdom directs His power; nothing He does is random (Proverbs 3:19, “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations”). • This truth comforts believers that every display of strength is guided by perfect knowledge and holy purpose (Romans 11:33). He shattered Rahab • “Rahab” is used in Scripture as a poetic name for Egypt and, more broadly, for arrogant human and demonic opposition (Psalm 87:4; Isaiah 30:7). • Psalm 89:10 recalls, “You crushed Rahab like a corpse; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.” God literally broke Egypt’s power when He drowned Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27–28). • The image also points back to creation, when the LORD subdued the primordial deep (Psalm 74:13–14). God’s wisdom directs Him to shatter any force—physical or spiritual—that rises against His redemptive plan. summary Job 26:12 paints a sweeping picture of the LORD who wields limitless power, commands the chaotic sea, applies unfathomable understanding, and decisively smashes every proud opponent. The verse calls believers to rest in the God who is both strong enough to act and wise enough to act rightly, yesterday at the Red Sea, today in our lives, and forever in His sovereign rule. |
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