Job 26:12 Commentary and Bible Study

Two different translations are suggested for the verb in the first half of the verse: ‘he stirs up or churns up the sea’ or ‘he stills or quietens the sea’ – two opposite ideas. (The KJV – ‘divideth’ – stands alone.) Both are of course beyond human ability, and yet God does these things according to his will, causing the storm to arise precisely when he requires it (Exodus 9:23), and quietening it when he pleases (Mark 4:39). The second half of the verse refers to ‘the proud’. The Hebrew is the word Rahab, which has the meaning ‘pride’. Although the word is used as a name for Egypt (Isaiah 30:7; 51:9; perhaps, Psalm 89:10), Job of course lived long before the time of the exodus. The same word is used in Job 9:13 where, based on the Septuagint, Lange argues that it refers to a monster of the sea. Barnes understands this to be the pride of the sea, and to personify the oceans in their fury during a great storm. The Lord quietens the storm, and, as it were, smites the proud waters. This latter action caused Christ’s disciples to fear exceedingly, knowing that they were in the presence of one who possessed powers which belong only to God. Job refers to the same awesome response. Man is especially aware of his Creator when he witnesses divine power at work; he knows it is impossible for him to imitate God’s works.