Job 38:23

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

which I hold in reserve for times of trouble, for the day of war and battle?

American Standard Version (1901)

Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, Against the day of battle and war?

Bible in Basic English

Which I have kept for the time of trouble, for the day of war and fighting?

Free Bible Version

I have stored them up for the time of trouble, for the day of war and battle.

King James (Authorized) Version

Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

Translation for Translators

I store the snow and the hail in order that I can use them to help my people when they have troubles, in times when they are fighting wars [DOU].

Unlocked Literal Bible

these things that I have kept for times of trouble, for days of battle and war?

Noah Webster Bible

Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

World English Bible

which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

Young's Literal Translation

That I have kept back for a time of distress, For a day of conflict and battle.

Context

The LORD Challenges Job

²²Have you entered the storehouses of snow or observed the storehouses of hail, ²³which I hold in reserve for times of trouble, for the day of war and battle? ²⁴In which direction is the lightning dispersed, or the east wind scattered over the earth?

Summary

This verse showcases God's supreme authority over the forces of nature, specifically referencing the storehouses of snow and hail. It highlights God's sovereignty in controlling the elements and orchestrating the weather patterns on earth. The imagery of 'storehouses' implies that God has complete control over when and where these elements are released, emphasizing His power and wisdom. Job 38:23 serves as a reminder of God's intricate design and governance of the natural world, showcasing His majesty and supremacy.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Reserved against the time of trouble - לעת צר leeth tsar, "to the season of strictness," i.e., the season when the earth is constringed or bound by the frost. Against the day of battle and war? - Hailstones being often employed as instruments of God's displeasure against his enemies, and the enemies of his people. There is probably an allusion here to the plague of hail sent on the Egyptians. See Exo 9:23 (note), and the notes there, for more particulars concerning hailstones, remarkable showers of them, etc. There may be also a reference to Jos 10:10-11 (note), where a destructive shower of what are called hailstones fell upon the Canaanitish kings who fought against Israel. See the note there also.