Podcast 42, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 28” Episode

Podcast 42, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 28”

Job 28 is very straight forward. It is organized into two parts, each antithetical to the other. Part 1 addresses the laws of nature. Part 2 addresses the laws of God. The two parts are analogical—that is to say that each is an analogical contrast to the other. Job 28 answers two questions: Question 1: Where do you search for gold and silver. Question 2: Where do you search for wisdom? Job 28 answers those two questions. 

 First, as Job does, let’s address the obvious: Where do you search for gold and silver? 

Job 28:1-6

Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it. Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men. As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire. The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.

In searching for silver, gold, iron, brass, sapphires and other precious metals or precious stones, we consult science. They all follow natural laws. However, if we search for wisdom and understanding, we must take another path. 

Job 28:7-8

 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen:  The lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. 

Job 28 is dedicated to answering that question. Why did Job begin with silver and gold? Clearly it is because we treasure those things above all else. Today the price of gold is approaching $5000 an ounce. The price of silver is over a $100 an ounce. The other metals and stones listed are costly but of lesser value. That is what I mean by analogical contrast. In Proverbs we read.

Proverbs 8:11

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Perhaps the greatest verse that proclaims the importance of gaining wisdom is about the Savior himself. 

Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

We know that Jesus didn’t increase in silver and gold or other like precious things.

Matthew 8:20

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Job emphasizes that wisdom is not as easy to find as silver and gold.

Job 28:9-12

He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots. He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing. He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? 

Clearly man is looking in the wrong place. One cannot find wisdom and understading by imitating miners who are looking for silver, gold, precious stones, and other precious metals. One cannot find wisdom and understandung by searching the land of the living or the depths of the sea. It cannot be bought. It can’t be valued. No precious metals can equal it.