Vv 1-11: Man finds the precious things of the earth. Such
precious metals are, however, actually provided by God -- just as He provides
Christ for our redemption.
MINE: "Vein" (AV); lit, source, outlet.
Job 28:3
MAN PUTS AN END TO THE DARKNESS: By bringing a light
into the dark mine...
Job 28:7
God's way is not known by any "bird of prey"/"falcon" (unclean
birds = Gentiles): v 21.
Job 28:11
HE SEARCHES THE SOURCES OF THE RIVER: "He binds the
floods from overflowing" (AV). From Ugaritic, as explained in MNIV 98.
Job 28:12
BUT WHERE CAN WISDOM BE FOUND?: "Even nature in her
silent proclamation of God tells us not the truth of this matter. She tells us
in her majestic solitudes that there must be a Master somewhere, and a purpose
equal to her greatness; but she speaks not of Christ as the answer to her needs.
If she only is our teacher, with all the great sky, the mighty mountain, the
towering crag, the deep ravine, the thick forest and smiling plain, the opening
flower and hum of insect life, the song of the birds and the lowing cattle, the
beautiful landscape and the great and wide sea -- she will but fill us with a
sense of dreariness as of the emptiness of a majestic and splendid hall interior
without an audience or entertainment. To find Christ, we must seek Him where He
is to be found, and where, at present, God has appointed He should only be
found" (SC 157).
Job 28:14
SEA: "Yam", poss ref to the Canaanite sea-god; a great
sea-monster.