Definition: Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 36:9. It’s a pretty fascinating and slightly mysterious passage about the universe! Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s observation of the world – specifically, the Earth and its elements – and then points out how things are behaving in a way that suggests they've gone beyond what's right or proper. It's about the order and balance of things. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then he sheweth them” : This means God is showing us something – giving us a glimpse into what’s happening. “their work” : This refers to all the physical processes occurring on Earth: weather patterns, erosion, geological activity, etc. Basically, everything that makes up the world we see and experience. “and their transgressions that they have exceeded” : This is the key part. “Transgressions” means "violations" or "deviations from what’s right." The verse says God sees that these things – the Earth's processes – are exceeding their proper place, going beyond what’s natural and good. It suggests they’ve become unbalanced or disordered. What does this mean practically? It’s not about a specific act of wrongdoing. Instead, it speaks to a fundamental principle: Order is Important: The universe has an inherent order – laws that govern how things work. Balance is Crucial: Things don't just happen ; they must be in balance with each other. When one thing becomes too strong or disruptive, it can upset the whole system. Why is this a big deal in Job? Job is grappling with a huge question: Why does suffering exist? This verse suggests that even the most powerful and seemingly perfect creation – the Earth – has limitations and is subject to something beyond its control. It implies there’s a deeper, underlying reality that God oversees, and that human actions (even those that seem small) can disrupt this balance. In short: God is observing the world and noticing that it's moving beyond what's right or natural, suggesting a need for correction. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse (different theological perspectives)?