EGW WritingsJob 38
Ellen G. White
Read Job 38 in the BibleJob 38:1-41
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 236, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 236, 1902, par. 3
[Read] Job, chapters 38, 39, 40.Job 38:2
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Historical and Theological Lore
CT 380.3
And to a large degree theology, as studied and taught, is but a record of human speculation, serving only to darken “counsel by words without knowledge.” Job 38:2. Too often the motive in accumulating these many books is not so much a desire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 105, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 105, 1893, par. 2
How solemnly and diligently should we guard the sacred way that leads to the city of God. The nations of old were charged to keep the well spring in good condition along the public ways for the benefit of thirsty travelers. In the land of Palestine the roads to the cities of refuge were to be kept in perfect condition in order that he who was fleeing for his life might find nothing to obstruct his flight to the city of refuge. But the way of life and righteousness was not thus preserved by the religious teachers of the Jewish nation. Christ pronounced the most terrible woes upon those who would not receive the truth themselves nor permit those who were entering the kingdom of heaven to follow out their determination. They perverted the words of him who taught as never man taught, and who did in their cities and villages the works which no other man did. They misinterpreted, misconstrued, and misplaced every statement the great Teacher made which could in any way be perverted, thus turning the feet of those who were entering the path of life into false paths. As a judge he pronounced these teachers false and poured upon them the most terrible denunciations. He read their hearts as the pages of an open book, and laid bare their deceptive course of action. Even when they said to the people, “Come, walk in safe paths,” through subtlety as the serpent beguiled Eve in the Garden of Eden they made of none effect the word of God. The words addressed to Job were highly appropriate to the religious leaders of this time where it is said, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” [Job 38:2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 55, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 55, 1897, par. 32
All must see and understand their duty for themselves after seeking wisdom from God. He is the only One to whom you may commit your soul for safe keeping. If you come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to you personally. You may sit together in heavenly places with Christ. We may individually understand God’s will; we may know for ourselves what He would have us do, for He will direct us if we will consent to be consecrated and humble in heart before Him. Our hearts will oft burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” [Job 38:2.] We need Him who is the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.Job 38:4
Homeward Bound
Science and the Bible, January 27
HB 42.1
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?—Job 38:4.Job 38:4-5
Job 38:4-7
Lift Him Up
Treason in Heaven, January 5
LHU 19.1
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? ... or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7, RSV.Job 38:4-27
Education
Chapter 17—Poetry and Song
Ed 161.5
Above the new-created earth, as it lay, fair and unblemished, under the smile of God, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. So human hearts, in sympathy with heaven, have responded to God’s goodness in notes of praise. Many of the events of human history have been linked with song.Ed 160.2
“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades,Or loose the bands of Orion?
Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?
Or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?” Job 38:4-27, R.V.; 38:31, 32.
Job 38:6-7
The Great Controversy
Chapter 26—A Work of Reform
GC 454.3
Many urged that Sundaykeeping had been an established doctrine and a widespread custom of the church for many centuries. Against this argument it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and widespread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath. Job 38:6, 7; Genesis 2:1-3. Well may this institution demand our reverence; it was ordained by no human authority and rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of Days and commanded by His eternal word.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 26—A Work of Reform
GC88 454.3
Many urged that Sunday-keeping had been an established doctrine and a widespread custom of the church for many centuries. Against this argument it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and widespread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath. [Job 38:6, 7; Genesis 2:1-3.] Well may this institution demand our reverence: it was ordained by no human authority, and rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of days, and commanded by his eternal word.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 21—The Third Message Rejected
4SP 288.1
Many urged that Sunday-keeping had been an established doctrine and a wide-spread custom of the church for many centuries. Against this argument it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and wide-spread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath. [Job 38:6, 7; Genesis 2:1-3.] Well may this institution demand our reverence: it was ordained by no human authority, and rests on no human tradition; it was established by the Ancient of days, and commanded by his eternal word.Job 38:7
Counsels for the Church
Chapter 47—The Observance of God’s Holy Sabbath
CCh 261.1
Great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy. There was joy at the institution of the Sabbath. God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced “very good.” Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Though sin has entered the world to mar His perfect work, God still gives to us the Sabbath as a witness that One omnipotent, infinite in goodness and mercy, created all things. Our heavenly Father desires through the observance of the Sabbath to preserve among men a knowledge of Himself. He desires that the Sabbath shall direct our minds to Him as the true and living God, and that through knowing Him we may have life and peace.Reflecting Christ
The New Covenant Promise, February 23
RC 68.3
Before this earth was called into being, God’s law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man in Eden Christ made known the precepts of the law “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). The mission of Christ on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace to bring man back to obedience to its precepts.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 44—The Observance of the Sabbath
6T 349.1
Great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy. There was joy at the institution of the Sabbath. God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced “very good.” Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Though sin has entered the world to mar His perfect work, God still gives to us the Sabbath as a witness that One omnipotent, infinite in goodness and mercy, created all things. Our heavenly Father desires through the observance of the Sabbath to preserve among men a knowledge of Himself. He desires that the Sabbath shall direct our minds to Him as the true and living God, and that through knowing Him we may have life and peace.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 29—The Sabbath
DA 281.1
The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Peace brooded over the world; for earth was in harmony with heaven. “God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good;” and He rested in the joy of His completed work. Genesis 1:31.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 80—In Joseph’s Tomb
DA 769.2
In the beginning the Father and the Son had rested upon the Sabbath after Their work of creation. When “the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them” (Genesis 2:1), the Creator and all heavenly beings rejoiced in contemplation of the glorious scene. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Now Jesus rested from the work of redemption; and though there was grief among those who loved Him on earth, yet there was joy in heaven. Glorious to the eyes of heavenly beings was the promise of the future. A restored creation, a redeemed race, that having conquered sin could never fall,—this, the result to flow from Christ’s completed work, God and angels saw. With this scene the day upon which Jesus rested is forever linked. For “His work is perfect;” and “whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever.” Deuteronomy 32:4; Ecclesiastes 3:14. When there shall be a “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph’s tomb, will still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as “from one Sabbath to another” (Isaiah 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyful worship to God and the Lamb.The Faith I Live By
To Be Kept in Eternity, January 31
FLB 37.3
The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7....The Faith I Live By
Melody in the Heart, August 24
FLB 242.3
Above the new-created earth, as it lay, fair and unblemished, under the smile of God, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. So human hearts, in sympathy with heaven, have responded to God’s goodness in notes of praise.117Education, 161.The Great Controversy
Chapter 31—Agency of Evil Spirits
GC 511.2
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 31—Agency of Evil Spirits
GC88 511.2
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” [Job 38:7.]. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in nature superior to men. For the psalmist says that man was made “a little lower than the angels.” [Psalm 8:5.]The Truth About Angels
Chapter 1—Angels and You—a Brief Overview
TA 9.2
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.... Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.The Truth About Angels
Creation of the Angels
TA 25.4
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.—The Great Controversy, 511.Daughters of God
Eve, Mother of All
DG 23.1
The creation was now complete. “The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.” “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Eden bloomed on earth. Adam and Eve had free access to the tree of life. No taint of sin or shadow of death marred the fair creation. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.The Voice in Speech and Song
Chapter 71—Singing in Israel’s Experience
VSS 444.2
Above the new-created earth, as it lay, fair and unblemished, under the smile of God, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. So human hearts, in sympathy with heaven, have responded to God’s goodness in notes of praise. Many of the events of human history have been linked with song.—Education, 161.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”—Matthew 5:17.
MB 48.1
It is the Creator of men, the Giver of the law, who declares that it is not His purpose to set aside its precepts. Everything in nature, from the mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on high, is under law. And upon obedience to these laws the order and harmony of the natural world depend. So there are great principles of righteousness to control the life of all intelligent beings, and upon conformity to these principles the well-being of the universe depends. Before this earth was called into being, God’s law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man in Eden Christ made known the precepts of the law “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. The mission of Christ on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace to bring man back to obedience to its precepts.To Be Like Jesus
Sabbath Rest and Joy in Eternity, May 31
BLJ 162.3
In the beginning the Father and the Son had rested upon the Sabbath after Their work of creation. When “the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them” (Genesis 2:1), the Creator and all heavenly beings rejoiced in contemplation of the glorious scene. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
The Observance of the Sabbath
3TT 16.1
Great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy. There was joy at the institution of the Sabbath. God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced “very good.” Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Though sin has entered the world to mar His perfect work, God still gives to us the Sabbath as a witness that One omnipotent, infinite in goodness and mercy, created all things. Our heavenly Father desires through the observance of the Sabbath to preserve among men a knowledge of Himself. He desires that the Sabbath shall direct our minds to Him as the true and living God, and that through knowing Him we may have life and peace.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 29—Jesus Rescues the Sabbath
HLv 185.1
The Sabbath was hallowed at creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Earth was in harmony with heaven. “God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good”; and He rested in the joy of His completed work. Genesis 1:31.From Eternity Past
The First Marriage
EP 18.2
“The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.” “And God saw everything He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” No taint of sin or shadow of death marred the fair creation. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.From Eternity Past
Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption Is Unveiled
EP 32.5
Then inexpressible joy filled heaven. Through the celestial courts echoed the first strains of that song which was to ring out above the hills of Bethlehem, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.From Here to Forever
Chapter 31—Evil Spirits
HF 315.2
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence, for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life before a human being had died. Angels are superior to men, for man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Angels Help
GrH_c 6.6
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence, for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life before a human being had died. Angels are superior to men, for man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.Homeward Bound
God’s Law Is Eternal, June 8
HB 181.2
It is our Creator, the Giver of the law, who declares that it is not His purpose to set aside its precepts. Everything in nature, from the mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on high, is under law. And upon obedience to these laws the order and harmony of the natural world depend. So there are great principles of righteousness to control the life of all intelligent beings, and upon conformity to these principles the well-being of the universe depends. Before this earth was called into being, God’s law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with heaven, humanity also must obey the divine statutes. To Adam and Eve in Eden Christ made known the precepts of the law “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” (Job 38:7.) The mission of Christ on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace to bring us back to obedience to its precepts.Education
Chapter 2—The Eden School
Ed 22.2
As it came from the Creator’s hand, not only the Garden of Eden but the whole earth was exceedingly beautiful. No taint of sin, or shadow of death, marred the fair creation. God’s glory “covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.” “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Habakkuk 3:3; Job 38:7. Thus was the earth a fit emblem of Him who is “abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6); a fit study for those who were made in His image. The Garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired the whole earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human family increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one He had given. Thus in course of time the whole earth might be occupied with homes and schools where the words and the works of God should be studied, and where the students should thus be fitted more and more fully to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge of His glory.Homeward Bound
The Sabbath Created by Christ, June 15
HB 188.2
The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for humanity, it had its origin when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” (Job 38:7.) Peace brooded over the world; for earth was in harmony with heaven. “God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good;” and He rested in the joy of His completed work. (Genesis 1:31.)Radiant Religion
Rejoices in His Works, February 2
RRe 35.3
God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All things that He had made He pronounced “very good.” Genesis 1:31. Heaven and earth were filled with rejoicing. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.—Testimonies for the Church 6:349.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 15
He would not leave the enemy any opportunity to perplex the mind, to leave it to wander about in Satan’s mist and fog as to the commandment of which he is speaking. It is the commandment which He made when the foundations of the earth were laid, “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” [Job 38:7.] Away back in the world’s history, before there were any people distinguished as Jews, he laid the foundation of His law when He laid the foundations of the world. “The old commandment is the word which ye heard from the beginning.” [1 John 2:7.] Who is speaking? John, the beloved disciple, was giving the inspired message as mouthpiece for God, and it comes echoing down the lines, from age to age, to our time. Thank God we are not left in mist and confusion in regard to the commandments.God’s Amazing Grace
Exalts God’s Law, April 4
AG 102.2
Everything in nature, from the mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on high, is under law. And upon obedience to these laws the order and harmony of the natural world depend. So there are great principles of righteousness to control the life of all intelligent beings, and upon conformity to these principles the well-being of the universe depends. Before this earth was called into being, God’s law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man in Eden Christ made known the precepts of the law “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). The mission of Christ on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace to bring man back to obedience to its precepts....God’s Amazing Grace
God’s Glory Seen in His Works, December 1
AG 343.2
As it came from the Creator’s hand, not only the Garden of Eden but the whole earth was exceedingly beautiful. No taint of sin, or shadow of death, marred the fair creation. God’s glory “covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise” (Habakkuk 3:3). “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). Thus was the earth a fit emblem of Him who is “abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6); a fit study for those who were made in His image. The Garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired the whole earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human family increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one He had given. Thus in course of time the whole earth might be occupied with homes and schools where the words and the works of God should be studied, and where the students should thus be fitted more and more fully to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge of His glory.1Education, 22.Maranatha
The Sabbath in the Hereafter, December 29
Mar 371.2
In the beginning the Father and the Son had rested upon the Sabbath after Their work of creation. When “the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them” (Genesis 2:1), the Creator and all heavenly beings rejoiced in contemplation of the glorious scene. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.... When there shall be a “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph’s tomb, will still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as “from one sabbath to another” (Isaiah 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyful worship to God and the Lamb.83The Desire of Ages, 769, 770.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 2—The Creation
PP 47.1
The creation was now complete. “The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.” “And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Eden bloomed on earth. Adam and Eve had free access to the tree of life. No taint of sin or shadow of death marred the fair creation. “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption
PP 65.3
Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. The glory and blessedness of a world redeemed, outmeasured even the anguish and sacrifice of the Prince of life. Through the celestial courts echoed the first strains of that song which was to ring out above the hills of Bethlehem—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. With a deeper gladness now than in the rapture of the new creation, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.Job 38:10-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 5, 1876
3LtMs, Ms 5, 1876, par. 5
Noah connected with God, and he was strong in the strength of infinite power. For one hundred and twenty years he daily presented God’s warning in regard to events which, so far as human wisdom was concerned, could not take place. The world before the flood reasoned that for centuries the laws of nature had been fixed; the recurring seasons had come and gone in regular order. Rain had never yet fallen, but a mist or dew had fallen upon the earth, causing vegetation to flourish. The rivers and brooks had never passed their boundary, but had borne their waters safely to the great sea. Fixed decrees had kept the waters from overflowing their banks. The people did not recognize the Hand that had stayed the waters, saying, “Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther.” [Job 38:10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 121b, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 121b, 1898, par. 1
I have been made sorry, more than I can express, to learn of brethren occupying responsible positions giving advice to restrict the work in different places. Be careful how you repress advancing work in any locality. There is little enough being done in any place, and it certainly is not proper to seek to curtail operations in missionary lines. Your influence should ever be exerted in such a way as to cause the people to see the importance of the work, and to realize that it is their duty to rise to every emergency. If our brethren feel at liberty to stop the work when they cannot see where the money is coming from to sustain it, then the work will be contracted in many places. If our workers are going forward in any place, do not put up the bars and say, “Thus far shalt thou go and no farther.” [See Job 38:10, 11.]Job 38:11
Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]
MR No. 304—Spirit of Prophecy Emphasis Week Materials
5MR 183.3
I love to watch the waves of the mighty ocean rolling up mountain high. I love to think of One who has power to say, “Here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.” Job 38:11.—Letter 40a, 1878, pp. 2, 3. (To “Dear Husband,” July 11, 1878.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 38, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 38, 1897, par. 9
Christ had told Peter that he was mistaken in his ideas of himself, and that in not receiving and believing the words of Christ he was doing the very evil that Christ had declared he would be guilty of. We see this same spirit manifested today. We need ever abiding in the soul the treasure of the Word of God, that when the host of hell shall seek to destroy with temptations, we may be ready with sharp perception to discern his wiles, and meet him as Christ met him in the wilderness with “It is written.” When we feel our personal weakness, when we depend on Christ and not on self, we have done what we can. Then the heavenly intelligences are ready to lift up the standard for us against the enemy, saying to the satanic agencies, “Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther.” [Job 38:11.] The tempted one often does not realize that he had unseen, heavenly agencies working in his behalf, but this is so.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 7—The Flood
PP 96.3
The world before the Flood reasoned that for centuries the laws of nature had been fixed. The recurring seasons had come in their order. Heretofore rain had never fallen; the earth had been watered by a mist or dew. The rivers had never yet passed their boundaries, but had borne their waters safely to the sea. Fixed decrees had kept the waters from overflowing their banks. But these reasoners did not recognize the hand of Him who had stayed the waters, saying, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.” Job 38:11.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 68—David at Ziklag
PP 694.1
All earthly powers are under the control of the Infinite One. To the mightiest ruler, to the most cruel oppressor, He says, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.” Job 38:11. God’s power is constantly exercised to counteract the agencies of evil; He is ever at work among men, not for their destruction, but for their correction and preservation.The Sanctified Life
Shut in With God
SL 76.1
It is no light matter to sin against God, to set the perverse will of man in opposition to the will of his Maker. It is for the best interest of men, even in this world, to obey God’s commandments. And it is surely for their eternal interest to submit to God, and be at peace with Him. The beasts of the field obey their Creator’s law in the instinct which governs them. He speaks to the proud ocean, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further” (Job 38:11); and the waters are prompt to obey His word. The planets are marshaled in perfect order, obeying the laws which God has established. Of all the creatures that God has made upon the earth, man alone is rebellious. Yet he possesses reasoning powers to understand the claims of the divine law and a conscience to feel the guilt of transgression and the peace and joy of obedience. God made him a free moral agent, to obey or disobey. The reward of everlasting life—an eternal weight of glory—is promised to those who do God’s will, while the threatenings of His wrath hang over all who defy His law.From Eternity Past
A Boat to Preserve Life
EP 54.4
Heretofore rain had never fallen; the earth had been watered by a mist or dew. The rivers had never yet passed their boundaries but had borne their waters safely to the sea. Fixed decrees had kept the waters from overflowing their banks. See Job 38:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 2a, 1872
2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1872, par. 11
The senses must be servant to the moral powers. Your temper is quick, your independence strong. You feel quick and deep, and instead of letting reason’s voice be heard, you will follow your feelings, when you should curb your hasty, hurried spirit and say to your passions, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” [Job 38:11.] Then will God be your helper; your Creator who formed you will remember that you are but dust and He will weaken these propensities which have been too long strengthened by exercise. Remember the laws which God has planted in your being are crying, “Restrain; deny the world, its pleasures and vanities,” while the world and those who are in friendship with it and with the god of this world, Satan, cry, “Do not restrict yourself; enjoy pleasure while you may.” “Constant self-denial is no virtue,” say those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Thus temptation is on your track and lovers of self and of vicious indulgences are on every hand, strengthening the ardent pleasure-loving desires within.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 40a, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 40a, 1878, par. 15
I love to watch the waves of the mighty ocean rolling up mountain high. I love to think of One who has power to say, “Here shall thy proud waves be stayed,” “hitherto shalt thou come, but no further.” Job 38:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 4a, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 65
The senses will be guarded. The soul that has Jesus abiding in it will develop into true greatness. The intelligent soul who has respect unto all of God’s commandments, through the grace of Christ, will say to the passions of the heart as they point to God’s great moral standard of righteousness, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed” [Job 38:11], and the grace of Christ shall be as a wall of fire round about the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 78, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 36
I commenced writing, and wrote several pages before breakfast. Our room has not the sun at all, and I have a severe cold. We rode out, Emily and I, by the excellent road by the seaside. The sea never looked more powerful and grand. The sea rolled up its waves—first green, then blue, then the pure white waves tumbling one over another, so strong and powerful. I thanked God that His hand had these vast bodies of water under His control. He could speak saying, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” Job 38:11.Job 38:22-23
Maranatha
A Graphic Illustration of the Seventh Plague, October 3
Mar 284.1
Hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble? Job 38:22, 23.Maranatha
The Nature of the Final Battle, October 16
Mar 297.2
At His own will God summons the forces of nature to overthrow the might of His enemies—“fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word.” Psalm 148:8. When the heathen Amorites had set themselves to resist His purposes, God interposed, casting down “great stones from heaven” upon the enemies of Israel. We are told of a greater battle to take place in the closing scenes of earth’s history, when Jehovah “hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation.” Jeremiah 50:25. “Hast thou,” he inquires, “entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?” Job 38:22, 23.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 47—League With the Gibeonites
PP 509.3
At His own will God summons the forces of nature to overthrow the might of His enemies—“fire, and hail; snow, and vapor; stormy wind fulfilling His word.” Psalm 148:8. When the heathen Amorites had set themselves to resist His purposes, God interposed, casting down “great stones from heaven” upon the enemies of Israel. We are told of a greater battle to take place in the closing scenes of earth’s history, when “Jehovah hath opened His armory, and hath brought forth the weapons of His indignation.” Jeremiah 50:25. “Hast thou,” he inquires, “entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?” Job 38:22, 23.Job 38:25-27
To Be Like Jesus
Appreciate Earth’s Natural, Quiet Beauty, August 12
BLJ 238.1
Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water, or a path for the thunderbolt, to cause it to rain on a land where there is no one, a wilderness in which there is no man; to satisfy the desolate waste, and cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass? Job 38:25-27, NKJV.Job 38:26
Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]
MR No. 515—Counsels Regarding Medical Work
7MR 371.1
There is scarcely an operation of nature but we will find reference made to it in the Word of God. The Word declares, “He maketh His sun to rise” (Matthew 5:45), and causes “it to rain on the earth” (Job 38:26). He “maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains.” (Psalm 147:8.) “He giveth snow like wool; He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes” (verse 16). “When he uttereth his voice there is a multitude of waters in the heavens.... He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures” (Jeremiah 10:13).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 92, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 92, 1898, par. 10
There is scarcely an operation of nature but we will find reference made to it in the Word of God. The Word declares, “He maketh the sun to arise, and the rain to descend.” [See Matthew 5:45 and Job 38:26.] He “maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains.” “He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.” “When he uttereth his voice there is a multitude of waters in the heavens ... He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.” [Psalm 147:8, 16; Jeremiah 10:13.]Job 38:36-41
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 30, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 30, 1902, par. 5
Christ is all sympathy and love and tenderness. He hears the ravens when they cry in their hunger and delights to feed them. “Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the mind? Who can number the clouds by wisdom? or who can pour out the bottles of heaven, when the dust runneth into a mass, and the clods cleave fast together? Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lioness? or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, when they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? Who provideth for the raven his food when his young ones cry unto God, and wander for lack of meat?” [Job 38:36-41.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Job 38:1
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 12—From Jezreel to Horeb
PK 164.2
“The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind” (Job 38:1), and revealed to His servant the might of His power. When Job caught a glimpse of his Creator, he abhorred himself and repented in dust and ashes. Then the Lord was able to bless him abundantly and to make his last years the best of his life.