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Book of Job - Chapter 12 - Verse 15

12:15
Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.

Meaning

This verse illustrates the power and sovereignty of God over the natural elements of the earth. It highlights how God can harness and manipulate the waters, controlling their flow and ultimately affecting the entire earth. The image of withholding waters and causing dryness speaks to God's ability to bring about a scarcity of resources and disrupt the balance of nature. Conversely, the image of sending out waters and overturning the earth emphasizes God's control over abundance and renewal. By showcasing the contrast between stillness and movement in the waters, the verse conveys the idea of God's authority to bring about change and upheaval in the world. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and the importance of honoring and revering His power in all aspects of creation.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Job highlights the power and sovereignty of God over the natural elements. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's control over creation, specifically water. The withholding and releasing of water is seen as a demonstration of God's authority to bring about change and upheaval in the world. The imagery of water drying up and overturning the earth symbolizes the disruptive force that God can unleash upon the earth. Through this verse, believers are reminded of God's ability to both sustain and reshape the world according to His divine will. The word 'behold' at the beginning of the verse serves as a call to attention, urging readers to recognize and contemplate the magnitude of God's power. The word study of 'withholdeth' and 'sendeth' underscores the deliberate and purposeful nature of God's actions in controlling the waters. Overall, this verse invites reflection on the awe-inspiring nature of God's power and dominion over all creation.

American Standard Version

Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; Again, he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.
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