What does Job 37:12 mean?
"And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth." - Job 37:12

Job 37:12 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth." This verse is found in the Book of Job, which is part of the Old Testament. It is part of a longer passage in which Elihu, one of Job's friends, speaks words of wisdom and insight regarding the power and sovereignty of God.
In this particular verse, Elihu is describing the ways in which God's counsel and commands are carried out in the earth. The imagery of something being turned round about by God's counsels suggests a sense of purpose and direction that is determined by God's will. The verse emphasizes the idea that all of creation is subject to God's commands and must do whatever He decrees.
The theme of God's sovereignty is central to this verse. It highlights the belief in the all-powerful and all-knowing nature of God, emphasizing that everything in the world is under His control. This idea is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, where God's authority and supremacy are repeatedly emphasized.
The context in which this verse appears is also significant. The Book of Job addresses the age-old question of why the righteous suffer. Job, a man described as blameless and upright, experiences immense suffering and loss, leading to a series of discussions and debates between him and his friends about the nature of God and His justice. Elihu's words, including the verse in question, are part of his attempt to provide insight and understanding in the midst of Job's trials.
Elihu's speech serves as a reminder to Job and his friends of God's incomprehensible wisdom and power. It underscores the limitations of human understanding and the need to trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances. This broader context adds depth to the verse, as it speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with the mysteries of suffering and seeking to make sense of God's ways.
The symbolism in this verse centers around the idea of God's commands and counsels shaping and directing the world. The imagery of something being turned round about by His counsels conveys a sense of order and purpose in the unfolding of events. It suggests that nothing happens by chance, but rather everything is guided by the purposes of God.
In addition, the reference to "the face of the world in the earth" conveys the idea that God's authority extends to every aspect of creation. His commands are not limited to one particular domain, but encompass all of existence. This symbolism reinforces the broader theme of God's sovereignty and universal control over all things.
In conclusion, Job 37:12 from the King James Version of the Bible is a profound and insightful reflection on the sovereignty of God. It emphasizes the overarching authority of God's counsels and commands, highlighting the notion that all of creation is subject to His will. This verse is deeply rooted in the broader themes and context of the Book of Job, providing a powerful reminder of the incomprehensible wisdom and power of God in the face of suffering and uncertainty. Its symbolism further reinforces the idea of God's universal control and the purposeful direction of the world according to His will.
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Job 37:12 - "And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth."
"And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth." - Job 37:12
Job 37:14 - "Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God."
Job 37:8 - "Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places."
Job 37:10 - "By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened."
Job 37:9 - "Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north."
Job 37:13 - "He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy."
Job 37:1 - "At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place."
Job 37:22 - "Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty."
Job 38:37 - "Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,"
Job 37:17 - "How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?"
Job 37:24 - "Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart."
Job 37:2 - "Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth."
Job 37:3 - "He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth."
Job 37:16 - "Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?"
Job 37:11 - "Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:"
Job 12:1 - "And Job answered and said,"
Matthew 12:36-37
matthew 12:36-37
Matthew 12:36-37
Job 37:18 - "Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?"
Job 37:21 - "And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them."
"Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places." - Job 37:8
Job 37:7 - "He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work."
"Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." - Job 37:14
Job 37:6 - "For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength."
Job 37:20 - "Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up."
Job 37:15 - "Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?"
Job 37:5 - "God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend."
Job 12:12 - "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding."