Job 28:5

"He breaks open a shaft away from where people live. They are forgotten by the foot. They hang far from men, they swing back and forth."

Key Reflection

This passage describes mining operations deep underground, far from human habitation, where the earth's treasures lie hidden and neglected. The image evokes the idea of discovering valuable things in places overlooked by those who dwell on the surface, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom that lies beyond everyday experience and common knowledge.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

As for the earth, out of it cometh bread -That is, it produces food, or the materials for bread. The idea of Job seems to be, that it was proof of great wisdom and skill on the part of man that he had carried the arts of agriculture so far. The earth in producing grain, and the arts of husbandry, were illustrative of wisdom and skill, but they did not impart the wisdom about the government of God which was desired. That was reserved to be imparted more directly by God himself,Job 28:23ff. And under it is turned up as it were fire -That is, on being turned up it discloses precious stones that seem to glow like coals of fire.

Related Verses

More from Job 28

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