Job 28:9

"The proud animals have not trodden it, nor has the fierce lion passed by there."

Key Reflection

In Job 28:9, the text describes a place so precious and rare that even the most fierce and powerful creatures—those often associated with danger and wildness like "the proud animals" and "the fierce lion"—have not ventured there. This imagery highlights the exceptional value of this location, suggesting it is beyond what natural forces or beasts can typically access. Such a setting evokes a sense of divine protection and rarity, emphasizing the unique quality of wisdom or treasure being discussed in this passage.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

He putteth forth his hand -That is, the miner in securing the precious metals and gems. Upon the rock -Margin, “flint.” The word used here (חלמישׁchallâmı̂ysh) occurs also inPsalms 104:8.Deuteronomy 8:15;Deuteronomy 32:13. It means “flint, silex;” and the idea is, that the miner approaches the hardest substances. He penetrates even the flint in searching for precious stones. Dr. Good renders it, “Sparry ore.” Michaelis renders the same word inDeuteronomy 7:15, porphyry, or red granite. The idea is that nothing, however difficult, not even cutting down the hardest rocks, deters the miner from pursuing his work.

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