Job 26:5

First he pays an ironic compliment to the speech just delivered, praising its power and wisdom as if it settled the question in debate. Then, despite all his misery, he sets out the power of God far more fully and more gloriously than they did. He adds the solemn things of the unseen world.

The reply may be divided into seven parts. (1) The futility of Bildad's words (vv. 1-4). (2) God's domain in the depths beneath (vv. 5, 6). (3) His sway in the heavens (v. 7). (4) He rules the clouds and the waters (vv. 8-10). (5) The earth and the sea (vv. 11, 12). (6) His victory in the sky (v. 13). (7) More beyond (v. 14).

Bildad had dwelt on the glories of God displayed in the heavens; Job declares His domain in the depths. It is not "dead things," but rather the "shades," the "things under the earth" (Phil. 2:10). This may refer to the evil spirits and to hellish things. In the manner of the Old Testament, it may also refer to Sheol and its inhabitants. It is folly to think of the abode of the lost as independent of God. Whether it be "the spirits [now] in prison" (1 Peter 3:19), or the bottomless pit, or the lake of fire, God, not Satan, reigns. His will at last must be obeyed. "If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!" (Ps. 139:8).

Job begins with the depths that we cannot see. That is where the giant forms of those who once fought against God have been sent. They are made to tremble now, though the hour of judgment has not yet come. He sees peace in the high places. He also sees the dread of God reaching far beyond the earthly scenes of His rule. Sheol and Abaddon (destruction) stand unveiled before Him. This picture of the world is far nobler and more accurate than anything in the mythology or philosophy of the nations.

He speaks of different spheres where God's greatness is seen. He begins here with those in death and under the water. This is the sphere of "things under the earth" spoken of in Philippians 2:10. They tremble before God. Sheol is the state of souls and spirits separated from their bodies. It is naked before Him, while we ourselves know nothing of those in Sheol. The state of destruction is chaos to us, but it is laid bare before God in its actual condition. He is superior to what is low and infernal.

Now he showed that he entered into God's dominion far more fully and widely than Bildad had admitted… "He hangs the earth on nothing" — a very remarkable anticipation of modern discovery… "Behold, these are but the outskirts of His ways" — they are only the fringes of His ways. "And how small a whisper do we hear of Him!" It is only a whisper that we hear now. "But the thunder of His power" — that is kept for the day of judgment — "who can understand?"