Job 38:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But could they have been created on the second day? This is impossible; for it was then that the firmament known as heaven was established between the lower and higher waters, upon which the stars were created on the fourth day.

Consequently, if angels are part of God's creations that occurred during those days, they are surely the light referred to as day. This day is unique and is not designated as "day one," but rather simply "day," emphasizing its singularity. It is neither the second, nor the third, nor any other day—rather, it is a repeated day, relevant for the fulfillment of both the sixfold and sevenfold count, which pertains to the knowledge of creation and divine rest. When God proclaimed, "Let there be light, and there was light," if this light appropriately signifies the creation of angels, then they indeed became participants in the eternal Light which embodies the unchangeable Wisdom of God, the Creator of all, known to us as the only-begotten Son of God. Thus, illuminated by this Light through which they were created, they became light themselves and were called day, partaking in the unalterable Light and Day, which is the Word of God, through which they too were brought into existence.

For that "true Light, which enlightens every man coming into the world" (John 1:9), also illuminates every pure angel; hence, an angel is light not of himself, but in God. Conversely, should an angel turn away from Him, he becomes impure, akin to those referred to as unclean spirits, who have ceased to be light in the Lord, enveloped in darkness due to their severance from the eternal Light. Evil is not a substance; rather, it is the absence of good that has been designated as evil.

They rejoice as they align their celebratory expressions with our redemption, for their joy is furthered by witnessing our own praise, expanding their heavenly assembly.

The angels receive the title ‘morning stars’ in part because they are often sent to encourage humanity. As they declare the promise of a new dawn, they guide hearts out of the shadows of temporal existence. Indeed, the angels exalt the Divine Power, drawn to the brilliance of His glory. Yet, as redeemed beings still encumbered by mortal limitations, how do we convey praise for the blessings we embrace? How can our limited tongues express that which transcends understanding? For it is written, "And all the sons of God rejoice for joy" (Job 38:7). Rejoicing captures a joy within the heart that cannot be entirely articulated; it is a joyful state that transcends mere verbal expression.

Let the angels proffer their praise in this exalted realm of divine brightness, and let humanity, still enduring trials below, find a measure of joy despite their limitations in expression. The Lord, fully aware of the unfolding of these events, speaks not of future occurrences but as if they have already come to pass. How is it that the righteous rejoice in their salvation while envy stirs within the unrepentant? As the chosen flourish, those lost in their own fury and bitterness pursue them, failing to emulate their virtue yet boiling with jealousy. Yet, the Redeemer does not abandon us even amid tribulation. Scripture assures us, "But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Our Creator knows the right moment to let the trials of temptation arise and when to curb them. He understands how to mitigate them for our protection and growth; He converts our afflictions into opportunities for endurance, ensuring that the storms we face do not overwhelm us. The moral teachings within the works of St. Gregory of Dvoeslov offer insights, particularly in interpreting the first eleven verses of Job's thirty-eighth chapter, which can be understood in multiple dimensions, especially morally.

By illustrating the challenge of grasping simple truths within the physical realm, He aimed to highlight the far greater difficulty of answering moral quandaries (38:1-3).

Initially, God questioned Job regarding the origins and primordial state of the earth, implying that if Job could not fathom this fundamental matter, it underscored the limitations inherent in human comprehension and the vast unknowns of the universe (4-6). In contrast, God fashioned the earth with effortless grace, akin to a builder constructing a commonplace structure—yet the act of creation was so magnificent and awe-inspiring that the heavenly beings erupted in praise (7). Similarly, the Creator’s power and wisdom are evident in confining the oceans (8-11) and delineating light from darkness (12-15). However, the depths of these oceans and the boundaries of light and darkness are not beyond human sight (16-20). The most familiar earthly phenomena—snow, hail, rain, and frost—are beyond human control (21-30), and even less can human agency influence the movements of the stars and the variations in weather (31-38).

Shifting to the wondrous aspects of the world, so subtly intertwined with human existence, the Lord highlights the remarkable instincts found in animals. He reminds Job that it is through His providential care that the fierce predators and soaring birds are provided sustenance (39-41).