The Church Fathers on this verse

Job 5:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Who giveth rain upon the face of the earth, and watereth all things with waters:

Douay-Rheims

הַנֹּתֵ֣ן מָ֭טָר עַל־פְּנֵי־אָ֑רֶץ וְשֹׁ֥לֵֽחַ מַ֝יִם עַל־פְּנֵ֥י חוּצֽוֹת׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Didymus the Blind

4th centuryTeacher of the Church

He acknowledges God as the Sustainer and Maker of all creation. It is quite possible that he possesses such insights. He perceives both the seen and the unseen, referring to the unfathomable, the majestic, and the elements of nature, asserting that if God disperses the rainwater, it will nourish springs, rivers, and streams. These concepts are clearly articulated in other parts of Scripture, notably by Paul, who states, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" (Colossians 1:16). Additionally, one should reflect on the experience of St. Job, who, in his fear, marveled at the works of divine Providence. It must be understood that his numerous utterances were those of a human being, for God is aware of all.

Read more (80 words)

Thus, it is not surprising that Solomon also declares, "I applied my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things" (Ecclesiastes 7:17-18). The countless elements of nature are not beyond God's understanding, as it is written, "He determines the number of the stars" (Psalm 147:4), and "Even the hairs of your head are all numbered" (Luke 12:7). This understanding is granted for the benefit of the righteous, as is noted regarding Solomon.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job's attempts to seek help from those who are powerful or virtuous are futile; affliction relentlessly follows the wicked. Even if they enjoy brief moments of success, they swiftly meet their end along with their families. From the moment of birth, every person is destined to face trials. However, prayer to the Almighty and Righteous Lord rescues those who revere Him, while the unrighteous are cast down. The tribulations experienced by the righteous should be embraced with joy, as they signify a promise of future blessing. This is the wisdom that experience offers, Eliphaz concludes, and it is based on these insights that Job ought to reflect on his existence.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.