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The Arts & Sciences in the Time of Job.
A. Astronomy
Its origins can be found in Chaldea. The
shepherds were able to observe the night sky as they tended their flocks. This
activity led them to name the stars that they were observing. The observation
gave knowledge that allowed them to move their flocks around when it became
necessary. The references in Job show chiefly that names were given to some of
the stars. (Job 9:7) The times of their appearances had been carefully
observed and their relationship to the weather was noted. Job 38:31-33
talk about the movement of the stars. From these references we know that those
of Job's day relied upon the stars for many things in their lives.
B. Cosmology
This is the study of the earth. From Job 26:7 we learn that they believe
that the earth was suspended in space. Job 9:6 and Job 26:11 supports
the ancient belief that the mountains upheld the sky. Their knowledge is
limited to their ability of observe. They did not have at their disposal the
great telescopes of our day.
C. Geography
Job 21:29 refers to foreign travel. This points to the knowledge of
countries beyond the Palestine
area. No specific country is mentioned but we know that they knew of them.
Reference of certain animals points to the knowledge of other countries. In Job
23:8,9 we learn that the people were aware of East, South, North and West. Job
26:10 speaks of the horizon as the separator of the light from the
darkness. Job 38:18 points to the fact that the people were aware that
they did not know the limits of the earth. They were not acquainted with the
whole of the earth.
D. Meteorology
1. Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights are mentioned in Job 37:21-23.
They were called the seal of God.
2. Tornadoes, whirlwinds, and tempests - Job 36:32-33; Job 37:1-4; Job27:
20-21.
3. The Dew- It is spoken of but it is not understood. Job 38:28
4. Hoar Frost, Snow, Hail, and Ice - Job 38:29; Job 37:6,10; Job 38:22-23,
These are known through observation. There is no evidence that they were able
to explain their existence.
5. The Dawn - Job 38:12-14, beyond the power of man.
6. Phenomena of Light - Job 38:19-20, They knew of the existence but
were not able to explain.
7. Clouds and Rain - Job 38:37, Clouds are explained as a solid
substance capable of holding rain like a leather bottle. Rain was caused by
empting of this bottle. Considered beyond Man's comprehension. Job 36:29
questions the spreading of the clouds. Job 36:27-28 gives a fairly good
explanation of the cycle of rain. Job 26:8 talks about the ability of
the clouds to hold rain.
8. The Sea - Job 38:8-11, This portion refers to creation but also is
asking if man knows why the sea is as it is.
E. Mining Operations
- Job 28 contains a statement of the mining practices at the time. This chapter
shows the art was well understood and is evidence of considerable advancement.
Mining attracted early attention for the art of working metal was understood
early. (Genesis 4:22)
F. Precious Stones -
Precious stones are mention frequently. They were judged more by appearance
than chemical knowledge.
1. Onyx - Sapphire - mentioned in Job 28:16
2. Coral - Crystal
- Rubies - Mentioned in Job 28:18
3. Topaz from Ethiopia or Cush -
mentioned in Job 28:19, found as the result of mining.
G. Coining, Writing, and Engraving -
There is some evidence but depends upon the rendering of the words "a
piece of money" found in Job 42:11. The art of writing was well
known. (Job 19:23-24; Job 31:35-36)
H. Medical Arts -
Physicians are mentioned once in the book of Job. (Job 13:4) No
indication of methods or remedies. There certainly were no methods used to cure
Job. At this time we learn that the only cures were those that were external.
I. Music -
Music is mentioned but the exact instruments are not easily determined. Job
21:12; Job 30:31. We know from Genesis 4:21 that music was
cultivated long before the time of Job.
J. Hunting -
Job 28:7-10. We learn that hunting was a group activity. They used the
method of surround and conquer. Job 28:11 tells of the use of loud noise
and dogs. Job 28:12-13 tells of the use of nets.
K. Methods of Husbandry -
Husbandry was the chief employment of the times. Job 1; 3; 16; 42:12; 22:17;
29:6. We find that plowing is mentioned in Job 1:14; 31:38-40.
Cultivation of the vine, the olive tree, and the pressing of both are mentioned
in Job 15:33; 24:6,11. The implements that were used would have been of
the rudest sense.
L. Modes of travel -
1. Travel by Caravans or companies.
The purpose was for self-defense from robbers and danger. Another purpose was
the mutual accommodations. Job 4:15-20
2. By runners or carriers -
When the need for extraordinary speed was needed. Job 9:25
3. Making of light boats.
Job 9:26
M. Military Arts -
There is a frequent allusion to weapons of war and to modes of attack and
defense. War was not unknown. Types of weapons are mentioned, the poisoned
arrow - Job 6:4 and the shield - Job 15:26. The method of attack
is mentioned in Job 16:12-14. The type of metal used in the weapon is
mentioned in Job 20:24. The strategy is mentioned in Job 19:12.
And the warhorse is mentioned in Job 39:19.
N. Zoology -
1. Insects - The spider and the moth in Job 4:18-19; 27:18
2. Reptiles - The asp and the viper in Job 20:16
3. Birds - The fowl of the air. The information was from careful observation.
a. Vulture - Job 28:7
b. Raven - J0b 38:41
c. The Stork
d. The Ostrich - Job 39:13-18
e. The Eagle
f. The Hawk - Job 29:26-30
4. Animals - Some descriptions are more detailed than others.
a. Camel, sheep, oxen, and she-ass - Job 1; 3; 42:12
b. Lion - Job 4:10-11
c. Wild ass - Job 4:5; 39:5-8
d. Dog - Job 30:1
e. Jackal - 30:29
f. Mountain Goat, the hind - Job 39:1-4
g. The Unicorn - 39:9-12
h. The Hippo, the crocodile - 40:15-24,41
i. Their natural habitats are described.
The book is a good study of the state of affairs of the early age of mankind.
This story takes place in the part of the world with the greatest advance at
the time. The above information gives understanding to the thinking of the main
characters of the story and allows the reader to follow the thinking of those
involved.
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