The Book of Job

And Job answers and says:

“How you have helped the powerless, || Saved an arm not strong!

How you have given counsel to the unwise, || And made known wise plans in abundance.

With whom have you declared words? And whose breath came forth from you?

The Rephaim are formed, || Also their inhabitants beneath the waters.

Sheol [is] naked before Him, || And there is no covering to destruction.

Stretching out the north over desolation, || Hanging the earth on nothing,

Binding up the waters in His thick clouds, || And the cloud is not burst under them.

Taking hold of the face of the throne, || Spreading His cloud over it.

He has placed a limit on the waters, || To the boundary of light with darkness.

Pillars of the heavens tremble, || And they wonder because of His rebuke.

By His power He has quieted the sea, || And by His understanding struck the proud.

He beautified the heavens by His Spirit, || His hand has formed the fleeing serpent.

Behold, these [are] the borders of His way, and how little a matter is heard of Him, and who understands the thunder of His might?”

Then Job answered,

“How have you helped him who is without power! How have you saved the arm that has no strength!

How have you counseled him who has no wisdom, and plentifully declared sound knowledge!

To whom have you uttered words? Whose spirit came out of you?

“The departed spirits tremble, those beneath the waters and all that live in them.

Sheol

(a)

is naked before God, and Abaddon(b) has no covering.

He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth on nothing.

He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not burst under them.

He encloses the face of his throne, and spreads his cloud on it.

He has described a boundary on the surface of the waters, and to the confines of light and darkness.

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke.

He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab.

By his Spirit the heavens are garnished. His hand has pierced the swift serpent.

Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways. How small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”

(a)26:6 Sheol is the place of the dead.

(b)26:6 Abaddon means Destroyer.