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Whatever time period Job was written, it’s clear that the author was familiar with mining expeditions. The mining of silver, gold, iron, and copper were vital for the success of civilized nations. Historically, many expeditions were organized by the Egyptians to dangerous and remote locations such as the Sinai Peninsula where survival was nearly impossible.
The quest for these fine metals claimed many lives. In fact, most expeditions consisted of miners made up of slaves or conscripted gangs. It was an extremely dangerous job, but through perseverance, determination, and ingenuity, mankind carved out paths in the earth’s structure to find these hidden treasures. Job takes the analogy of uncovering precious metals and applies it to uncovering wisdom.
But where can wisdom be found, and where is understanding located? 13 No man can know its value, since it cannot be found in the land of the living.
Job 28:12-13 HCSB
The writing shifts from the physical world to the spiritual world. True wisdom cannot be searched out and dug up from the earth. There is no amount of strength or force that we can muster up in order to discover wisdom on our own.
But God understands the way to wisdom, and He knows its location.
Job 28:23 HCSB
We stand staring at God’s heavenly mansion of wisdom, but the enormous entry gate is locked shut. We can’t get in unless He allows entry. Furthermore, we aren’t permitted inside most rooms. We look at the depth of the mansion and it seems to go on forever. Our desire is to rush into the house running from room to room in exploration just as we do here on earth. Just like a mining expedition, we want to be free to roam and explore so we can know and understand everything that God knows.
But that’s simply not reality.
I confess that I am an analyzer. I want to figure things out. I want for God to explain things right now! Godly wisdom is not found through natural or theoretical knowledge. It only comes from a fear of the Lord. The only way to know anything is to know everything (which we can’t), or, have a revelation from someone who does. That someone is God, and in His power, He reveals as He pleases. If we have a genuine relationship with this God, we will come to gain His knowledge as He allows.
I’ve come to learn that I’m on a need-to-know basis with God, and there is peace to be found in that truth alone. It all comes down to whether or not we trust Him.