Study Desk

Do not long for the nightwhen nations will disappear from their places.

Be careful that you do not turn to iniquity,for that is why you have been tested by affliction.

Who has appointed his way for him,and who has declared, “You have done wrong”?

For he makes waterdrops evaporate;they distill the rain into its mist,

For he judges the nations with these;he gives food in abundance.

For he says to the snow, “Fall to the earth,”and the torrential rains, his mighty torrential rains,

He causes this to happen for punishment,for his land, or for his faithful love.

while the morning stars sang togetherand all the sons of God shouted for joy?

which I hold in reserve for times of trouble,for the day of warfare and battle?

Who cuts a channel for the flooding rainor clears the way for lightning,

Can you hunt prey for a lionessor satisfy the appetite of young lions

Who provides the raven’s foodwhen its young cry out to Godand wander about for lack of food?

It roams the mountains for its pastureland,searching for anything green.

For God has deprived her of wisdom;he has not endowed her with understanding.

From there it searches for prey;its eyes penetrate the distance.

The hills yield food for him,while all sorts of wild animals play there.

Will he beg you for mercyor speak softly to you?

Can you play with him like a birdor put him on a leash for your girls?

Will traders bargain for himor divide him among the merchants?

You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand,things too wondrous for me to know.