Jó 28
Julian of Eclanum · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Jó 28:7-8
Even though they sail in the air and reach paths close to heaven, they cannot approach those through which knowledge is attained. "That path no bird knows." The context of the exposition seems to demand that effects and duties follow the knowledge that he has set out to describe and that he assigns parts of it, so that people, with its guidance, may reach in the hope of their search those places that had previously been far removed from the access of mortals. And, according to his custom, he exaggeratedly says huge deserts are reached by people that are far removed from birds and other beasts while they are trodden by human foot. "The sons of the merchants have not trodden it." While he sets out to show that people penetrate the deserts, how can he now deny that wildernesses are trodden by the feet of merchants? Therefore, it seems that here he has shown the scarceness of the travelers and has denied the frequency of the merchants. "The lioness has not passed over it." No bird or reptile or quadruped ever knew those things that reason, the examiner and researcher of hidden things, has found. — EXPOSITION ON THE BOOK OF JOB 28:7-8
Jó 28:10-11
"And his eye has seen every precious thing." That is, not only those things that were useful but also those that were convenient as an ornament, such as clothes from wool, fabrics for the rich from the threads of the Persian worms, wine from some creeping plants, ointments and other remedies from herbs. "The sources of the rivers he has probed," while his curious hand explored the stones covered by the waters. "Hidden things he has brought to light"; his reason spread the news about the previously unknown usefulness of things. In fact, since before humankind the elements subsisted alone, after he was created, he understood what usefulness could be gained from each of them with the guidance of his reason, which lands were suitable for sowing, which for plantations that benefit could be obtained from a particular plant, which wood was useful to build ships that was suitable for buildings. — EXPOSITION ON THE BOOK OF JOB 28:10-11
Jó 28:18-19
"The highest and loftier things are not worthy of mention in comparison with it." He shows that not only amassed riches but also the heights of honors and the highest peaks of official dignity become worthless in comparison with it. "Wisdom is drawn from what is hidden." Since he had depreciated all the things that delight the eyes, or entice the other senses or deceive the minds, in comparison with the honor of wisdom, he also avenges [wisdom] from that offense, in order that it may not appear to be open to everybody, that is, it may not be accused of dwelling in the desires and the actions of the crowd. — EXPOSITION ON THE BOOK OF JOB 28:18