Lexical Summary Ayish or Ash: Ayish, Ash Original Word: עַיִשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Arcturus Or Ash {awsh}; from uwsh; the constellation of the Great Bear (perhaps from its migration through the heavens) -- Arcturus. see HEBREW uwsh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition (a constellation) perhaps Great Bear NASB Translation bear (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַ֫יִשׁ noun feminine a constellation, perhaps Great Bear (compare especially Di) (point perh, עִיֻּשׁ (see Bu and references), compare Syriac  PS2866,  Brock., name of a star); — עַלבָּֿנֶיהָ ׳וְע Job 38:22 = עָשׁ Job 9:9 (both + כִּימָה, כְּסִיל etc.). עַיָּת proper name, of a location see ׳עַ Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrences Ayish appears only in Job 9:9 and Job 38:32. In both places it is rendered “the Bear” in the Berean Standard Bible: Job 9:9 “He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.” Job 38:32 “Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?” Astronomical Identification Ancient Hebrew observers recognized a prominent northern–sky constellation that modern astronomy associates with Ursa Major (the Great Bear) and its satellite asterism, Ursa Minor. The imagery of a mother bear with cubs (“the Bear with its cubs”) captures both the visual impression of a larger group of stars followed by a smaller and the protective, ordered care God exhibits over the cosmos. Context within the Book of Job Job 9:9 appears in Job’s declaration of God’s unsearchable greatness; Job lists vast cosmic features to emphasize human smallness. Job 38:32 forms part of Yahweh’s response, where God questions Job about celestial phenomena to re-establish divine sovereignty. Together, the two mentions frame the debate: human suffering is set against the grandeur and precision of the heavens, which only the Creator commands. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty: Ayish stands as evidence that God alone “tells the number of the stars” (Psalm 147:4). Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, constellations served agricultural calendars and navigation. Yet Scripture never calls for worship of these luminaries (Deuteronomy 4:19) but consistently directs awe back to their Maker. Job, likely set in the patriarchal era, demonstrates that even early post-Flood communities possessed sophisticated astronomical knowledge, already integrated into their theology. Links to Other Biblical Passages • Amos 5:8 mentions “He who made the Pleiades and Orion,” reinforcing the Joban theme. Ministry and Pastoral Applications • Counseling Suffering Hearts: Pointing sufferers to Job 38—God’s mastery over Ayish—builds trust that the One who guides the stars also governs human circumstances. Apologetic and Evangelistic Insights The fixed, traceable motion of the Great Bear contradicts ancient chaos myths and resonates with modern astrophysics. Scripture’s accurate depiction of consistent celestial order supports rational belief in an intelligent Designer and opens doors for gospel conversations with scientifically minded seekers. Summary of Key Insights Ayish, though mentioned only twice, powerfully witnesses to God’s wisdom, sovereignty, and care. It serves as a cosmic signpost directing hearts from the stars to their Creator, calling every generation to humble trust and reverent worship. Forms and Transliterations וְ֝עַ֗יִשׁ ועיש עָ֭שׁ עש ‘āš ash veAyish wə‘ayiš wə·‘a·yišLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 9:9 HEB: עֹֽשֶׂה־ עָ֭שׁ כְּסִ֥יל וְכִימָ֗ה NAS: Who makes the Bear, Orion KJV: Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, INT: makes the Bear Orion and the Pleiades Job 38:32 2 Occurrences |
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