4 Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft, in places untouched by human feet; far from other people they dangle and sway.
Sometimes we think that people long ago just stood around throwing rocks. But here we read about mining. They cut shafts into the ground and would be lowered into the shaft. Except for the equipment, this is just the way we do mining today. They didn’t have explosives, but did all the digging by hand, using picks, shovels and buckets. They would have used oil lamps to enable sight in the depths where sunlight did not reach. What I am showing is that their lives were very similar to ours, except for the technology. Two years ago I had the privilege of traveling to Italy and visiting the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities destroyed in 79AD by volcanic activity of the nearby Mount Vesuvius. What I found absolutely fascinating was the technology that did exist. They had pipes and faucets for their water supply. They had small fast food restaurants, where residents could pick up a quick bite in the middle of the day right along the streets. They had import and export trade. They made furniture, art, theater, pots and pans, just about everything we have today. They also had unexpected deaths and tragic losses, just like us. As Job reflects on his life of suffering, he appeals to the Lord’s knowledge of all of man’s activities, even those hidden in the earth. So when you feel like the Lord is far away, He is still aware of your activities and cared deeply about what you are experiencing. He is present with you, even if you don’t feel His presence.
The Arnold Journey 