Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Job 12:10

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

In Whose Hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh of man. For by the 'Hand' Power is denoted. Thus 'the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind,' is in the Power of Him, from Whom it has its being, that He Himself should appoint in what condition it should be, Who vouchsafed that to be, which was not. But by 'the soul of every living thing' may be denoted the life of beasts. …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book XI ↗

Thomas Aquinas

If, however, creatures of this sort were made by God, it is evident that they are in the power of God as artifacts in the power of the artisan, and so he adds, "In whose hand," in whose power "lies the soul of every living thing," not only of other animals, "and even the spirit of all human flesh." If, then, they are in his power, it is clear that no one can have them, except from him, as Daniel says, "The Most High rules in all the kingdoms of men, and he will give to each one what he will." (4:14) So it is evident that no man can …

Commentary on Job ↗