Job 38:31 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bind, i.e. restrain or hinder them. Canst thou bind or shut up the earth when they open it? The sweet influences; or, the delights; because this constellation by its benign and opening influences brings in the spring, the herbs and flowers, and other delights of the earth. Pleiades, called also the Seven Stars. Of this and the following constellation, see Job 9:9. The bands; by which it binds up the air and earth, by bringing storms of rain or hail, or frost and snow; and withal binds or seals the hands of workmen, as is noted, Job 37:7. Orion: this is another constellation, which riseth in November, and brings in winter. So the sense of the verse is, Thou canst not bind the earth when the one looseth or openeth it, nor loose or open it when the other binds or shutteth it up.