When [there were] no depths, I was brought forth; when [there were] no fountains abounding with water.
Ver. 24. When there were no depths.] In mentioning God's works of creation, some observe here, that wisdom proceeds from the lower elements to the superior and heavenly bodies: she begins with the earth, Pro 8:23 goes on here to the waters, and so to the air, called streets, rendered "fields," Pro 8:26 that is, the vast element of the air; which compared with the far less elements of earth and water, must needs seem exceedingly large, spacious, and open, as streets, or fields. Lastly, by "the highest part of the dust of the world," the Hebrew doctors understand the element of fire. Iudicium sit penes lectorem: let the reader judge.