Job 37
Job 37 is part of Elihu’s speech, where he speaks about the majesty and power of God, especially as seen in nature. Elihu is making a case for God’s greatness, pointing out that His ways are beyond human understanding, and Job’s suffering cannot be fully comprehended by human reasoning. This chapter describes God’s control over the weather and natural forces to illustrate His supreme authority.
Job 37:1-5 (NKJV)
1 “At this also my heart trembles,
And leaps from its place.
2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice,
And the rumbling that comes from His mouth.
3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven,
His lightning to the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars;
He thunders with His majestic voice,
And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvelously with His voice;
He does great things which we cannot comprehend.”
Elihu is overwhelmed with awe at God's power, displayed in the thunderstorm. The thunder and lightning are depicted as the voice and power of God that extend across the earth. Elihu emphasizes that God’s greatness is beyond human understanding, using the forces of nature to illustrate His unsearchable majesty and authority.
Job 37:6-8 (NKJV)
6 “For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’;
Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.
7 He seals the hand of every man,
That all men may know His work.
8 The beasts go into dens,
And remain in their lairs.”
Here, Elihu points out how God commands the snow and rain, causing a pause in human activity. During such times, people are forced to recognize God's work in nature. Even animals retreat to their shelters, reflecting the power of God's will in nature that even creatures must submit to.
Job 37:9-13 (NKJV)
9 “From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind,
And cold from the scattering winds of the north.
10 By the breath of God ice is given,
And the broad waters are frozen.
11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds;
He scatters His bright clouds.
12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance,
That they may do whatever He commands them
On the face of the whole earth.
13 He causes it to come,
Whether for correction,
Or for His land,
Or for mercy.”
Elihu describes how different weather patterns are under God's control. Whether it is the whirlwind or the cold winds, all are directed by God. The ice, the rain, and the clouds all move according to His will. Elihu suggests that God uses weather for different purposes—whether to correct, to bless the land, or to show mercy. It emphasizes that God’s purposes in nature are manifold and far beyond human understanding.
Job 37:14-16 (NKJV)
14 “Listen to this, O Job;
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know when God dispatches them,
And causes the light of His cloud to shine?
16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced,
Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?”
Elihu challenges Job to reflect on God's works in nature, asking whether Job understands how God manages them. These rhetorical questions aim to show Job how little he understands about God's governance of the world. Elihu emphasizes God's perfect knowledge, contrasting it with human ignorance.
Job 37:17-18 (NKJV)
17 “Why are your garments hot,
When He quiets the earth by the south wind?
18 With Him, have you spread out the skies,
Strong as a cast metal mirror?”
Elihu continues questioning Job, pointing out that even the heat and calming winds are controlled by God. He refers to the sky as a “cast metal mirror,” suggesting its firmness and vastness, indicating how little control humans have over the natural world in comparison to God's authority.
Job 37:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “Teach us what we should say to Him,
For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness.
20 Should He be told that I wish to speak?
If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up.”
Elihu acknowledges the inadequacy of human wisdom in approaching God. Humans are in "darkness," lacking the understanding or ability to instruct God on anything. Elihu suggests that no one can even presume to speak to God without being overwhelmed by His power and greatness.
Job 37:21-22 (NKJV)
21 “Even now men cannot look at the light
When it is bright in the skies,
When the wind has passed and cleared them.
22 He comes from the north as golden splendor;
With God is awesome majesty.”
Elihu compares God's majesty to the bright light of the sun, which humans cannot look at directly. Just as the brightness of the sun is overwhelming, so is God’s glory. The north, associated with storms or cold, symbolizes God’s approach in power and majesty, beyond human capacity to fully perceive.
Job 37:23-24 (NKJV)
23 “As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him;
He is excellent in power,
In judgment and abundant justice;
He does not oppress.
24 Therefore men fear Him;
He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart.”
Elihu concludes by stating that God is beyond human comprehension. His power, justice, and righteousness are perfect, and unlike human rulers, He does not oppress. This understanding of God's character should lead people to fear Him, recognizing that true wisdom comes from reverence for God's greatness rather than human pride in knowledge.