Job Chapter 37
1 "Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
2 Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.
3 He sends it out under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn't hold back anything when his voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvellously with his voice. He does great things, which we can't comprehend.
6 For he says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.
7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
8 Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.
9 Out of its room comes the storm, and cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God, ice is given, and the width of the waters is frozen.
11 Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
12 It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
13 Whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
14 "Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16 Do you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 You whose clothing is warm, when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
18 Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
19 Teach us what we will tell him, for we can't make our case by reason of darkness.
20 Will it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
21 Now men don't see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
22 Out of the north comes golden splendour. With God is awesome majesty.
23 We can't reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
24 Therefore men revere him. He doesn't regard any who are wise of heart."
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Job Chapter 37 Guide
The description of the storm commenced in the previous chapter and is here completed. There is first the drawing up of the water into the clouds, their spreading over the sky, the strange mutterings of the thunder. Then the flash of light, the darkness which follows, again lightning that strikes the mark, and the cattle are seen to be conscious of the storm. Gradually its violence increases, the thunder is louder, and the lightning more vivid. It is a strange mixture in which the south wind and the north are in conflict, and intermixed with rain is ice. The purpose of the storm may be for correction, for the land, or for mercy.
Elihu appealed to Job to hear it, to consider it, to ask himself if he really knew God. Even in the midst of the storm there is a light which men see not, a golden splendour which is the majesty of God.
Elihu was attempting to use the storm to tell Job of his inability to know God, and, therefore, of the folly of his speech against God. It was a great theme, but Elihu was not equal to it, and was interrupted by the voice of the Most High.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Job Chapter 37 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Elihu observes the power of God. -- (1-13)
- Job required to explain the works of nature. -- (14-20)
- God is great, and is to be feared. -- (21-24)
Verses 1-13
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We must notice the glory of God, not only in the thunder and lightning, but in the more common and less awful changes of the weather; as the snow and rain. Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and shall man only be unprovided with a refuge? Oh that men would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come; and invites them to accept his salvation, and to be happy. The ill opinion which men entertain of the Divine direction, peculiarly appears in their murmurs about the weather, though the whole result of the year proves the folly of their complaints. Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many bad by our sins. (Job 37:14-20)
Verses 14-20
Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. As God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so he has a thawing, composing south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because he both convinces and comforts, So 4:16. The best of men are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing, in comparison with what is to be known, and of what will be known, when that which is perfect is come.
Verses 21-24
Elihu concludes his discourse with some great sayings concerning the glory of God. Light always is, but is not always to be seen. When clouds come between, the sun is darkened in the clear day. The light of God's favour shines ever towards his faithful servants, though it be not always seen. Sins are clouds, and often hinder us from seeing that bright light which is in the face of God. Also, as to those thick clouds of sorrow which often darken our minds, the Lord hath a wind which passes and clears them away. What is that wind? It is his Holy Spirit. As the wind dispels and sweeps away the clouds which are gathered in the air, so the Spirit of God clears our souls from the clouds and fogs of ignorance and unbelief, of sin and lust. From all these clouds the Holy Spirit of God frees us in the work of regeneration. And from all the clouds which trouble our consciences, the Holy Spirit sets us free in the work of consolation. Now that God is about to speak, Elihu delivers a few words, as the sum of all his discourse. With God is terrible majesty. Sooner or later all men shall fear him.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.