Job37
King James Version · Public Domain
1At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.
2Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
7He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
8Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
9Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
10By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
12And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
13He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
14Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Job 37.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: 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).
vv1-13
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)
vv14-20
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.
vv21-24
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.
Key Words
זֹאת: this (often used adverb)
לֵב: the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything
חָרַד: to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
נָתַר: to jump, i.e. be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie
מִן: properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
מָקוֹם: properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
שָׁמַע: to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
רֹגֶז: commotion, restlessness (of a horse), crash (of thunder), disquiet, anger
קוֹל: a voice or sound
הֶגֶה: a muttering (in sighing, thought, or as thunder)
Cross References
Job 37The connection of God's voice with the roaring of thunder is explicitly paralleled.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The southern region as the source chamber for violent storms and whirlwinds.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels the incomprehensibility of God's greatness and number of his years.
Supported by JFB
The concept of God 'sealing' or stopping active operations of nature and man.
Supported by JFB
The 'chambers of the south' represents the hidden southern constellations or winds.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Both passages poetically describe the miraculous origin of ice and congealing of frost.
Supported by JFB
The gathering storm and thunder prepares the way for God's personal answer.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels the noise of God's tabernacle and the spreadings of the clouds.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Explicit prophetic reference to 'whirlwinds in the south' passing through.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The call to stand still and pleasurefully study the great works of God.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Provides historical background for skies like a hard 'molten looking glass' (bronze mirror).
Supported by JFB
Parallels beasts retreating to their dens and laying down in their places.
Supported by JFB
God using elements of weather both to judge and to provide food.
Supported by JFB
The New Testament observation of the south wind bringing dry, quiet heat.
Supported by JFB
Elihu uses the phrase 'perfect in knowledge' here of God, previously of himself.
Supported by JFB