Job 37
The Address of ElihuIn this section, Elihu reflects on the power and majesty of God as displayed in thunder and lightning. He explains that these natural phenomena are reminders of God’s greatness and should inspire awe and reverence. Elihu uses these examples to encourage Job to consider God’s power and wisdom, which are beyond human understanding. He also suggests that thunder and lightning may have been occurring as he spoke, serving as a dramatic backdrop to his words.v. 1–2: Elihu says, At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth (Job 37:1–2 a). Elihu describes how thunder makes his heart tremble with fear and awe. He calls Job to listen carefully to the sound of God’s voice in the thunder, which reveals His power and majesty (Psalm 29:3–9 b). – v. 3: Elihu explains, He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth . God controls the thunder and lightning, spreading them across the sky and sending them to distant places. This shows His authority over all creation. v. 4: Elihu continues, After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard . The thunder follows the lightning, roaring like the voice of God’s greatness. God does not hold back the thunder but lets it proclaim His power. v. 5: Elihu declares, God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend . Thunder is one example of God’s marvelous works, which are beyond human understanding. It reminds us of His greatness and the limits of our knowledge. God’s Power Seen in Weather and the SeasonsIn this section, Elihu talks about how God controls all types of weather, not just the dramatic thunder and lightning. He reminds us to see God’s hand in everyday things like rain, snow, wind, frost, and clouds. Elihu teaches that God uses the weather for His own wise purposes, sometimes to stop our work and make us think about Him, sometimes to care for the earth, and sometimes to teach or correct people.v. 6: Elihu says, For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength . God commands the snow and rain, sending them exactly as He wishes, whether gentle or heavy. v. 7: He continues, He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work . When the weather is harsh, people must stop their work and stay inside. This is a time for everyone to think about God’s power and greatness. v. 8: Elihu says, Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places . Animals also hide from bad weather, following the instinct that God has given them. They seek safety just as people do. v. 9: He explains, Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north . God sends winds from different directions—sometimes warm, sometimes cold—each serving His purpose. v. 10: Elihu observes, By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened . God’s power brings frost and freezes the water, showing His control over even the smallest details of creation. v. 11: He adds, Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud . God fills the heavy clouds with rain and makes them pour out water until they are empty. He also scatters the light clouds across the sky. v. 12: Elihu says, And 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 . God directs the clouds and weather to do exactly what He wants, everywhere on earth. v. 13: He concludes, He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy . God uses the weather for different reasons: sometimes to correct people, sometimes to bless the land, and sometimes as a sign of His mercy. The same rain can be a blessing or a warning, depending on His purpose. Elihu Urges Job to Consider God’s Wonders and His Own LimitsIn this section, Elihu asks Job to stop and think deeply about the amazing works of God. He reminds Job that no one can fully understand how God controls nature or the world. Elihu’s message is that God’s wisdom is far greater than ours, and this should teach us to be humble and trust Him, even when we do not understand everything.v. 14: Elihu says, Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God . He asks Job to pause, listen, and carefully think about all the amazing things God has done. v. 15–17: Elihu asks, Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?... Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds?... How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? (Job 37:15–17 c). Elihu points out that Job cannot explain how God controls the weather, brings warmth after cold, or balances the clouds. God’s knowledge is perfect, but human understanding is very limited. Even the smartest people do not really understand how nature works. – – v. 18: Elihu continues, Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? . He reminds Job that only God created the sky and made it beautiful and strong. Job was not there and did not help God in this work (Genesis 1:6–8; Psalm 19:1 d). v. 19–20: Elihu says, Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. Shall it be told him that I speak?... if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up (Job 37:19–20 e). He admits that no one can speak to God as an equal, because people know so little and God knows everything. Elihu is humble, recognizing that even when we try to speak well about God, our words are never enough and we need to be very careful and respectful. – Elihu’s Closing Words: The Greatness and Majesty of GodIn this final part of his speech, Elihu reminds Job and the listeners of God’s awesome glory and power. He uses the image of clouds and light to show that God sometimes hides Himself in ways people cannot understand. Elihu says God is always just and wise, and people must respect and fear Him. As God is about to speak, Elihu quickly sums up his thoughts, encouraging everyone to have a humble attitude before the Almighty.v. 21–22: Elihu says, And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty (Job 37:21–22 f). Sometimes God’s glory is hidden by clouds, just like the sun can be covered. But soon, the wind clears the sky, and light returns. In the same way, God’s majesty is great and should fill us with awe and respect (Psalm 97:2 g). – v. 23: Elihu declares, Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict . People can never fully understand God. He is all-powerful, completely wise, and perfectly just. God does not enjoy bringing pain; He always acts with justice and goodness. v. 24: Elihu ends, Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart (Job 37:24 h). Because God is so great and just, people should fear and respect Him. God does not favor those who are proud or think they are wise. Instead, He wants people to be humble and trust in His wisdom (Psalm 130:4 i).
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