Job 37
Job 37 is part of “Elihu's Speeches” (32–37) in the outline of Job.
Job 37 summary
Elihu here goes on to extol the wonderful power of God in the meteors and all the changes of the weather: if, in those changes, we submit to the will of God, take the weather as it is and make the best of it, why should we not do so in other changes of our condition? Here he observes the hand of God, I. In the thunder and lightning (Job 37:1-5). II.
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Elihu here goes on to extol the wonderful power of God in the meteors and all the changes of the weather: if, in those changes, we submit to the will of God, take the weather as it is and make the best of it, why should we not do so in other changes of our condition? Here he observes the hand of God, I. In the thunder and lightning (Job 37:1-5). II. In the frost and snow, the rains and wind (Job 37:6-13). III. He applies it to Job, and challenges him to solve the phenomena of these works of nature, that confessing his ignorance in them, he might own himself an incompetent judge in the proceedings of divine Providence, (Job 37:14-22). And then, IV. Concludes with his principle, which he undertook to make out, That God is great and greatly to be feared (Job 37:23, Job 37:24).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Job 37 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Elihu Continues: God's Mighty Works in Nature
1Yea, at this my heart trembleth, And is moved out of its place. 2Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, And the sound that goeth out of his mouth. 3He sendeth it forth 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 majesty; And he restraineth not [the lightnings] 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, Fall thou on the earth; Likewise to the shower of rain, And to the showers of his mighty rain. 7He sealeth up the hand of every man, That all men whom he hath made may know [it]. 8Then the beasts go into coverts, And remain in their dens. 9Out of the chamber [of the south] cometh the storm, And cold out of the north. 10By the breath of God ice is given; And the breadth of the waters is straitened. 11Yea, he ladeth the thick cloud with moisture; He spreadeth abroad the cloud of his lightning: 12And it is turned round about by his guidance, That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them Upon the face of the habitable world, 13Whether it be for correction, or for his land, Or for lovingkindness, that he cause it to come. 14Hearken unto this, O Job: Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 15Dost thou know how God layeth [his charge] upon them, And causeth the lightning of his cloud to shine? 16Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge? 17How thy garments are warm, When the earth is still by reason of the south [wind]? 18Canst thou with him spread out the sky, Which is strong as a molten mirror? 19Teach us what we shall say unto him; [For] we cannot set [our speech] in order by reason of darkness. 20Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up? 21And now men see not the light which is bright in the skies; But the wind passeth, and cleareth them. 22Out of the north cometh golden splendor: God hath upon him terrible majesty. 23[Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out: He is excellent in power; And in justice and plenteous righteousness he will not afflict. 24Men do therefore fear him: He regardeth not any that are wise of heart.