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.
He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
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.
He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
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.
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.
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.
Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Job 37 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Job, where Elihu continues his discourse, offering a unique perspective on God's character and dealings with humanity. It serves as a bridge, preparing the way for God's own powerful and direct intervention in the following chapters. Elihu's words in Job 37, filled with observations of nature's forces, emphasize God's awesome power and unfathomable wisdom. While Elihu's arguments aren't without their flaws, his call to consider God's wonders is precisely what Job needs to prepare his heart.
Elihu's Perspective: A Fourth Voice
In the unfolding drama of Job, Elihu emerges as a surprise fourth visitor (Job 32:1-24). He is introduced as a young man burning with indignation, both at Job's self-justification and at the failure of Job's three friends to adequately refute him. Elihu felt compelled to speak, believing wisdom wasn't exclusive to the aged (Job 32:6-10).
Elihu’s anger stemmed from Job’s tendency to justify himself rather than God (Job 32:2). Job, though innocent of the sins he was accused of, had essentially put God on trial by proclaiming his own righteousness and implying divine injustice. Elihu was also frustrated with Job’s friends, who condemned Job without proving their accusations (Job 32:3).
God's Transcendence and Human Understanding
Elihu directly challenges Job, urging him to refute his arguments if he can (Job 33:5). He summarizes Job's position, highlighting the claim of innocence and the perception of God's unjust treatment (Job 33:8-11). However, Elihu counters that God is greater than man (Job 33:12), suggesting that God isn't obligated to explain His actions to humanity. He poses the question: "Why do you take him to court for not answering anything a person asks?" (Job 33:13). Elihu reminds Job of the fundamental relationship between Creator and creature.
Elihu highlights a crucial point: not all suffering is a direct punishment for personal sin. He suggests that suffering can be a form of divine discipline, refining individuals for God's purposes and preventing future evil. This echoes the sentiment found in Hebrews 12:11, which speaks of the "peaceful fruit of righteousness" that comes from disciplined training. Elihu states that a person may be disciplined on his bed with pain (Job 33:19), not as a judgment, but as a means of refinement.
The Righteousness and Impartiality of God
Elihu firmly defends the righteousness of God, declaring, "It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly" (Job 34:10). This assertion is rooted in God's very character. Wickedness is incompatible with His nature. Elihu emphasizes God's impartiality and equitable judgment (Job 34:17-20), asserting that God sees and knows all (Job 34:21-23), and that God doesn't conform to human terms (Job 34:33).
Elihu emphasizes that humanity’s righteousness adds nothing to God, nor does human unrighteousness diminish Him (Job 35:3-7). However, our actions significantly impact others (Job 35:8-9). God gives us "songs in the night" (Job 35:10) and understanding beyond that of animals (Job 35:11).
God's Power Manifest in Creation (Job 36:26-37:24)
Elihu concludes his discourse by turning to the awe-inspiring power of God as displayed in creation (Job 36:26-37:24). He proclaims that God is mighty, yet He despises no one (Job 36:5). He judges the wicked and delivers the afflicted (Job 36:6-15).
Elihu points out that God often rescues the afflicted through their affliction (Job 36:15), returning to the theme of divine discipline. He warns Job against turning to iniquity, suggesting that this is the very reason for his trials (Job 36:21). Whatever God intends to teach through trials is ultimately for our benefit.
Job 37 serves as a powerful crescendo to Elihu's speech. He describes God's voice thundering in the heavens, His lightning flashing across the sky, and His control over the weather (Job 37:2-5). He speaks of God's snow and rain, and His ability to freeze the waters (Job 37:6-10). Elihu challenges Job, asking if he understands how God spreads out the clouds or how He thunders with His voice (Job 37:11-13).
Elihu urges Job to "listen to this and stop; stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14). He continues to describe the mysteries of God's creation, emphasizing the limits of human understanding (Job 37:15-20). The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's unsearchable greatness and power (Job 37:22-24). "God shows himself exalted in power" (Job 37:23). Elihu's questions about God's wonders foreshadow God's own inquiries in Job 38-41.
A Bridge to Divine Revelation
Elihu's words in Job 37 prepare the way for God's direct intervention. While Elihu may have fallen short in fully grasping God's purposes, his emphasis on God's power and sovereignty sets the stage for the divine revelation that follows. His call to "consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14) is a crucial reminder that even in the midst of suffering, we can find awe and wonder in God's creation.
Elihu’s discourse serves as a valuable reminder of God's majesty and our limited understanding. It encourages us to trust in His wisdom, even when we cannot fully comprehend His ways. By pondering God's creation and acknowledging His power, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence, preparing our hearts to receive His grace and truth.
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.
He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
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.
He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
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.
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.
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.
Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Job 37 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Job, where Elihu continues his discourse, offering a unique perspective on God's character and dealings with humanity. It serves as a bridge, preparing the way for God's own powerful and direct intervention in the following chapters. Elihu's words in Job 37, filled with observations of nature's forces, emphasize God's awesome power and unfathomable wisdom. While Elihu's arguments aren't without their flaws, his call to consider God's wonders is precisely what Job needs to prepare his heart.
Elihu's Perspective: A Fourth Voice
In the unfolding drama of Job, Elihu emerges as a surprise fourth visitor (Job 32:1-24). He is introduced as a young man burning with indignation, both at Job's self-justification and at the failure of Job's three friends to adequately refute him. Elihu felt compelled to speak, believing wisdom wasn't exclusive to the aged (Job 32:6-10).
Elihu’s anger stemmed from Job’s tendency to justify himself rather than God (Job 32:2). Job, though innocent of the sins he was accused of, had essentially put God on trial by proclaiming his own righteousness and implying divine injustice. Elihu was also frustrated with Job’s friends, who condemned Job without proving their accusations (Job 32:3).
God's Transcendence and Human Understanding
Elihu directly challenges Job, urging him to refute his arguments if he can (Job 33:5). He summarizes Job's position, highlighting the claim of innocence and the perception of God's unjust treatment (Job 33:8-11). However, Elihu counters that God is greater than man (Job 33:12), suggesting that God isn't obligated to explain His actions to humanity. He poses the question: "Why do you take him to court for not answering anything a person asks?" (Job 33:13). Elihu reminds Job of the fundamental relationship between Creator and creature.
Elihu highlights a crucial point: not all suffering is a direct punishment for personal sin. He suggests that suffering can be a form of divine discipline, refining individuals for God's purposes and preventing future evil. This echoes the sentiment found in Hebrews 12:11, which speaks of the "peaceful fruit of righteousness" that comes from disciplined training. Elihu states that a person may be disciplined on his bed with pain (Job 33:19), not as a judgment, but as a means of refinement.
The Righteousness and Impartiality of God
Elihu firmly defends the righteousness of God, declaring, "It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly" (Job 34:10). This assertion is rooted in God's very character. Wickedness is incompatible with His nature. Elihu emphasizes God's impartiality and equitable judgment (Job 34:17-20), asserting that God sees and knows all (Job 34:21-23), and that God doesn't conform to human terms (Job 34:33).
Elihu emphasizes that humanity’s righteousness adds nothing to God, nor does human unrighteousness diminish Him (Job 35:3-7). However, our actions significantly impact others (Job 35:8-9). God gives us "songs in the night" (Job 35:10) and understanding beyond that of animals (Job 35:11).
God's Power Manifest in Creation (Job 36:26-37:24)
Elihu concludes his discourse by turning to the awe-inspiring power of God as displayed in creation (Job 36:26-37:24). He proclaims that God is mighty, yet He despises no one (Job 36:5). He judges the wicked and delivers the afflicted (Job 36:6-15).
Elihu points out that God often rescues the afflicted through their affliction (Job 36:15), returning to the theme of divine discipline. He warns Job against turning to iniquity, suggesting that this is the very reason for his trials (Job 36:21). Whatever God intends to teach through trials is ultimately for our benefit.
Job 37 serves as a powerful crescendo to Elihu's speech. He describes God's voice thundering in the heavens, His lightning flashing across the sky, and His control over the weather (Job 37:2-5). He speaks of God's snow and rain, and His ability to freeze the waters (Job 37:6-10). Elihu challenges Job, asking if he understands how God spreads out the clouds or how He thunders with His voice (Job 37:11-13).
Elihu urges Job to "listen to this and stop; stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14). He continues to describe the mysteries of God's creation, emphasizing the limits of human understanding (Job 37:15-20). The chapter culminates in a declaration of God's unsearchable greatness and power (Job 37:22-24). "God shows himself exalted in power" (Job 37:23). Elihu's questions about God's wonders foreshadow God's own inquiries in Job 38-41.
A Bridge to Divine Revelation
Elihu's words in Job 37 prepare the way for God's direct intervention. While Elihu may have fallen short in fully grasping God's purposes, his emphasis on God's power and sovereignty sets the stage for the divine revelation that follows. His call to "consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14) is a crucial reminder that even in the midst of suffering, we can find awe and wonder in God's creation.
Elihu’s discourse serves as a valuable reminder of God's majesty and our limited understanding. It encourages us to trust in His wisdom, even when we cannot fully comprehend His ways. By pondering God's creation and acknowledging His power, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence, preparing our hearts to receive His grace and truth.