Job 37
Job 37 is the final speech of Elihu, and it ends with passages that prompt reflection on how God rules over nature. In the beginning of this chapter (verses 1–13), various natural phenomena—such as thunder, lightning, snow, rain, and frost—are used to emphasize God’s greatness and mystery. Then in the latter part (verses 14–24), Elihu confesses that human understanding and ability have limits, and he encourages people to stand humbly before God. Overall, Elihu makes us look beyond human reasoning and position, toward God’s work—shown through God’s sovereignty and power revealed in nature.
1verse“Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
2verseHear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.
3verseHe sends it out under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth.
4verseAfter it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn’t hold back anything when his voice is heard.
5verseGod thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can’t comprehend.
6verseFor he says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.
7verseHe seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
8verseThen the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.
9verseOut of its room comes the storm, and cold out of the north.
10verseBy the breath of God, ice is given, and the width of the waters is frozen.
11verseYes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
12verseIt is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
13versewhether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
14verse“Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15verseDo you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16verseDo you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
17verseYou whose clothing is warm when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
18verseCan you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
19verseTeach us what we will tell him, for we can’t make our case by reason of darkness.
20verseWill it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
21verseNow men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
22verseOut of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.
23verseWe can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
24verseTherefore men revere him. He doesn’t regard any who are wise of heart.”
Key Message
- God’s power and wisdom: Elihu describes great and astonishing phenomena such as storms and rain, emphasizing that everything moves according to God’s command and plan.
- Human limitations: He reveals that humans cannot fully even understand the laws of nature, implying that they cannot fully comprehend the Creator God.
- An attitude of humility: He urges us to lower ourselves humbly in the presence of God’s greatness and not to judge too easily.
Points to Reflect On
- In nature, what aspect of God do you feel?
- Are you willing to acknowledge that even in matters you still cannot fully understand, God’s will may be present?
- In the face of God’s greatness, what is your attitude?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When we cannot know all the laws of the world, let’s have faith to trust God’s mystery and sovereignty beyond our knowledge or experience.
- As you encounter various natural phenomena in everyday life, take time to reflect on the great God and to look back on yourself with humility.
