Job 37

¹“Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.

²Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.

³He sends it out under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth.

⁴After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn’t hold back anything when his voice is heard.

⁵God thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can’t comprehend.

⁶For he says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.

⁷He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.

⁸Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.

⁹Out of its room comes the storm, and cold out of the north.

¹⁰By the breath of God, ice is given, and the width of the waters is frozen.

¹¹Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.

¹²It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,

¹³whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.

¹⁴“Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

¹⁵Do you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?

¹⁶Do you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?

¹⁷You whose clothing is warm when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?

¹⁸Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?

¹⁹Teach us what we will tell him, for we can’t make our case by reason of darkness.

²⁰Will it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?

²¹Now men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.

²²Out of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.

²³We can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.

²⁴Therefore men revere him. He doesn’t regard any who are wise of heart.”

Previous Job 36

Next Job 38

Elihu concludes his speeches by directing Job's attention to God's awesome power displayed in nature's phenomena—thunder, lightning, storms, snow, and ice. Through vivid descriptions of weather patterns and natural forces, Elihu argues that if humans cannot understand or control these earthly manifestations of divine power, how much less can they comprehend God's ways in matters of justice and suffering. He calls Job to humble reverence before the Almighty, whose perfect knowledge and righteous character place Him beyond human questioning.

Context

This chapter completes Elihu's four-speech intervention before God Himself speaks from the whirlwind in chapters 38-41.

Key Themes

Outline

1-5
God's Voice in Thunder Elihu describes his trembling response to God's thunderous voice that fills the earth
6-13
Divine Control Over Weather God commands all weather phenomena—snow, rain, storms, and ice—for correction, blessing, or judgment
14-18
Job's Ignorance of Natural Mysteries Elihu challenges Job to explain how God controls clouds, lightning, and the very sky itself
19-24
Human Limitations Before Divine Majesty Mortals cannot approach or argue with the Almighty, who deserves reverence for His perfect justice and power

Elihu's Fourth Speech

36:1–37:24

wisdom speech triumphant

In his final speech, Elihu emphasizes God's mighty power and perfect justice, describing how God uses suffering to instruct and discipline. He concludes with a magnificent description of God's power in nature, preparing for God's own appearance and response to Job.

person_contrast

Elihu shifts from his typical focus on divine judgment and righteousness to an unprecedented celebration of God's creative power through weather phenomena, uniquely bridging moral theology with natural theology.