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Introduction:
Job 37 is the final speech of Elihu before God Himself speaks in Job 38. In this chapter, Elihu reflects on the majesty, power, and mystery of God, particularly seen through the natural world—especially thunder, lightning, snow, and storms. His main point is: God is far beyond our understanding, and we should humble ourselves before Him rather than question His ways.
🔹Verses 1–5: The Voice of God in the Storm
1 “At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place.
2 Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
3 Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth.
4 After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice, and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard.
5 God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.”
Explanation:
Elihu is in awe of God’s power, shown through thunder and lightning. He describes God’s voice as thunder—loud, majestic, and fearsome. He reminds us that God acts in ways we cannot fully understand.
Takeaway:
When we feel small or uncertain, we can look to creation and remember how big and mighty our God is. He is always in control.
🔹Verses 6–13: God’s Sovereignty Over Nature
6 For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.
7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he made may know it.
8 Then the beasts go into their lairs, and remain in their dens.
9 From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds.
10 By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast.
11 He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightning.
12 They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the habitable world.
13 Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.
Explanation:
Elihu emphasizes that every element of nature—snow, rain, wind, ice—is under God’s command. Even storms may serve God’s purposes: to correct, bless, or express His love.
Takeaway:
God uses nature not just as a display of power but also to work out His purposes in the world. Nothing happens randomly.
🔹Verses 14–18: A Call to Consider God’s Wonders
14 “Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16 Do you know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge,
17 you whose garments are hot when the earth is still because of the south wind?
18 Can you, like him, spread out the skies, hard as a cast metal mirror?”
Explanation:
Elihu challenges Job directly to reflect on God’s works in creation. He asks rhetorical questions to show how limited human understanding is compared to God’s infinite wisdom.
Takeaway:
Humility is key. When we can’t figure things out, it’s okay. God’s wisdom far surpasses our own.
🔹Verses 19–24: Final Words – Let Us Fear God
19 “Teach us what we shall say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of darkness.
20 Shall it be told him that I would speak? Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up?
21 “And now no one looks on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them.
22 Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty.
23 The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
24 Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.”
Explanation:
Elihu ends by urging humility. He acknowledges that we are too limited to argue with or fully understand God. We must honor Him, not pretend we know better.
Takeaway:
Don’t rely on human wisdom. Reverence and trust in God is the only proper response to His greatness.
💡Overall Lessons from Job 37
God’s power is displayed in nature.
We may not understand His ways, but they are always right.
Our response should be humility, awe, and trust.
God uses both calm and chaos to fulfill His purposes.