The thunder declares His presence; even the cattle regard the rising storm. The thunderIn the Hebrew text, the word for "thunder" is "ra'am," which signifies a loud, resounding noise. Thunder in the Bible often symbolizes the voice of God, His power, and His majesty. In the context of Job, thunder serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His control over creation. It is a natural phenomenon that humans cannot control, illustrating God's sovereignty. Historically, thunder has been perceived as a divine communication, a way for God to express His presence and authority. declares
The Hebrew word used here is "nagad," which means to make known, announce, or proclaim. This verb suggests an active communication from God to humanity. In the conservative Christian perspective, this declaration is not just a statement of fact but an invitation to recognize and respond to God's presence. It is a call to acknowledge His power and to submit to His will, as He reveals Himself through the natural world. His presence
The phrase "His presence" refers to the immediate and powerful manifestation of God. In Hebrew, the word "paneh" is often used to denote presence, face, or countenance. This indicates a personal and relational aspect of God, who is not distant but actively involved in His creation. The presence of God is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing His immanence and the reality that He is near to those who seek Him. even the cattle
The mention of "cattle" highlights the instinctual awareness of animals to the changes in their environment. In Hebrew, "behemah" refers to beasts or cattle, which are often used in scripture to illustrate simplicity and dependence on God. This phrase suggests that all of creation, even the most basic creatures, are attuned to God's movements. It serves as a humbling reminder to humans of their own need to be sensitive to God's presence and guidance. regard
The word "regard" in this context implies an awareness or recognition. In Hebrew, "yada" can mean to know or perceive. This suggests that the cattle have an innate understanding or instinct that alerts them to the coming storm. For believers, this serves as a metaphor for spiritual discernment, encouraging them to be aware of God's signs and to respond appropriately to His guidance. the rising storm
The "rising storm" symbolizes impending change or judgment. In Hebrew, "se'arah" refers to a tempest or whirlwind, often used in scripture to depict God's power and the transformative events He orchestrates. Storms in the Bible can represent trials, divine intervention, or purification. For the faithful, the storm is a reminder of God's ultimate control over life's circumstances and the assurance that He is present even in turbulent times. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElihuA young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's justice and power. He is the speaker in this passage. 2. JobA righteous man who suffers greatly and seeks understanding of his suffering. 3. GodThe Almighty, whose power and presence are declared through natural phenomena like thunder. 4. ThunderA natural event used metaphorically to signify God's presence and power. 5. CattleAnimals that instinctively respond to the natural signs of an approaching storm, symbolizing awareness and recognition of God's power. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in NatureThe natural world, including thunder, is a testament to God's sovereign power and presence. We should recognize and revere God's authority as displayed in creation. Awareness and ResponseJust as cattle respond to the signs of an approaching storm, we should be attentive and responsive to God's presence and guidance in our lives. Reverence for God's MajestyThunder serves as a reminder of God's majesty and the reverence due to Him. We should cultivate a heart of worship and awe for our Creator. Understanding Through CreationObserving the natural world can deepen our understanding of God's character and His workings. We should seek to learn from creation about God's power and faithfulness. Preparation for God's RevelationJust as the storm signals a change, we should prepare our hearts for God's revelation and be ready to act according to His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elihu's description of thunder in Job 36:33 help us understand God's presence and power? 2. In what ways can we be more like the cattle, instinctively recognizing and responding to God's signs in our lives? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 29 and Exodus 19, enhance our understanding of God's voice in nature? 4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's majesty as revealed in creation? 5. How can observing the natural world help us prepare for and respond to God's revelation in our personal lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 29This psalm also speaks of the voice of the Lord in the thunder, emphasizing God's majesty and power in creation. Exodus 19The presence of God on Mount Sinai is accompanied by thunder and lightning, illustrating His awe-inspiring power. Romans 1:20Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities being understood from what has been made, including natural phenomena like storms. Isaiah 40:26This verse calls attention to God's creation and His power over the natural world, similar to the themes in Job 36:33. Revelation 4:5Describes thunder and lightning proceeding from God's throne, symbolizing His majesty and authority. People Elihu, JobPlaces UzTopics Anger, Announces, Approach, Cattle, Clear, Crashing, Declares, Declareth, Friend, Gives, Iniquity, Jealous, Livestock, Makes, News, Noise, Passion, Perversity, Presence, Sheweth, Showeth, Storm, Substance, Telleth, Tells, Thereof, Thunder, Thundering, Vapor, Vapour, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Job 36:33 4851 storm
4852 thunder Job 36:26-33 4854 weather, God's sovereignty Job 36:30-33 4838 lightning Library Whether by his Passion Christ Merited to be Exalted?
Objection 1: It seems that Christ did not merit to be exalted on account of His Passion. For eminence of rank belongs to God alone, just as knowledge of truth, according to Ps. 112:4: "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." But Christ as man had the knowledge of all truth, not on account of any preceding merit, but from the very union of God and man, according to Jn. 1:14: "We saw His glory . . . as it were of the only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth." …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether Christ Acquired his Judiciary Power by his Merits?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not acquire His judiciary power by His merits. For judiciary power flows from the royal dignity: according to Prov. 20:8: "The king that sitteth on the throne of judgment, scattereth away all evil with his look." But it was without merits that Christ acquired royal power, for it is His due as God's Only-begotten Son: thus it is written (Lk. 1:32): "The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father, and He shall reign in the house of Jacob for …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Will Judge under the Form of his Humanity?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ will not judge under the form of His humanity. For judgment requires authority in the judge. Now Christ has authority over the quick and the dead as God, for thus is He the Lord and Creator of all. Therefore He will judge under the form of His Godhead. Objection 2: Further, invincible power is requisite in a judge; wherefore it is written (Eccles. 7:6): "Seek not to be made a judge, unless thou have strength enough to extirpate iniquities." Now invincible power …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Old Law was from God?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not from God. For it is written (Dt. 32:4): "The works of God are perfect." But the Law was imperfect, as stated above [2060](A[1]). Therefore the Old Law was not from God. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Eccles. 3:14): "I have learned that all the works which God hath made continue for ever." But the Old Law does not continue for ever: since the Apostle says (Heb. 7:18): "There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Man Can Know that He Has Grace?
Objection 1: It would seem that man can know that he has grace. For grace by its physical reality is in the soul. Now the soul has most certain knowledge of those things that are in it by their physical reality, as appears from Augustine (Gen. ad lit. xii, 31). Hence grace may be known most certainly by one who has grace. Objection 2: Further, as knowledge is a gift of God, so is grace. But whoever receives knowledge from God, knows that he has knowledge, according to Wis. 7:17: The Lord "hath given …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty?
Objection 1: It would seem that the judicial power does not correspond to voluntary poverty. For it was promised to none but the twelve apostles (Mat. 19:28): "You shall sit on twelve seats, judging," etc. Since then those who are voluntarily poor are not all apostles, it would seem that the judicial power is not competent to all. Objection 2: Further, to offer sacrifice to God of one's own body is more than to do so of outward things. Now martyrs and also virgins offer sacrifice to God of their …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not the same as dissimulation. For dissimulation consists in lying by deeds. But there may be hypocrisy in showing outwardly what one does inwardly, according to Mat. 6:2, "When thou dost an alms-deed sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do." Therefore hypocrisy is not the same as dissimulation. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Moral. xxxi, 7): "Some there are who wear the habit of holiness, yet are unable to attain the merit of perfection. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Great Teacher
Teaching was the great business of the life of Christ during the days of his public ministry. He was sent to teach and to preach. The speaker in the book of Job was thinking of this Great Teacher when he asked--"Who teacheth like him?" Job xxxvi: 22. And it was he who was in the Psalmist's mind when he spoke of the "good, and upright Lord" who would teach sinners, if they were meek, how to walk in his ways. Ps. xxv: 8-9. And he is the Redeemer, of whom the prophet Isaiah was telling when he said--He …
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young "That which was from the Beginning,"
1 John i. 1.--"That which was from the beginning," &c. Things are commended sometimes, because they are ancient, especially doctrines in religion, because truth is before error, and falsehood is but an aberration from truth and therefore there is so much plea and contention among men, about antiquity, as if it were the sufficient rule of verity. But the abuse is, that men go not far enough backward in the steps of antiquity, that is, to the most ancient rule, and profession, and practice of truth …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is always a mortal sin. For Jerome says on Is. 16:14: "Of the two evils it is less to sin openly than to simulate holiness": and a gloss on Job 1:21 [*St. Augustine on Ps. 63:7], "As it hath pleased the Lord," etc., says that "pretended justice is no justice, but a twofold sin": and again a gloss on Lam. 4:6, "The iniquity . . . of my people is made greater than the sin of Sodom," says: "He deplores the sins of the soul that falls into hypocrisy, which is a greater …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that those to whom Christ's birth was made known were not suitably chosen. For our Lord (Mat. 10:5) commanded His disciples, "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles," so that He might be made known to the Jews before the Gentiles. Therefore it seems that much less should Christ's birth have been at once revealed to the Gentiles who "came from the east," as stated Mat. 2:1. Objection 2: Further, the revelation of Divine truth should be made especially to the friends of God, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Divine Grace.
GRACE, LOYE, AND MERCY. I FIND that the goodness of God to his people is diversely expressed in his word, sometimes by the word grace, sometimes by the word love, and sometimes by the word mercy. When it is expressed by that word grace, then it is to show that what he doeth is of his princely will, his royal bounty, and sovereign pleasure. When it is expressed by that word love, then it is to show us that his affection was and is in what he doeth, and that he doeth what he doeth for us with complacency …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give utterance to it, since, even though I were silent, you read in your heart your own sense of my devotion. I wonder, however, that you withdrew your countenance, till of late bestowed on me, from this my recent engagement in the pastoral office; wherein, under colour of episcopacy, I have been brought …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Greatness of the Soul,
AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF; WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. By JOHN BUNYAN, London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682 Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Our curiosity is naturally excited to discover what a poor, unlettered mechanic, whose book-learning had been limited to the contents of one volume, could by possibility know …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 36:33 NIVJob 36:33 NLTJob 36:33 ESVJob 36:33 NASBJob 36:33 KJV
Job 36:33 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
