Job 37:1
"At this my heart also pounds and leaps from its place.
At this
The phrase "At this" refers to the preceding discourse by Elihu, who speaks of God's majestic power and wisdom in nature. Elihu's speech in the previous chapters highlights the grandeur of God's creation and His sovereign control over the universe. The Hebrew root for "this" (זֶה, zeh) points to something specific and immediate, drawing attention to the awe-inspiring acts of God that Elihu has been describing. This serves as a reminder of the immediacy and presence of God's power in the world, prompting a response of reverence and humility.

my heart
The "heart" in Hebrew (לֵב, lev) often represents the center of one's emotions, thoughts, and will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the heart was seen as the seat of understanding and emotion. Here, it signifies Job's deep emotional and spiritual response to the revelation of God's majesty. The heart's reaction underscores the personal and profound impact of God's presence and power on an individual, reminding believers of the importance of aligning their hearts with God's truth.

also trembles
The word "trembles" (חָרַד, charad) conveys a sense of fear, awe, and reverence. It is a physical manifestation of an internal response to something overwhelming or divine. In the biblical context, trembling often accompanies encounters with God's holiness or power, as seen in other scriptural accounts where individuals tremble before God's presence. This trembling is not merely fear but a recognition of God's greatness and a humble acknowledgment of human frailty.

and leaps
The term "leaps" (דָּלַג, dalag) suggests a sudden, vigorous movement, indicating an intense emotional reaction. This word choice emphasizes the dynamic and powerful effect of God's revelation on Job's inner being. The leaping of the heart can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's yearning and excitement in response to divine truth, illustrating the transformative impact of encountering God's majesty.

from its place
The phrase "from its place" signifies a displacement or movement from a position of rest. In the Hebrew context, this can imply a shift from complacency to active engagement or from ignorance to understanding. The heart's movement from its place symbolizes a profound change or awakening within Job, prompted by the realization of God's omnipotence and wisdom. It serves as a call for believers to allow God's truth to move them from spiritual stagnation to a vibrant, faith-filled life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and seeks understanding of God's ways.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's majesty and justice. Job 37 is part of Elihu's discourse.

3. The Whirlwind
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the whirlwind is significant in the context of Job, as God later speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, symbolizing His power and presence.
Teaching Points
The Majesty of God
Elihu's words remind us of the overwhelming majesty and power of God. Our response should be one of reverence and awe, recognizing our own limitations in understanding His ways.

The Fear of the Lord
The pounding heart symbolizes a deep, reverential fear of the Lord. This fear is not terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness.

God's Sovereignty in Nature
The natural world reflects God's power and order. Observing creation can lead us to a greater appreciation of God's control over all things, encouraging trust in His plans.

Listening to God's Voice
Just as Elihu speaks to Job, we must be attentive to God's voice in our lives, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the counsel of others, seeking His wisdom and guidance.

Responding to God's Revelation
Our hearts should be moved by God's revelation, prompting us to worship, obedience, and a deeper relationship with Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elihu's description of God's power in nature challenge or affirm your understanding of God's majesty?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in your daily life?

3. How does observing the natural world help you to trust in God's sovereignty and plan for your life?

4. What are some practical ways you can be more attentive to God's voice and guidance?

5. How can you ensure that your response to God's revelation leads to worship and obedience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 29
This Psalm describes the voice of the Lord in the storm, similar to Elihu's description of God's power in nature, emphasizing God's majesty and authority.

Exodus 19
The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where God's presence is accompanied by thunder and lightning, parallels the awe and fear of God's power expressed in Job 37.

1 Kings 19
Elijah's encounter with God, where God's presence is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper, contrasts with the powerful imagery in Job 37, highlighting different aspects of God's revelation.
The Voice of the ThunderW.F. Adeney Job 37:1-5
Lessons of the SnowJ. B. Whitford.Job 37:1-13
Suggestions of the SnowHenry Ward Beecher.Job 37:1-13
The Lessons of the SnowflakesWallace Thorp.Job 37:1-13
The Phenomena of NatureHomilistJob 37:1-13
The Snow and its LessonsR. Brewin.Job 37:1-13
The SnowstormThe PulpitJob 37:1-13
What is Elihu's MessageSamuel Cox, D. D.Job 37:1-13
WinterHenry Allon, D. D.Job 37:1-13
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Aye, Heart, Leapeth, Leaps, Moved, Moveth, Pounds, Shaking, Trembles, Trembleth, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:1-5

     5548   speech, divine

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Library
Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his Baptism?
Objection 1: It would seem that the heavens should not have been opened unto Christ at His baptism. For the heavens should be opened unto one who needs to enter heaven, by reason of his being out of heaven. But Christ was always in heaven, according to Jn. 3:13: "The Son of Man who is in heaven." Therefore it seems that the heavens should not have been opened unto Him. Objection 2: Further, the opening of the heavens is understood either in a corporal or in a spiritual sense. But it cannot be understood
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether by Reason of this Subtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be in the Same Place with Another Body not Glorified?
Objection 1: It would seem that by reason of this subtlety a body is able to be in the same place with another body not glorified. For according to Phil. 3:21, "He will reform the body of our lowness made like to the body of His glory." Now the body of Christ was able to be in the same place with another body, as appears from the fact that after His Resurrection He went in to His disciples, the doors being shut (Jn. 20:19, 26). Therefore also the glorified bodies by reason of their subtlety will
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

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
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

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