Job 37:10
By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen.
By the breath of God
The phrase "By the breath of God" emphasizes the divine power and authority of God over creation. The Hebrew word for "breath" here is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can also mean "spirit" or "wind." This word is often used in the Old Testament to denote God's life-giving and sustaining power. In Genesis 1:2, the "Spirit of God" (ruach Elohim) is described as hovering over the waters, indicating God's active role in creation. The breath of God signifies His sovereign control over the natural world, reminding us that all elements of creation are subject to His will.

the ice is formed
"Ice" in this context is a testament to God's ability to manipulate the elements. The Hebrew word for "ice" is "קֶרַח" (qerach), which appears in various Old Testament passages to describe God's control over weather and seasons. In the ancient Near East, ice was a rare and powerful symbol of God's might, as it was not a common occurrence in the region. The formation of ice by God's breath illustrates His power to bring about change and transformation in the natural world, serving as a metaphor for His ability to bring about spiritual renewal and transformation in our lives.

and the watery expanses
The phrase "and the watery expanses" refers to large bodies of water, such as seas and oceans. The Hebrew word "מַיִם" (mayim) is used here, which is often associated with chaos and disorder in ancient Near Eastern cosmology. In Genesis 1:6-7, God separates the waters to create the sky and the earth, demonstrating His power to bring order out of chaos. The mention of watery expanses in Job 37:10 highlights God's authority over the vast and often unpredictable forces of nature, reminding us of His ability to bring peace and order into our lives.

are frozen
The phrase "are frozen" signifies the transformation of water into a solid state, an act that requires immense power and control. The Hebrew word "קָפָא" (qafa) is used here, which means to congeal or solidify. This transformation is a direct result of God's breath, illustrating His ability to alter the natural state of things. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for God's power to change hearts and lives, taking what is fluid and unstable and making it firm and steadfast. It serves as a reminder of God's transformative power in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, Job is the central figure in the Book of Job. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, which lead to profound discussions about God's nature and human suffering.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends in chapters 32-37. Elihu offers a perspective on God's majesty and justice, emphasizing God's power and wisdom in creation.

3. God's Creation
The verse highlights God's control over nature, specifically the formation of ice and the freezing of waters, demonstrating His sovereignty over the natural world.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Nature
God's control over the elements reminds us of His ultimate authority and power. Just as He forms ice with His breath, He governs all aspects of creation.

The Majesty of God
The imagery of ice and frozen waters points to the majesty and awe-inspiring nature of God. Reflecting on His creation can lead us to worship and reverence.

Trust in God's Control
Understanding that God controls even the smallest details of nature can encourage us to trust Him with the details of our lives, knowing He is capable and caring.

The Power of God's Word
Just as God's breath forms ice, His word is powerful and effective. We can rely on His promises and commands, knowing they will accomplish His purposes.

Reflection on God's Creation
Observing the natural world can deepen our appreciation for God's creativity and power, leading us to praise Him for His handiwork.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's control over nature, as seen in Job 37:10, affect your view of His sovereignty in your personal life?

2. In what ways can reflecting on the majesty of God's creation, like the formation of ice, enhance your worship and reverence for Him?

3. How can the imagery of God's breath forming ice encourage you to trust in His control over the circumstances you face?

4. What parallels can you draw between the power of God's breath in creation and the power of His word in your life?

5. How can you incorporate a greater appreciation for God's creation into your daily spiritual practices, and what impact might this have on your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account where God speaks the world into existence, illustrating His power over all creation.

Psalm 147:17-18
These verses describe God's control over the weather, including sending snow and ice, and then melting them with His word, similar to the imagery in Job 37:10.

Isaiah 55:10-11
This passage speaks of God's word going forth and accomplishing His purposes, akin to how His breath forms ice in Job 37:10.
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
Breadth, Breath, Broad, Expanse, Fast, Frost, Frozen, Ice, Produces, Shut, Straitened, Waters, Wide
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:10

     1305   God, activity of
     4803   breadth

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:6-10

     4970   seasons, of year

Job 37:9-10

     5132   biting

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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