Job 37:20
Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up?
Should He be told
This phrase suggests the audacity of informing God of our intentions or desires. In the Hebrew context, the word "told" (נַגֵּ֣ד, nagged) implies declaring or making known. It reflects the human tendency to assume that God needs to be informed of our thoughts or plans, which contrasts with His omniscience. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine beings as needing to be appeased or informed, yet the God of Israel is portrayed as all-knowing and sovereign.

that I want to speak?
The desire to speak before God highlights the human inclination to justify oneself or seek answers. The Hebrew root for "speak" (דָּבַר, dabar) encompasses not just verbal communication but also the act of reasoning or arguing a case. In the context of Job, this reflects Job's struggle to understand his suffering and his desire to present his case before God. It underscores the tension between human limitation and divine wisdom, reminding believers of the importance of humility and trust in God's greater plan.

Would a man ask
This rhetorical question emphasizes the absurdity of a human presuming to question or challenge God. The Hebrew word for "ask" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) can also mean to inquire or demand. It suggests a posture of humility versus arrogance. In the broader scriptural context, it serves as a reminder of the proper relationship between humanity and the Creator, where reverence and submission are paramount.

to be swallowed up?
The imagery of being "swallowed up" (בִּלַּֽע, bala) conveys the idea of being overwhelmed or destroyed. In ancient literature, this often depicted the fate of those who defied divine authority. Here, it serves as a warning against the presumption of challenging God, as such actions could lead to one's downfall. Theologically, it reflects the belief in God's ultimate justice and the futility of human pride. This phrase encourages believers to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His power and our dependence on His mercy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering.

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. God
The Almighty Creator, whose wisdom and power are beyond human understanding. Elihu speaks of God's greatness in this chapter.

4. The Heavens
Often referenced in Job 37, symbolizing God's majesty and the natural order He controls.

5. The Whirlwind
A symbol of God's presence and power, which will later be the medium through which God speaks to Job.
Teaching Points
The Majesty of God
Recognize that God's wisdom and power are beyond our comprehension. We should approach Him with humility and reverence.

Human Limitations
Understand that our perspective is limited. We should trust in God's greater plan, even when we do not understand our circumstances.

The Importance of Listening
Before speaking or questioning God, we should listen and seek to understand His will and purpose.

The Role of Suffering
Consider how suffering can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's character and our dependence on Him.

Approaching God with Reverence
When we desire to speak to God, we should do so with a heart of submission, acknowledging His sovereignty.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elihu's perspective on God's majesty in Job 37:20 challenge our understanding of God's nature?

2. In what ways can we apply the humility demonstrated in Job 37:20 to our prayer life and relationship with God?

3. How do the themes in Job 37:20 relate to God's response to Job in the subsequent chapters?

4. What other biblical figures demonstrate a similar reverence and humility before God as seen in Job 37:20?

5. How can we find comfort in God's incomprehensible nature during times of personal suffering or uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Job 38-41
These chapters follow Elihu's speech and contain God's response to Job, emphasizing His omnipotence and the limitations of human understanding.

Isaiah 55:8-9
This passage highlights the difference between God's thoughts and ways and those of humans, similar to Elihu's message about God's incomprehensibility.

Psalm 8:3-4
Reflects on the majesty of God and the humility of man, echoing the themes of God's greatness and human smallness found in Job 37.

Romans 11:33-36
Paul speaks of the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, paralleling Elihu's emphasis on God's unsearchable ways.
Man and GodHomilistJob 37:19-24
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Declared, Desire, Destruction, Speak, Spoken, Surely, Swallowed, Talk, Wish
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:19

     5562   suffering, innocent

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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