◄ Job 37:22 ►
Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him.
Study Bible
Out of the north
The phrase "Out of the north" is significant in the biblical context as the north often symbolizes a place of divine origin or intervention. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the north was associated with the abode of the gods. Biblically, it is sometimes seen as the direction from which God’s presence or judgment comes. This aligns with the imagery of God’s throne being in the "sides of the north" as mentioned in Psalm 48:2. The Hebrew word for north, "tsaphon," can also imply hidden or concealed, suggesting the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of God’s approach.

He comes
The phrase "He comes" emphasizes the active and dynamic presence of God. It is not a passive observation but an assertion of God’s initiative and involvement in the world. The Hebrew verb "bo" used here conveys movement and arrival, indicating that God is not distant or detached but is actively entering into the affairs of humanity. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s imminence and His willingness to engage with His creation.

in golden splendor
The imagery of "golden splendor" evokes a sense of divine glory and purity. Gold, in biblical times, was a symbol of wealth, purity, and kingship. The Hebrew word "zahav" for gold is often used in the context of the temple and the divine presence, as seen in the descriptions of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple. This phrase suggests the radiant and majestic nature of God’s appearance, highlighting His holiness and the awe that His presence inspires.

awesome majesty
The term "awesome majesty" combines two powerful concepts. "Awesome" translates from the Hebrew "nora," which conveys fear, reverence, and awe. It is often used in the context of God’s mighty acts and His overwhelming presence. "Majesty," from the Hebrew "hadar," refers to splendor, honor, and grandeur. Together, these words paint a picture of God’s overwhelming and majestic presence that commands respect and reverence. It underscores the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and the appropriate human response of worship and awe.

surrounds Him
The phrase "surrounds Him" indicates that God’s majesty is not just an attribute but an all-encompassing reality. The Hebrew word "sabab" means to encircle or encompass, suggesting that God’s glory and majesty are intrinsic to His being and are evident in all His works. This reflects the biblical understanding that God’s presence is pervasive and His glory is manifest in creation, as seen in passages like Psalm 19:1, which declares that the heavens proclaim the glory of God. It invites believers to recognize and respond to the omnipresence and omnipotence of God in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering his perspective on God's majesty and justice. Elihu's speeches are intended to prepare the way for God's own response to Job.

2. Job
A righteous man who suffers immense trials and questions God's justice. The book of Job explores themes of suffering, divine justice, and human understanding.

3. The North
In ancient Near Eastern thought, the north was often associated with divine presence and majesty. It symbolizes the direction from which God’s splendor and majesty are revealed.

4. Golden Splendor
This imagery conveys the brilliance and purity of God's presence, suggesting His holiness and glory.

5. Majesty
Refers to the awe-inspiring greatness and authority of God, which surrounds Him and is evident in His creation and actions.
Teaching Points
God's Majestic Presence
Recognize that God's presence is both awe-inspiring and comforting. His majesty is a reminder of His sovereignty and power over all creation.

The Symbolism of the North
Understand the cultural and biblical symbolism of the north as a representation of divine authority and revelation. Reflect on how God reveals Himself in ways that transcend human understanding.

The Beauty of God's Creation
Appreciate the beauty and splendor of creation as a reflection of God's glory. Let this inspire worship and reverence for the Creator.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty or suffering, trust in God's majestic and sovereign nature. His ways are higher than ours, and His purposes are ultimately for our good.

Reflecting God's Glory
As believers, strive to reflect God's glory in our lives through our actions, words, and attitudes. Let His majesty be evident in how we live and interact with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of "golden splendor" and "awesome majesty" in Job 37:22 enhance your understanding of God's character?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the north as a place of divine revelation be applied to your personal spiritual journey?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 19:1 and Isaiah 40:26, deepen your appreciation for God's majesty as described in Job 37:22?

4. What practical steps can you take to reflect God's glory in your daily life, inspired by the majesty described in this verse?

5. How can trusting in God's sovereign majesty help you navigate challenges and uncertainties in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 19:1
This verse speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God, similar to how Job 37:22 describes God's splendor and majesty.

Isaiah 40:26
This passage highlights God's power and majesty in creation, echoing the themes of divine splendor and authority found in Job 37:22.

Ezekiel 1:4
Describes a vision of God's glory coming from the north, reinforcing the association of the north with divine majesty.
Sermons
The Testimony of Nature to the Terrible Majesty of GodHenry Melvill, B. D.Job 37:22
Man and GodHomilistJob 37:19-24
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Awesome, Beside, Bright, Clothed, Fair, Feared, Fearful, Glory, God's, Gold, Golden, Greatly, Honour, Majesty, North, Splendor, Splendour, Terrible, Weather
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:22

     1090   God, majesty of
     4842   north

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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