Job 37:4
Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds.
After it
This phrase refers to the sequence of events following the thunderous voice of God, as described in the preceding verses. In the Hebrew context, the word "after" (אַחַר, 'achar) often signifies a subsequent action or event, emphasizing the order and divine orchestration in creation. Theologically, it suggests that God's actions are purposeful and follow a divine plan, reminding believers of the sovereignty and meticulous timing of God in the universe.

a voice roars
The imagery of a roaring voice is powerful and awe-inspiring. In Hebrew, the word for "roars" (שָׁאַג, sha'ag) is often used to describe the sound of a lion, symbolizing strength and authority. This metaphor highlights the majesty and power of God's voice, which commands attention and evokes reverence. Historically, the roar of a lion was a sound that instilled fear and respect, much like the voice of God does in the hearts of believers.

He thunders
The act of God thundering is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing His power and presence. The Hebrew word for "thunders" (רָעַם, raam) conveys a sense of overwhelming force and might. In ancient times, thunder was often associated with divine communication and judgment. This phrase reassures believers of God's active involvement in the world, demonstrating His ability to intervene and make His will known.

with His majestic voice
The term "majestic" (הָדָר, hadar) in Hebrew denotes splendor, beauty, and grandeur. God's voice is not only powerful but also majestic, reflecting His divine nature and the glory of His presence. This phrase invites believers to contemplate the beauty and holiness of God, encouraging a response of worship and adoration. The majesty of God's voice is a reminder of His ultimate authority and the awe-inspiring nature of His character.

He does not restrain
The idea that God "does not restrain" His voice suggests His willingness to reveal Himself and His purposes to humanity. The Hebrew root (חָשַׂךְ, chasak) implies holding back or withholding. In this context, it emphasizes God's desire to communicate and engage with His creation. This phrase reassures believers of God's openness and accessibility, encouraging them to seek His guidance and listen for His voice in their lives.

the lightning
Lightning, in biblical symbolism, often represents the swift and powerful action of God. The Hebrew word (בָּרָק, baraq) conveys the idea of brightness and suddenness. Lightning serves as a visual manifestation of God's power and presence, illuminating the darkness and revealing His glory. This imagery encourages believers to recognize the dynamic and transformative power of God at work in the world.

when His voice resounds
The resounding of God's voice signifies its far-reaching impact and authority. The Hebrew concept of "resounds" (הָמָה, hamah) suggests a loud, continuous sound that fills the air. This phrase underscores the pervasive influence of God's word, which echoes throughout creation and history. It inspires believers to trust in the enduring power of God's promises and the certainty of His divine will.

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

2. Elihu
The speaker in this passage, a younger friend of Job who offers his perspective on Job's suffering and God's majesty.

3. God
The Almighty, whose power and majesty are being described through the natural phenomena of thunder and lightning.

4. Thunder and Lightning
Natural events used metaphorically to describe the power and majesty of God's voice and actions.
Teaching Points
The Majesty of God's Voice
God's voice is powerful and majestic, commanding respect and awe. Just as thunder and lightning capture our attention, so should the voice of God in our lives.

God's Sovereignty in Creation
The natural world reflects God's sovereignty and power. Recognizing His control over creation can deepen our trust in His plans and purposes.

Listening to God's Voice
Just as thunder demands our attention, we should be attentive to God's voice in our lives, seeking to understand His will and direction.

The Fear of the Lord
The imagery of thunder and lightning evokes a sense of reverence and fear of the Lord, reminding us of His holiness and our need to approach Him with humility.

God's Unrestrained Power
The passage highlights that God does not restrain His power. This can be a source of comfort, knowing that His power is at work for His purposes, even when we do not fully understand them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of thunder and lightning in Job 37:4 help us understand the nature of God's voice?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a greater reverence for God's majesty in our daily lives?

3. How does recognizing God's sovereignty over creation impact our trust in Him during difficult times?

4. What are some practical ways we can be more attentive to God's voice in our lives?

5. How do other biblical accounts of God's presence, such as at Mount Sinai or in Revelation, enhance our understanding of His majesty and power?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 29
This Psalm also describes the voice of the Lord in terms of thunder and power, emphasizing God's majesty and authority over creation.

Exodus 19
At Mount Sinai, God's presence is accompanied by thunder and lightning, illustrating His holiness and power.

Revelation 4
The throne room of God is depicted with thunder and lightning, symbolizing His majesty and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.
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
Anything, Doesn't, Excellence, Excellency, Flashes, Hold, Holdeth, Holds, Lightnings, Majestic, Majesty, Mouth, Nothing, Power, Resounds, Restrain, Restraineth, Roar, Roareth, Roars, Sounding, Stay, Stayeth, Thundereth, Thunder-flames, Thundering, Thunders, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:4

     1090   God, majesty of

Job 37:1-5

     5548   speech, divine

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:4-5

     4852   thunder

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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