Job 37:7
He seals up the hand of every man, so that all men may know His work.
He seals up
The phrase "He seals up" suggests a divine action of closure or restriction. In the Hebrew context, the word "seals" (חָתַם, chatham) often implies a mark of authority or ownership. In ancient times, a seal was used to secure documents, indicating authenticity and protection. Here, it signifies God's sovereign control over human activity. By sealing, God demonstrates His power to pause human endeavors, reminding us of His ultimate authority over creation.

the hand of every man
The "hand" in biblical literature often symbolizes human action, labor, and capability. By sealing "the hand of every man," God is depicted as halting human work, perhaps through natural phenomena like weather, as the context of Job 37 suggests. This action serves as a reminder of human limitations and dependence on God. The phrase "every man" underscores the universality of this divine intervention, affecting all humanity regardless of status or strength.

so that all men may know
This phrase indicates purpose. God's intervention is not arbitrary but intentional, aiming to reveal something profound to humanity. The Hebrew root for "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies an intimate, experiential understanding. God's actions are designed to lead people to a deeper awareness of His presence and power. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, inviting individuals to recognize and respond to God's sovereignty.

His work
"His work" refers to the divine acts and purposes that are evident in creation and history. In the context of Job, it points to God's control over the natural world, as seen in the preceding verses describing weather phenomena. The work of God is vast and multifaceted, encompassing both the visible and invisible realms. By halting human activity, God draws attention to His own works, encouraging reflection on His wisdom and majesty. This acknowledgment of God's work fosters humility and worship, as humans recognize their place within the divine order.

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 justice and sovereignty.

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.

3. God's Creation
The natural world is a backdrop in this passage, illustrating God's control over creation and His ability to reveal Himself through it.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all things, including the natural world and human affairs. His sealing of the hand signifies His authority over human activity.

Revelation Through Creation
Understand that God reveals Himself through His creation. Observing the world around us can lead to a greater appreciation of His power and majesty.

Human Limitation
Acknowledge our limitations in understanding God's ways. Our inability to fully grasp His work should lead us to trust in His wisdom and plan.

Purpose in Stillness
Reflect on the times when God "seals up" our hands, or halts our activities, as opportunities to recognize His work and grow in faith.

Response to God's Work
Consider how we respond to the evidence of God's work in our lives and the world. Are we moved to worship, trust, and obedience?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of God "sealing up the hand of every man" challenge our understanding of control and independence in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can observing nature help us to know and understand God's work better?

3. How do the themes in Job 37:7 relate to the message of Romans 1:20 about God's invisible qualities being evident in creation?

4. What are some practical ways we can respond to God's sovereignty and revelation in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when your activities were halted or redirected. How did this experience help you to recognize God's work in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 19:1-4
This passage speaks of the heavens declaring the glory of God, similar to how Job 37:7 emphasizes God's work being known through His creation.

Romans 1:20
Paul writes about God's invisible qualities being understood from what has been made, echoing the theme of God's work being evident in creation.

Isaiah 45:9-12
These verses discuss God's sovereignty and creative power, reinforcing the idea that God is in control and His works are beyond human understanding.
God Known by the Sealing Up of Man's HandA. L. Simpson, D. D.Job 37:7
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
Labor, Puts, Sealeth, Seals
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:6-10

     4970   seasons, of year

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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