◄ Job 37 ►
Book Sum People Lessons Que
Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty 1“At this my heart also pounds and leaps from its place. 2Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. 3He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. 4Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds. 5God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend. 6For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’ 7He seals up the hand of every man, so that all men may know His work. 8The wild animals enter their lairs; they settle down in their dens. 9The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds. 10By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen. 11He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them. 12They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth. 13Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion. 14Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God. 15Do you know how God dispatches the clouds or makes the lightning flash? 16Do you understand how the clouds float, those wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge? 17You whose clothes get hot when the land lies hushed under the south wind, 18can you, like Him, spread out the skies, as strong as a mirror of bronze? 19Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. 20Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed upa? 21Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. 22Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. 23The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress. 24Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart.” Footnotes: 20 a Or speak without being swallowed up Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 37 Summary Elihu Proclaims God's Majesty Verses 1–5 – Awe at God’s Thunderous Voice Elihu trembles as he hears the rolling thunder. He pictures God’s voice rumbling across the heavens, sending lightning “to the ends of the earth.” The storms show power so vast that “we cannot comprehend” the wonders He performs. Verses 6–10 – Snow and Ice as God’s Command God tells the snow, “Fall on the earth,” and summons “the downpour.” He seals people indoors while “the breath of God produces ice,” freezing the waters solid. Even mighty beasts retreat before His cold. Verses 11–13 – He Guides the Storm for Mercy or Judgment Clouds swirl “at His direction.” He drives them to accomplish “all that He commands,” sometimes for discipline, sometimes for blessing, always for His purpose. Verses 14–18 – Listen and Consider God’s Wonders Elihu urges Job to pause: “Stand still and consider the wonders of God.” Can anyone explain how He suspends the clouds, spreads out the skies, or makes them “as hard as a cast mirror”? Verses 19–24 – Elihu Affirms God’s Majesty and Justice Unable to “arrange our case” before such glory, we approach in reverent fear. “The Almighty is beyond our reach,” yet He never perverts justice; therefore, “men fear Him,” and He pays no heed to the proud. Job 37 forms part of the profound discourse of Elihu, a young man who gives his perspective on the unfolding debate between Job and his friends. In this chapter, Elihu vividly portrays God's supreme power as reflected in nature and the weather, underscoring the human inability to fully comprehend God's majesty. Historical and Literary Setting Job 37 is the final speech of Elihu, a younger observer who stepped in after Job’s three friends fell silent. The events unfold in Uz during the patriarchal era—roughly contemporaneous with Abraham—long before Israel’s monarchy. Each of Elihu’s four speeches grows in intensity; this last one shifts attention from Job’s questions to God’s majesty, paving the way for the LORD’s appearance in chapter 38. Structure of Elihu’s Closing Appeal 1. Awe and trembling (vv. 1–5) 2. The winter display (vv. 6–10) 3. The storm’s divine guidance (vv. 11–13) 4. A call to ponder (vv. 14–18) 5. Confession of human smallness (vv. 19–24) This five–part pattern moves from external observation to internal surrender. Weather Imagery in Scripture • Thunder as God’s voice: Psalm 29; John 12:28–29. • Snow signifying purity and power: Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 147:16–18. • Storms wielded for judgment: Exodus 9:23; Nahum 1:3. • Storms wielded for rescue: Jonah 1; Matthew 8:23–27, where Jesus calms the sea, showing the same authority Elihu describes. God’s Voice in Thunder Job 37:4–5: “He thunders with His majestic voice… God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend.” Thunder announces both power and nearness. At Sinai (Exodus 19:16) it marked covenant revelation; at Jesus’ baptism (John 12:28–29) it affirmed divine sonship. Snow, Ice, and Ancient Observers Job 37:10: “By the breath of God the ice is formed.” In a region where snowfall is rare, such imagery carried weight. Archaeological digs at Tel Dan and other northern sites reveal seasonal snowmelt channels—evidence that ancient peoples watched winter phenomena closely and linked them to divine activity. Divine Sovereignty over Seasons Job 37:12–13 highlights that God may use the same storm “for punishment or for mercy.” Compare: • Mercy—1 Kings 18:41–45, rain ending drought. • Judgment—Amos 4:7, withholding rain to prompt repentance. Human Limitation and Humility Elihu’s rhetorical questions (vv. 14–18) mirror God’s own forthcoming interrogation (38:4 ff.). They expose human inability to “spread out the skies” or “balance the clouds.” The lesson: acknowledge dependence, defer to divine wisdom, and resist pride (James 4:6). Archaeological and Scientific Footnotes Clay tablets from Mesopotamia record early weather omens; yet Job’s poem surpasses them by portraying weather as personal acts of one sovereign God, not a pantheon. Ancient bronze mirrors, polished and rigid, illustrate v. 18’s “cast mirror,” confirming the text’s grasp of material culture. Connections to the New Testament • Matthew 5:45—God “sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous,” echoing Job 37:13. • Colossians 1:17—Christ “holds all things together,” including the laws governing storms. • Revelation 4:5—“Flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder” surround God’s throne, the same imagery Elihu hears on earth. Practical Application 1. Stand in awe: Take time to observe creation and let it deepen reverence. 2. Trust in trial: If God directs the storm, He also limits its reach (Job 1:12). 3. Suspend judgment: When suffering, avoid premature conclusions; God may be working mercy unseen. 4. Reject pride: Intellectual prowess cannot “arrange our case” before the Almighty; faith and humility lead to wisdom (Proverbs 3:5–7). Key Word Highlights • “Trembles” (v. 1, Heb. ragaz) – a physical shake linked to reverence (Isaiah 66:2). • “Voice” (vv. 2, 4, 5) – repeated for emphasis; the same word used in Genesis 3:8 for God walking in the garden. • “Fear” (v. 24) – not terror, but reverent submission, the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Christ-Centered Lens Elihu points to a transcendent yet just God. The New Testament reveals this God in Christ, who both commands storms and suffers injustice, ultimately reconciling divine power with intimate compassion (Hebrews 1:3). When we read Job 37, we stand where the disciples stood—astonished that “even the winds and the sea obey Him.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. This verse echoes the theme of creation revealing God's glory. Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. This passage reinforces the idea of God's incomprehensible wisdom. Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. This verse highlights how creation testifies to God's attributes. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Nature Elihu begins by describing God's voice as thunder, emphasizing His control over the natural world. At this also my heart trembles and leaps from its place. Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth (Job 37:1-2). The Majesty of God's Creation The chapter highlights various elements of nature—lightning, snow, and rain—as demonstrations of God's power. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the torrential rains, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour’ (Job 37:6). Human Limitation and God's Wisdom Elihu points out human inability to comprehend God's works fully. Do you know how God dispatches the clouds or makes the lightning flash? (Job 37:15). This underscores our limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom. Call to Reverence The passage concludes with a call to fear and revere God. The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power. In His justice and great righteousness, He does not oppress (Job 37:23). Practical Applications Cultivate Awe and Reverence Take time to observe the natural world and let it lead you to worship the Creator. Recognize His power and majesty in the everyday elements of creation. Trust in God's Wisdom When faced with life's mysteries and challenges, remember that God's understanding far surpasses our own. Trust in His perfect wisdom and timing. Embrace Humility Acknowledge our limitations and depend on God for guidance and strength. Let this humility shape our interactions with others and our approach to life's uncertainties. People 1. Elihu Elihu is the speaker in Job 37. He is one of Job's friends who has been addressing Job and his other friends since Job 32. Elihu's speeches are characterized by his emphasis on God's greatness and justice. In Job 37, Elihu continues to describe God's power and majesty, particularly through natural phenomena like storms and lightning. His discourse is meant to remind Job and the others of God's sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding. In Job 37, Elihu's focus is on God's creation and power, and he does not mention any other specific individuals by name. The chapter is a continuation of Elihu's argument that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, and it serves as a prelude to God's own response to Job in the subsequent chapters. Places 1. The Skies/Heavens The skies are mentioned as a place where God's wonders are displayed. In Job 37:3, it says, "He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth." The Hebrew word for sky or heavens is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), which often denotes the visible sky or the abode of celestial bodies. 2. The Earth The earth is referenced as the recipient of God's commands and the stage for His natural phenomena. In Job 37:12, it states, "At His direction they swirl around the face of the whole earth to do whatever He commands." The Hebrew word for earth is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can mean land, ground, or the entire world. 3. The Sea While not explicitly mentioned in Job 37, the sea is often implied in discussions of God's control over nature. The Hebrew word for sea is "יָם" (yam), which is used throughout the Old Testament to describe large bodies of water. 4. The Storehouses of Snow and Hail These are metaphorical places where God stores weather elements. In Job 37:9-10, it says, "The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving north winds. By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen." The concept of storehouses is derived from the Hebrew "אוֹצָר" (otzar), meaning treasury or storehouse. Events 1. Elihu's Call to Attention Elihu begins by urging Job and his friends to listen carefully to the thunderous voice of God. He emphasizes the majesty and power of God's voice, which is likened to thunder. ^Reference: Job 37:2-3^ Hebrew Root: The word for "thunder" (רַעַם, ^ra'am^) highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's voice. 2. God's Control Over Nature Elihu describes how God directs the lightning and commands it to strike its mark. This illustrates God's sovereign control over the natural world. ^Reference: Job 37:3-4^ Hebrew Root: The term for "lightning" (בָּרָק, ^baraq^) signifies the swift and powerful nature of God's commands. 3. The Sound of God's Voice Elihu notes that God's voice is heard in the thunder, and He does not restrain it when His voice resounds. This signifies God's unrestrained power and authority. ^Reference: Job 37:4-5^ Hebrew Root: The word for "voice" (קוֹל, ^qol^) is used to convey the idea of God's authoritative proclamation. 4. God's Marvelous Works Elihu speaks of God's wondrous works, which are beyond human understanding. This underscores the mystery and majesty of God's creation. ^Reference: Job 37:5^ Hebrew Root: The term for "wondrous" (נִפְלָאוֹת, ^nifla'ot^) indicates acts that inspire awe and wonder. 5. God's Command Over Snow and Rain Elihu describes how God commands the snow and rain to fall upon the earth, demonstrating His control over the weather. ^Reference: Job 37:6^ Hebrew Root: The word for "snow" (שֶׁלֶג, ^sheleg^) and "rain" (מָטָר, ^matar^) reflect the elements of nature under God's command. 6. The Impact of God's Weather Elihu explains that God's weather can cause all men to stop their work, highlighting the impact of God's power on human activity. ^Reference: Job 37:7^ Hebrew Root: The phrase "seal up the hand" (יָחֹתֵם יַד, ^yachotem yad^) suggests a cessation of labor due to God's intervention. 7. The Purpose of God's Weather Elihu suggests that God's weather serves various purposes, such as correction, provision, or demonstration of His love. ^Reference: Job 37:13^ Hebrew Root: The word for "correction" (שֵׁבֶט, ^shevet^) implies discipline or instruction. 8. Elihu's Call to Consider God's Works Elihu urges Job to consider the wondrous works of God, encouraging reflection on God's greatness and wisdom. ^Reference: Job 37:14^ Hebrew Root: The term for "consider" (הִתְבּוֹנֵן, ^hitbonen^) means to contemplate or understand deeply. 9. God's Unsearchable Ways Elihu acknowledges that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, emphasizing the limits of human understanding. ^Reference: Job 37:15-16^ Hebrew Root: The word for "unsearchable" (תְּמִים, ^tamim^) conveys the idea of completeness and perfection beyond human grasp. 10. The Majesty of God Elihu concludes by affirming the majesty and righteousness of God, who is exalted in power and justice. ^Reference: Job 37:22-23^ Hebrew Root: The term for "majesty" (הוֹד, ^hod^) reflects the splendor and glory of God. Lessons from Job 37 1. The Majesty of God in Creation Job 37 opens with a vivid description of God's power displayed through nature. The chapter reminds us that "He thunders with His majestic voice" (Job 37:4). This is a call to recognize the awe-inspiring majesty of God in the world around us. Take a moment each day to appreciate the beauty of creation, and let it remind you of the Creator's greatness. 2. The Power of God's Voice Elihu speaks of God's voice as thunder, a powerful force that commands attention. "He does great things beyond our understanding" (Job 37:5). Just as thunder can stop us in our tracks, God's voice in our lives should prompt us to pause and listen. Make time for quiet reflection and prayer, allowing God's voice to guide your path. 3. The Purpose in the Storm Storms in life can be daunting, but Job 37 teaches us that they serve a purpose. "Whether for punishment or for His land, or for loving devotion, He causes it to happen" (Job 37:13). Trust that God uses every storm to shape and refine us, drawing us closer to Him. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and deeper faith. 4. The Call to Humility Elihu reminds Job of the limits of human understanding: "Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness" (Job 37:19). This is a humbling reminder that we don't have all the answers. Approach life with humility, acknowledging that God's wisdom far surpasses our own. 5. The Beauty of God's Creation The chapter paints a picture of God's handiwork in nature, from snow to rain. "He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth'" (Job 37:6). Let this inspire you to find joy in the simple, everyday wonders of the world. Cultivate a heart of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds you, recognizing it as a reflection of God's creativity. 6. The Importance of Listening Elihu urges Job to "listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God" (Job 37:14). In our fast-paced lives, it's crucial to take time to listen—to God, to others, and to the world around us. Practice active listening, and you'll find wisdom and insight in unexpected places. 7. The Mystery of God's Ways Job 37 acknowledges the mystery of God's actions: "Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes His lightning flash?" (Job 37:15). Accept that some things are beyond our comprehension. Trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. 8. The Assurance of God's Control The chapter reassures us that God is in control of all things. "He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water His earth and show His love" (Job 37:13). Rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign, orchestrating every detail of our lives for His purposes. Let this assurance bring peace to your heart. 9. The Call to Reverence Elihu concludes with a call to reverence: "The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power" (Job 37:23). Approach God with a sense of awe and respect, recognizing His holiness and majesty. Cultivate a heart of worship, and let reverence for God shape your actions and attitudes. 10. The Invitation to Trust Ultimately, Job 37 invites us to trust in God's wisdom and power. "Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart" (Job 37:24). Place your trust in the One who holds the universe in His hands, and find comfort in His unfailing love and faithfulness. Let this trust be the foundation of your life, guiding you through every circumstance. Topics 1. The Majesty of God's Voice Job 37 begins with Elihu describing the awe-inspiring voice of God. He emphasizes the power and majesty of God's voice as it thunders. "At this also my heart trembles and leaps from its place. Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth." (Job 37:1-2) The Hebrew word for "voice" (קוֹל, ^qol^) signifies not just sound but a powerful proclamation. 2. God's Control Over Nature Elihu speaks of God's sovereign control over the natural world, including the weather. "He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth." (Job 37:3) The Hebrew root for "unleashes" (שָׁלַח, ^shalach^) conveys the idea of sending forth with authority. 3. The Purpose of God's Actions Elihu suggests that God's actions in nature serve multiple purposes, including correction and blessing. "Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion." (Job 37:13) The term "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, ^chesed^) in Hebrew reflects God's covenantal faithfulness and mercy. 4. Human Limitations in Understanding God Elihu acknowledges the limitations of human understanding when it comes to comprehending God's works. "Do you know how God dispatches the clouds or makes the lightning flash?" (Job 37:15) The rhetorical question highlights human inability to grasp divine wisdom fully. 5. The Call to Reverence and Awe The chapter concludes with a call to revere God for His incomprehensible greatness and justice. "The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power, and in His justice and great righteousness, He does not oppress." (Job 37:23) The Hebrew word for "exalted" (שָׂגָב, ^sagab^) implies being high and inaccessible, emphasizing God's transcendence. Themes 1. The Majesty of God in Nature Job 37 emphasizes the grandeur and power of God as demonstrated through natural phenomena. Elihu speaks of God's voice in the thunder and His control over the weather: "At this also my heart trembles and leaps from its place. Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth" (Job 37:1-2). The Hebrew word for "voice" (קוֹל, ^qol^) underscores the authority and presence of God in creation. 2. God's Sovereignty and Control The chapter highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the universe. Elihu describes how God commands the snow and rain, illustrating His control over the elements: "He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the torrential downpour, ‘Pour out mightily’" (Job 37:6). The Hebrew verb for "says" (אָמַר, ^amar^) indicates God's authoritative decree. 3. Human Limitations and Humility Elihu points out the limitations of human understanding in the face of God's works. He challenges Job to consider his own inability to comprehend God's ways: "Do you know how God dispatches the clouds or makes the lightning flash?" (Job 37:15). This theme calls for humility, recognizing the finite nature of human wisdom compared to God's infinite knowledge. 4. The Purpose of God's Actions The chapter suggests that God's actions in nature serve a purpose, whether for correction, provision, or mercy: "Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion" (Job 37:13). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, ^chesed^) conveys God's covenantal love and faithfulness, indicating that His actions are ultimately for good. 5. The Call to Reverence and Awe Elihu concludes with a call to revere God, acknowledging His greatness and inscrutability: "The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power, and in His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress" (Job 37:23). The theme emphasizes the appropriate response of awe and worship in light of God's majestic and just nature. Prayer Points Praise for God's Majesty Thank God for His incredible creation and the ways it reveals His power and glory. Wisdom and Understanding Ask God for wisdom to navigate life's complexities and to trust in His perfect plan. Humility and Reverence Pray for a heart that is humble before God, recognizing our limitations and His greatness. Trust in God's Sovereignty Seek to deepen your trust in God's control over all aspects of life, even when circumstances are challenging. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Job 37:3–5, how can thunder and lightning be described as God’s direct voice when science explains them as natural phenomena? 2. Job 37:6–7 suggests God commands the weather to teach humans their frailty; is there historical or scientific proof of this divine lesson? 3. Why does Job 37:9–10 attribute ice and cold to the breath of God, when meteorology shows a clear natural process behind freezing temperatures? 4. Job 37:12–13 claims storms fulfill God’s purposes of punishment or blessing; how do natural disaster patterns fit this idea? 5. Does Job 37:14–15’s portrayal of God controlling weather conflict with biblical passages that emphasize human free will over divine intervention? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Elihu's description of God's power in nature influence your understanding of God? 2. Can you recall a personal experience where you felt the awe and majesty of God through nature? 3. In verses 6-13, Elihu speaks of weather as an instrument of God's correction, mercy, and nourishment. How can this perspective change our attitude towards adverse weather or natural calamities? 4. How does Elihu challenge Job in verses 14-18? What does this tell us about our limitations in understanding God’s ways? 5. What lessons can we learn from Elihu’s humility in admitting his inability to fully understand God? 6. What does it mean to fear God according to Elihu's discourse in verses 19-24? 7. How can we apply Elihu’s reverence for God’s majesty and power in our daily lives? 8. How does Elihu's speech in Job 37 reflect on our human tendency to question God's actions? 9. What can we learn from Elihu's discourse about finding God in the ordinary events of life? 10. How does Elihu's view of God compare and contrast with that of Job and his other friends? 11. How does acknowledging God’s power and control, as Elihu does, bring comfort during times of personal suffering or uncertainty? 12. How does the chapter inform the way you perceive challenges and trials in your life? 13. In the modern context, where we have scientific explanations for weather phenomena, how can we maintain a sense of wonder and reverence for God's control over nature? 14. What attributes of God in this chapter can help you develop a more intimate relationship with Him? 15. How can understanding the concept of God's inscrutability impact your faith and trust in Him? 16. What does this chapter teach us about humility in the face of God’s majesty? 17. Can you identify with Job’s struggle to understand God’s ways? How does this chapter provide a new perspective on this struggle? 18. How does this chapter impact your view of God’s role in both the extraordinary and mundane aspects of life? 19. How can the teachings in Job 37 influence your prayers and petitions to God? 20. How might the reflections in this chapter shape your response to others who are going through trials and are questioning God’s ways? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions