Job 37:11
He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them.
He loads the clouds with moisture
The phrase begins with the acknowledgment of God's sovereign control over nature. The Hebrew word for "loads" (מַשְׂבִּיעַ, masbi'a) conveys the idea of filling or satisfying, suggesting that God abundantly provides what is necessary for the clouds to fulfill their purpose. In the ancient Near Eastern context, clouds were often seen as carriers of divine blessing, particularly in the form of rain, which was crucial for agriculture and survival. This imagery underscores God's provision and the intricate balance He maintains in creation.

the clouds
In Hebrew, the word for "clouds" (עָבִים, 'avim) can also imply a sense of heaviness or thickness, indicating the weight of the moisture they carry. Clouds in the biblical narrative often symbolize God's presence and majesty, as seen in the pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). Here, they serve as a testament to God's creative power and His ability to sustain life on earth.

with moisture
The term "moisture" (אוֹר, or) in this context refers to the water content within the clouds, essential for rain. This highlights the life-giving aspect of God's creation, as water is a fundamental element for life. Theologically, it reflects God's nurturing character, providing for His creation's needs. Historically, in a predominantly agrarian society, the regularity and abundance of rain were seen as direct blessings from God, reinforcing the dependence of humanity on divine provision.

He scatters His lightning through them
The scattering of lightning (בְּרָקָיו, b'raqav) illustrates God's dynamic and awe-inspiring power. Lightning, a natural phenomenon that can be both beautiful and terrifying, serves as a reminder of God's might and the fearsome aspect of His creation. In the ancient world, lightning was often associated with divine judgment or communication, as seen in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). This phrase emphasizes God's control over even the most powerful and unpredictable elements of nature.

through them
The phrase "through them" indicates the medium of the clouds as conduits for God's power. It suggests a divine orchestration where every element of nature is under God's command. This reflects the biblical theme of God's omnipresence and His intimate involvement in the workings of the world. Theologically, it reassures believers of God's sovereignty and His ability to use all aspects of creation for His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's majesty and justice. Elihu's speeches are found in Job 32-37, and he emphasizes God's power and wisdom.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who undergoes severe trials and seeks to understand God's purpose in his suffering.

3. The Clouds
In this context, the clouds are a symbol of God's power and the natural order He controls. They are part of the imagery Elihu uses to describe God's majesty.

4. Lightning
Represents God's power and the awe-inspiring aspects of His creation. It is used to illustrate the might and unpredictability of God's actions.

5. The Heavens
The broader setting in which the clouds and lightning operate, symbolizing the vastness of God's creation and His sovereign control over it.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Nature
The verse highlights God's control over the natural world, reminding us of His ultimate authority and power. We can trust in His sovereignty even when we don't understand His ways.

The Majesty of God's Creation
The imagery of clouds and lightning serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of God's creation. It calls us to worship and reverence for the Creator.

God's Power in the Midst of Trials
Just as God controls the elements, He is also in control of the storms in our lives. We can find comfort in knowing that nothing is beyond His reach or understanding.

The Unpredictability of God's Ways
Lightning is unpredictable, much like God's plans. This teaches us to rely on faith and trust in God's wisdom, even when His actions are beyond our comprehension.

The Call to Humility
Recognizing God's power and majesty should lead us to humility, acknowledging our limited understanding and dependence on Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's control over nature, as described in Job 37:11, influence your perspective on the challenges you face in life?

2. In what ways can the imagery of clouds and lightning deepen your appreciation for God's creation and His power?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 147:8 and Jeremiah 10:13, reinforce the message of God's sovereignty found in Job 37:11?

4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate trust in God's plans, especially when they seem unpredictable or beyond your understanding?

5. How can recognizing God's majesty and power lead to greater humility in your daily walk with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 147:8
This verse speaks of God covering the sky with clouds and providing rain for the earth, highlighting His provision and control over nature.

Jeremiah 10:13
Describes God's voice as bringing forth the clouds and lightning, emphasizing His power and authority over creation.

Nahum 1:3
Illustrates God's power in nature, with clouds being the dust of His feet, reinforcing the imagery of divine majesty and control.
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
The RainstormW.F. Adeney Job 37:11-13
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Abroad, Bright, Cloud, Clouds, Dispels, Disperses, Filling, Ladeth, Lightning, Loadeth, Loads, Moister, Moisture, Plentiful, Press, Scatter, Scattereth, Scatters, Sends, Spreadeth, Spreads, Thick, Thunder-flame, Watering, Wearieth, Weighted, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:11

     4805   clouds
     4838   lightning

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:11-12

     8404   commands, in OT

Job 37:11-13

     4060   nature

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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