Job 37:23
The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress.
The Almighty
The term "Almighty" is translated from the Hebrew word "Shaddai," which conveys the idea of God's ultimate power and sovereignty. In the context of Job, this name emphasizes God's supreme authority over creation and human affairs. Historically, "Shaddai" is used to remind believers of God's ability to provide and protect, as seen in the patriarchal narratives. This name reassures us of God's omnipotence and His capacity to fulfill His promises, regardless of human understanding or limitations.

is beyond our reach
This phrase underscores the transcendence of God, indicating that He is not confined by human limitations or understanding. The Hebrew concept here is that of God's incomprehensibility, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature. It serves as a humbling reminder that while humans can know God through His revelation, His full essence and ways are beyond human grasp. This should inspire awe and reverence, encouraging believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when circumstances are perplexing.

He is exalted in power
The exaltation of God's power is a central theme in the book of Job. The Hebrew root for "exalted" suggests being lifted high or set apart, highlighting God's supreme authority and majesty. This phrase calls believers to recognize God's unparalleled strength and His ability to govern the universe with precision and purpose. Historically, this acknowledgment of God's power has been a source of comfort and assurance for believers facing trials, knowing that the One who holds all power is also their protector and provider.

in His justice
The concept of divine justice is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of God's character. The word for "justice" here is "mishpat," which implies fairness, right judgment, and moral order. In the context of Job, it reassures that God's actions are always just, even when human perception might question His ways. This serves as a reminder that God's justice is perfect and unerring, providing a foundation for trust and faith in His righteous governance of the world.

and great righteousness
"Righteousness" in Hebrew is "tsedaqah," which conveys the idea of moral integrity and uprightness. The addition of "great" emphasizes the magnitude and perfection of God's righteousness. This phrase assures believers that God's actions are not only just but also morally perfect. In the broader biblical narrative, God's righteousness is a source of hope, as it guarantees that He will ultimately set things right and vindicate those who trust in Him.

He does not oppress
The assurance that God "does not oppress" is crucial in the context of Job's suffering. The Hebrew root for "oppress" suggests exploitation or unjust treatment. This statement affirms that God's dealings with humanity are never tyrannical or unjust. Instead, His actions are motivated by love and righteousness. For believers, this is a profound comfort, reinforcing the truth that God is always good and His intentions towards His creation are benevolent, even when His ways are mysterious.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who endured immense suffering and sought understanding of God's ways.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's majesty and justice.

3. The Almighty (God)
The central figure in the Book of Job, whose power, justice, and righteousness are beyond human comprehension.

4. The Heavens
Often referenced in Job as a symbol of God's majesty and the vastness of His creation.

5. The Suffering of Job
The context in which this verse is spoken, highlighting the struggle to understand divine justice amidst human suffering.
Teaching Points
God's Incomprehensible Nature
We must acknowledge that God's ways and thoughts are beyond human understanding. This calls for humility and trust in His divine wisdom.

The Exaltation of God's Power
Recognizing God's exalted power should lead us to worship and reverence. His power is unmatched and serves as a foundation for our faith.

Divine Justice and Righteousness
God's justice is perfect and His righteousness is great. We can trust that He does not oppress, even when circumstances seem unjust.

Trust in God's Character
In times of suffering or confusion, we should rely on the unchanging nature of God's justice and righteousness, knowing He is always good.

Responding to God's Majesty
Our response to God's majesty should be one of awe and submission, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's incomprehensible nature affect your daily trust in Him?

2. In what ways can you see God's exalted power at work in your life or the world around you?

3. How can you reconcile the idea of divine justice with the presence of suffering and injustice in the world?

4. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's character during difficult times?

5. How does recognizing God's majesty and righteousness influence your worship and relationship with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 55:8-9
This passage emphasizes that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, similar to the theme in Job 37:23 of God's incomprehensible nature.

Psalm 145:17
This verse speaks of the Lord's righteousness and kindness, paralleling the description of God's justice and righteousness in Job 37:23.

Romans 11:33-34
Paul reflects on the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, echoing the idea that God is beyond our reach.

Deuteronomy 32:4
This verse describes God as just and upright, reinforcing the theme of divine justice found in Job 37:23.

James 5:11
James refers to the perseverance of Job, highlighting the purpose and compassion of the Lord, which aligns with the understanding of God's character in Job 37:23.
An Unknown QuantityJoseph Parker, D. D.Job 37:23
God a MysteryJ. Budgeon, M. A.Job 37:23
God ExcellentJoseph Parker, D. D.Job 37:23
Inscrutable ProvidenceJudson Sage, D. D.Job 37:23
The Excellence of the Divine JusticeBurdett Hart, D. D.Job 37:23
The InscrutableJ. M. Lang, D. D.Job 37:23
The Mystery of GodW.F. Adeney Job 37:23
Man and GodHomilistJob 37:19-24
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Abundance, Abundant, Afflict, Almighty, Almighty-we, Beyond, Can't, Exalted, Excellent, Full, Judging, Judgment, Justice, Mighty, Oppress, Plenteous, Plenty, Power, Reach, Righteousness, Ruler, Searching, Strength, Touching, Violate, Violence, Wrong, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:23

     1125   God, righteousness
     1145   God, transcendent
     1205   God, titles of
     1441   revelation, necessity

Job 37:23-24

     8334   reverence, and God's 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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