Job 37:3
He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth.
He unleashes His lightning
This phrase speaks to the sovereign power and majesty of God. The Hebrew word for "unleashes" is "shalach," which conveys the idea of sending forth or releasing with purpose and authority. In the context of Job, this demonstrates God's control over the natural world, emphasizing His omnipotence. Lightning, often seen as a symbol of divine presence and power, serves as a reminder of God's ability to command the elements. Historically, lightning was viewed with awe and fear, a direct manifestation of divine will, reinforcing the idea that God is actively involved in the world He created.

beneath the whole sky
The phrase "beneath the whole sky" underscores the universality of God's dominion. The Hebrew word "shamayim" for "sky" can also mean "heavens," indicating the vast expanse of God's creation. This suggests that there is no part of the earth that is outside of God's reach or influence. The imagery of the entire sky being under God's control serves to remind believers of His omnipresence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the sky was often associated with the divine realm, and this phrase reinforces the belief that God's authority extends over all creation.

and sends it to the ends of the earth
Here, the phrase "sends it to the ends of the earth" highlights the extent of God's power and the reach of His actions. The Hebrew word "yatsa" for "sends" implies a deliberate action, indicating that God's works are intentional and purposeful. The "ends of the earth" is a phrase that conveys the idea of the farthest reaches of the world, suggesting that there is no place beyond God's influence. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the idea that His will is executed throughout the entire earth. In a scriptural context, this reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty and His active role in the world, providing comfort and assurance to believers that God is in control, no matter how distant or remote a situation may seem.

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, where he emphasizes God's greatness and sovereignty.

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

3. God's Creation
The natural world, including the sky and earth, which is used by Elihu to illustrate God's power and control over the universe.

4. Lightning
A natural phenomenon used metaphorically to demonstrate God's power and presence throughout the earth.

5. The Ends of the Earth
A phrase indicating the vastness of God's reach and influence, emphasizing His omnipresence and omnipotence.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The verse illustrates God's control over the natural world, reminding us of His ultimate authority and power.

The Majesty of God
Lightning serves as a metaphor for God's majesty, encouraging believers to stand in awe of His greatness and creative power.

God's Omnipresence
The phrase "to the ends of the earth" emphasizes that there is no place beyond God's reach, offering comfort that He is always present in our lives.

Trust in God's Power
Understanding God's control over creation can strengthen our trust in His ability to manage the details of our lives, even in times of uncertainty.

Reflecting on God's Creation
Observing the natural world can lead us to worship and reverence for God, recognizing His handiwork in all things.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elihu's description of God's power in Job 37:3 help us understand God's sovereignty over creation?

2. In what ways can the imagery of lightning in this verse deepen our appreciation for God's majesty and power?

3. How does the concept of God's omnipresence, as seen in "to the ends of the earth," provide comfort in your personal life?

4. What other biblical passages reinforce the idea of God's control over the natural world, and how do they enhance your understanding of Job 37:3?

5. How can reflecting on the natural world and phenomena like lightning lead us to a deeper worship and reverence for God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 97:4
This verse speaks of God's lightning illuminating the world, similar to Job 37:3, highlighting God's majestic power over creation.

Jeremiah 10:13
This passage describes God's control over the weather, including lightning, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty.

Matthew 24:27
Jesus uses the imagery of lightning to describe His return, connecting the power and suddenness of lightning to divine action.
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
Beneath, Corners, Directeth, Ends, Forth, Heaven, Heavens, Lets, Lightening, Lightning, Loose, Sends, Skirts, Sky, Thunder-flame
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:3

     4838   lightning

Job 37:1-5

     5548   speech, divine

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

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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