Job 37:6
For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the gentle rain, 'Pour out a mighty downpour.'
For He says to the snow,
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty over nature. In the biblical context, snow is often seen as a symbol of purity and cleansing (Isaiah 1:18). The command to the snow highlights God's control over the elements, reflecting His power and authority. In the ancient Near East, snow was less common in some regions, making its occurrence a notable event that demonstrated divine intervention or blessing.

‘Fall on the earth,’
The directive for snow to fall on the earth illustrates the obedience of creation to God's command. This can be seen as a metaphor for submission to divine will, a theme prevalent throughout the Book of Job. The earth receiving snow can also symbolize the covering and protection provided by God, akin to His provision and care for humanity.

and to the gentle rain,
Gentle rain is often associated with blessing and sustenance in the Bible. In an agrarian society, rain was crucial for crops and survival, representing God's provision and favor (Deuteronomy 11:14). The mention of gentle rain contrasts with destructive storms, underscoring God's ability to provide life-giving resources in a controlled and nurturing manner.

‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’
This phrase suggests the abundance and overwhelming nature of God's provision. A mighty downpour can be seen as both a blessing and a challenge, reflecting the dual nature of God's interactions with humanity. In biblical history, rain was sometimes used as a tool for judgment (Genesis 7:11-12) or blessing (1 Kings 18:41-45). The imagery of a downpour can also be connected to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the New Testament (Acts 2:17), symbolizing spiritual renewal and empowerment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man known for his faithfulness and endurance through suffering.

2. Elihu
The speaker in this passage, a younger friend of Job who offers his perspective on Job's suffering and God's majesty.

3. God
The ultimate authority and creator, who commands the natural elements.

4. Snow and Rain
Natural phenomena used by God to demonstrate His power and control over creation.

5. Earth
The recipient of God's command, showcasing His sovereignty over the physical world.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all creation, including the weather. This should lead us to trust in His power and plan, even when we don't understand it.

The Majesty of God
Reflect on the majesty and greatness of God as seen in His command over nature. This should inspire awe and worship in our hearts.

God's Word is Effective
Just as God's command brings about snow and rain, His word is powerful and accomplishes His purposes. We should have confidence in the promises and instructions found in Scripture.

Dependence on God
Acknowledge our dependence on God for the natural resources we often take for granted, like rain and snow, which sustain life on earth.

Responding to God's Authority
Consider how we respond to God's authority in our lives. Are we obedient to His commands as the snow and rain are?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's control over nature, as seen in Job 37:6, affect your view of His sovereignty in your personal life?

2. In what ways can the imagery of snow and rain in this verse deepen your appreciation for God's creation?

3. How can you apply the concept of God's effective word, as demonstrated in this passage, to your daily Bible reading and prayer life?

4. What are some practical ways you can express trust in God's plan, especially when facing situations beyond your control?

5. How does recognizing God's authority over the natural world challenge you to respond to His authority in other areas of your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account, where God speaks and the natural world comes into being, illustrating His authority over creation.

Psalm 147:16-18
Describes God sending snow and frost, and then melting them, showing His control over weather patterns.

Isaiah 55:10-11
Compares the effectiveness of God's word to the rain and snow that nourish the earth, emphasizing the power and purpose of His commands.

Matthew 8:27
The disciples marvel at Jesus' command over the wind and sea, recognizing His divine authority similar to God's command over nature in Job 37:6.
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
Downpour, Fall, Likewise, Mighty, Pouring, Power, Rain, Rains, Rain-storm, Says, Shower, Showers, Snow, Strength, Strong, Wet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:6

     4844   rain
     4849   snow

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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