Job Chapter 37 — God's Majesty in the Storm
Elihu concludes his speech by describing God’s power over the weather and natural forces, urging Job to consider the greatness of the Creator.
1“Yes, at this my heart trembles,
2Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice,
3He sends it out under the whole sky,
4After it a voice roars.
5God thunders marvelously with his voice.
6For he says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
7He seals up the hand of every man,
8Then the animals take cover,
9Out of its room comes the storm,
10By the breath of God, ice is given,
11Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture.
12It is turned around by his guidance,
13whether it is for correction, or for his land,
14“Listen to this, Job.
15Do you know how God controls them,
16Do you know the workings of the clouds,
17You whose clothing is warm
18Can you, with him, spread out the sky,
19Teach us what we will tell him,
20Will it be told him that I would speak?
21Now men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies,
22Out of the north comes golden splendor.
23We can’t reach the Almighty.
24Therefore men revere him.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Job 37:5
“God thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can’t comprehend.”
This verse highlights the theme of God's power being far beyond the reach of human understanding.
Job 37:14
“Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.”
This is the central command of Elihu’s final appeal, inviting Job to reflect on the Creator's handiwork.
Job 37:23
“We can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.”
This summarizes the character of God as being both immensely powerful and inherently just.
Chapter Summary
In Job Chapter 37, Elihu continues his final argument by focusing on the awe-inspiring nature of God’s works in the physical world. He describes the power of thunder, lightning, snow, and rain as direct acts of God that demonstrate His sovereign control. Elihu notes that God uses weather for different purposes: for correction, for the land, or for mercy. He then challenges Job to explain how these natural phenomena work, such as how clouds are balanced or how the heat of the sun is managed. Elihu’s primary point is that if Job cannot understand or control the basic elements of nature, he is in no position to demand an explanation from the Almighty. The chapter concludes with an emphasis on God's unsearchable majesty and the proper human response of reverence and awe. This serves as the final transition before God Himself speaks from the whirlwind in the following chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elihu argues that God’s power is clearly visible through natural phenomena like storms, snow, and wind. He suggests that since humans cannot comprehend or control these everyday wonders, they should trust in God's wisdom and justice rather than questioning His actions.
Elihu describes the weather as being under God's direct command, mentioning thunder as God's voice and snow falling at His word. He notes that weather can be used for 'correction' or for the benefit of the land, showing God's purposeful design behind nature.
Elihu tells Job to stand still so that he can truly consider the wondrous works of God. This is an invitation for Job to move away from his own grievances and focus on the immense scale and complexity of the Creator's work.
Study Note
Elihu's detailed description of weather patterns serves as a literary bridge to the next chapter, where God answers Job out of a whirlwind.
Related Chapters
Psalm 29
This psalm similarly focuses on the power of the 'voice of the Lord' as expressed through a thunderstorm.
Job 38
This is the following chapter where God Himself finally speaks to Job out of the whirlwind.
Matthew 8
This chapter shows Jesus exercising the same authority over the wind and waves that Elihu attributes to God.
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