2 "Listen closely to the thunder of His voice , And the rumbling that goes out from His mouth . 3 "Under the whole heaven He lets it loose , And His lightning to the ends of the earth . 4 "After it, a voice roars ; He thunders with His majestic voice , And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard . 5 "God thunders with His voice wondrously , Doing great things which we cannot comprehend .
6 "For to the snow He says , 'Fall on the earth ,' And to the downpour e and the rain e , 'Be strong .' 7 "He seals the hand of every man , That all men may know His work . 8 "Then the beast goes into its lair And remains in its den . 9 "Out of the south comes the storm , And out of the north the cold . 10 "From the breath of God ice is made , And the expanse of the waters is frozen . 11 "Also with moisture He loads the thick cloud ; He disperses the cloud of His lightning . 12 "It changes direction , turning around by His guidance , That it may do whatever e He commands it On the face of the inhabited earth . 13 "Whether for correction , or for His world , Or for lovingkindness , He causes it to happen .
14 "Listen to this , O Job , Stand and consider the wonders of God . 15 "Do you know how God establishes them, And makes the lightning of His cloud to shine ? 16 "Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds , The wonders of one perfect in knowledge , 17 You whose garments are hot , When the land is still because of the south wind? 18 "Can you, with Him, spread out the skies , Strong as a molten mirror ? 19 "Teach us what we shall say to Him; We cannot arrange our case because e of darkness . 20 "Shall it be told Him that I would speak ? Or should a man say that he would be swallowed up?
21 "Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies ; But the wind has passed and cleared them. 22 "Out of the north comes golden splendor; Around God is awesome majesty . 23 "The Almighty - we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power And He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness . 24 "Therefore men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise of heart ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 37:2-24
Commentary on Job 37:1-13
(Read Job 37:1-13)
The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We must notice the glory of God, not only in the thunder and lightning, but in the more common and less awful changes of the weather; as the snow and rain. Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and shall man only be unprovided with a refuge? Oh that men would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come; and invites them to accept his salvation, and to be happy. The ill opinion which men entertain of the Divine direction, peculiarly appears in their murmurs about the weather, though the whole result of the year proves the folly of their complaints. Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many bad by our sins.
Commentary on Job 37:14-20
(Read Job 37:14-20)
Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. As God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so he has a thawing, composing south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because he both convinces and comforts, Song of Solomon 4:16. The best of men are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing, in comparison with what is to be known, and of what will be known, when that which is perfect is come.
Commentary on Job 37:21-24
(Read Job 37:21-24)
Elihu concludes his discourse with some great sayings concerning the glory of God. Light always is, but is not always to be seen. When clouds come between, the sun is darkened in the clear day. The light of God's favour shines ever towards his faithful servants, though it be not always seen. Sins are clouds, and often hinder us from seeing that bright light which is in the face of God. Also, as to those thick clouds of sorrow which often darken our minds, the Lord hath a wind which passes and clears them away. What is that wind? It is his Holy Spirit. As the wind dispels and sweeps away the clouds which are gathered in the air, so the Spirit of God clears our souls from the clouds and fogs of ignorance and unbelief, of sin and lust. From all these clouds the Holy Spirit of God frees us in the work of regeneration. And from all the clouds which trouble our consciences, the Holy Spirit sets us free in the work of consolation. Now that God is about to speak, Elihu delivers a few words, as the sum of all his discourse. With God is terrible majesty. Sooner or later all men shall fear him.