Job 38:22,23 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Hast thou entered into the treasures of snow? Dost thou know where I have laid up those vast quantities of snow and hail which I draw forth when I see fit? Dost thou know the causes of them, and the way to produce them? But if thou art unacquainted with these treasures, it is intolerable presumption in thee to pretend that thou knowest those treasures of wisdom which lie hid in my own breast. Which I have reserved That is, which snow, and especially which hail, I have prepared, against the time of trouble When I intend to bring trouble or calamity upon any country or people, for the punishment of their sins, or for their trial. Or, as the Hebrew לעת צר, legneth tzar, may be properly rendered, against the time of the enemy; that is, when I intend to punish mine or my people's enemies, and to fight against them with these weapons. Against the day of battle and war “Though the expression here is general, and means only that the Almighty reserves these powers in nature as the instruments of destruction for wicked men; yet particular cases may well be referred to, as explanatory hereof. See, therefore, Exodus 9:23, and Joshua 10:11. Respecting the treasures of snow and hail, the philosophical reader will find great satisfaction by referring to Scheuchzer on the place.” Dodd.