Job 37:1-13 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

Elihu trembles at this. Listen to the thunder. First the lightning flashes (Job 37:3) then the thunder follows (Job 37:4 f.).

Job 37:2 suggests that a thunderstorm was actually taking place while Elihu was speaking, and many see in this a preparation for the manifestation of Yahweh in ch. 38. It is not clear, however, that the author intended this, as he passes on from the thunderstorm to snow and rain. These God sends on the earth (Job 37:6). They stop the work of man (Job 37:7) and drive the beasts to the covert of their dens (Job 37:8). The storm comes out of the chamber (where it dwells), and cold from the granaries where it is treasured (reading granaries for the word translated north in Job 37:9 b, and omitting the words of the south in Job 37:9 a, to which there is nothing corresponding in the Hebrew). Ice is formed by the breath of God (i.e. the winter wind), and the waters are congealed (so mg.). God fills the cloud with moisture, and guides the lightning to do His will, whether for correction or for mercy.

Omit or in Job 37:13 a as a mistaken repetition, and read, Whether it be for correction for His land, or for mercy.

Related Commentaries of Job 37:1

Job 37:1-13

1 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.

2 Heara attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.

3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightningb unto the ends of the earth.

4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.

5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.

8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.

9 Out of the southc cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.

10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.

13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction,d or for his land, or for mercy.