Job 37 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments
  • Job 37:4 open_in_new

    Them] the flashes and thunderclaps.

    6c. RV 'And to the showers of his mighty rain.'

    7b. RV 'That all men whom he hath made may know it.'The suspension of work by storms shows men that they are subject to a higher Power.

  • Job 37:9 open_in_new

    Render, 'The whirlwind comes from its chamber, and cold from the scatterers,' i.e. from the winds (so RM), which scatter the clouds. But we should probably read, 'from its storehouses,' with a trifling change.

  • Job 37:11 open_in_new

    RV 'Yea, he ladeth the thick cloud with moisture: he spreadeth abroad the cloud of his lightning.'

  • Job 37:13 open_in_new

    Probably the first line should run, 'Whether it be for correction for his land.' The word translated 'or' has been repeated by mistake.

    14-24. A series of questions to Job, intended, to produce submission and belief in God's providence.

  • Job 37:17 open_in_new

    Render, 'When thy clothes are hot, and the earth still by reason of the south wind.' Job 37:17-18 refer to the sultry weather and sky of brass before the storm breaks.

  • Job 37:18 open_in_new

    Looking glass] RV 'mirror' (of metal).

    19-20. Elihu shrinks from the presumptuous thought of contending with the Almighty, such as Job had uttered.

    20b. RV 'Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up.'

  • Job 37:21 open_in_new

    RM 'And now men cannot look on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind hath passed and chased them.'

  • Job 37:22 open_in_new

    Fair weather is literally 'gold.' The author probably intended 'brightness,' for which he may have used a different word. The reference may be to the Northern Lights.

    23, 24. Elihu concludes by summing up the character of God as He manifests Himself to man. Though His dealings may be beyond man's comprehension, yet He is just as well as mighty, and will not afflict unjustly. But He expects humility, not presumption from His creatures.

  • Job 37:24 open_in_new

    Respecteth] RV 'regardeth.' Wise of heart] i.e. confident in their own wisdom, as Job was in Elihu's opinion.