Chapter 37
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.
2Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
7He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
8Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
9Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
10By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
12And 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.
13He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
14Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
“Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.”
Overview
Elihu continues his description of God's power displayed in the thunderstorm, describing lightning, snow, wind, ice, and the spreading clouds. He calls on Job to stand still and consider the wondrous works of God, asking whether Job can do what God does with the weather and the skies. He concludes that the Almighty is excellent in power and judgment and will not respond to those who are wise in their own conceits.
Key Themes
The Wonders of God in Nature
Elihu's vivid descriptions of weather phenomena — thunder, lightning, snow, ice — serve as evidence of God's magnificent power and wisdom.
Standing Still Before God
The proper human response to God's greatness is to stand still and consider His works, adopting a posture of humble wonder rather than demanding answers.
The Limits of Human Understanding
If humans cannot comprehend or control the weather, how much less can they comprehend or question the ways of the Almighty?
Study Questions
How does the command to 'stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God' (v. 14) apply to you?
What do the descriptions of weather phenomena teach about God's power?
How does Elihu's speech prepare the way for God's own answer from the whirlwind?
What is the relationship between observing nature and growing in reverence for God?
How does humility before creation lead to humility before the Creator?
Connection to Christ
The God whose power Elihu describes in the storm is the same Lord who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee with a word. Christ demonstrates authority over the very forces of nature that humble humanity, revealing that the Creator has entered His creation.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Job 37. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?