Job 37
BSB1 “At this my heart also pounds and leaps from its place. 2 Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. 3 He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. 4 Then there comes a roaring sound; He thunders with His majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when His voice resounds. 5 God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’ 7 He seals up the hand of every man, so that all men may know His work. 8 The wild animals enter their lairs; they settle down in their dens. 9 The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds. 10 By the breath of God the ice is formed and the watery expanses are frozen. 11 He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them. 12 They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth. 13 Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion. 14 Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God. 15 Do you know how God dispatches the clouds or makes the lightning flash? 16 Do you understand how the clouds float, those wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge? 17 You whose clothes get hot when the land lies hushed under the south wind, 18 can you, like Him, spread out the skies to reflect the heat like a mirror of bronze? 19 Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case when our faces are in darkness. 20 Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up ? 21 Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. 22 Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. 23 The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress. 24 Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart."
Study Notes — Job 37
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Job 37
- Themes from Job 37
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Job 37
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Job 37, Elihu continues his speech, describing God's power and wisdom in controlling the weather and the natural world. He encourages Job to consider God's greatness and to trust in His sovereignty, citing examples of God's power in nature, such as thunderstorms and lightning (Job 37:1-5). Elihu also emphasizes the importance of fearing God and acknowledging His wisdom, warning against pride and self-righteousness (Job 37:14-24). The chapter concludes with Elihu's declaration of God's majesty and his own limitations in understanding God's ways (Job 37:23-24).
Context for the Chapter
Job 37 is part of the third cycle of speeches in the book of Job, where Elihu responds to Job's lamentations and defends God's character. The chapter serves as a bridge between Elihu's speech and God's response, emphasizing God's power and wisdom and encouraging Job to trust in His sovereignty. The chapter's themes of God's power and wisdom are central to the book of Job, which explores the problem of suffering and evil in the context of God's sovereignty.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Job 37, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, recognizing His power and majesty. We are called to approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging our own limitations and submitting to His will. By fearing God and trusting in His wisdom, we can find comfort and peace in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Job 37 emphasizes God's power and wisdom, encouraging us to trust in His sovereignty and majesty. The chapter highlights God's control over nature and the world, demonstrating His power and wisdom. By fearing God and acknowledging His greatness, we can find comfort and peace in the midst of suffering and uncertainty (Job 37:1-5, 14).
Voices from the Church
“The God of the Bible is a God of great power, and His ways are not our ways. We must trust in His sovereignty and wisdom, even when we do not understand.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and it is the foundation of all true knowledge and understanding. We must approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His greatness and majesty.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to God's Power (Job 37:1-5) — Elihu describes God's power in controlling the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty.
- The Importance of Fearing God (Job 37:14-24) — Elihu emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will, and warns against pride and self-righteousness.
- God's Majesty and Wisdom (Job 37:6-13) — Elihu highlights God's majesty and wisdom, demonstrating His control over nature and the world, and encouraging Job to trust in His sovereignty.
- Conclusion: God's Transcendence (Job 37:23-24) — Elihu concludes by emphasizing God's transcendence and power, encouraging Job to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
- Application: Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages the reader to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, recognizing His power and majesty, and to approach Him with humility and reverence.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter emphasizes God's control over nature and the world, demonstrating His sovereignty and majesty. This doctrine is central to the book of Job, which explores the problem of suffering and evil in the context of God's sovereignty.
- The Fear of God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will. This doctrine is central to the Christian life, encouraging believers to approach God with humility and reverence.
- God's Wisdom
- The chapter highlights God's wisdom and intelligence, which are beyond human comprehension. This doctrine serves as a foundation for trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
- Human Limitations
- The chapter acknowledges human limitations in understanding God's ways, encouraging humility and a willingness to learn. This doctrine serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility.
Lessons from Job 37
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches us the importance of humility and a willingness to learn, encouraging us to approach God with reverence and humility.
- The Power of God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's control over nature and the world, demonstrating His sovereignty and majesty, and encouraging us to trust in His wisdom and providence.
- The Wisdom of Fearing God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will, and warns against pride and self-righteousness.
- The Limitations of Human Understanding — The chapter acknowledges human limitations in understanding God's ways, encouraging humility and a willingness to learn, and serving as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility.
- The Comfort of God's Presence — The chapter encourages us to find comfort and peace in God's presence, even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, and to trust in His sovereignty and wisdom.
Themes from Job 37
- God's Power and Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes God's control over nature and the world, demonstrating His sovereignty and majesty, and encouraging us to trust in His wisdom and providence.
- The Importance of Fearing God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will, and warns against pride and self-righteousness.
- Human Limitations — The chapter acknowledges human limitations in understanding God's ways, encouraging humility and a willingness to learn, and serving as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility.
- The Comfort of God's Presence — The chapter encourages us to find comfort and peace in God's presence, even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, and to trust in His sovereignty and wisdom.
- The Majesty of God's Creation — The chapter highlights God's majesty and wisdom in creation, demonstrating His power and sovereignty, and encouraging us to trust in His wisdom and providence.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Job 37 teach about God's power and wisdom, and how can we apply this to our lives?
- How does Elihu's speech in Job 37 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and majesty?
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of fearing God, and how can we cultivate this fear in our lives?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's transcendence and power encourage us to approach Him with humility and reverence?
- What are some ways we can trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom in the midst of suffering and uncertainty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to God's Power (Job 37:1-5)
| 37:1 | Elihu describes God's power in controlling the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty. |
| 37:2 | Elihu highlights God's power in thunderstorms and lightning, demonstrating His control over nature and the world. |
2. The Importance of Fearing God (Job 37:14-24)
| 37:14 | Elihu emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will, and warns against pride and self-righteousness. |
| 37:15 | Elihu highlights God's wisdom and intelligence, which are beyond human comprehension, and encourages Job to trust in His sovereignty. |
3. God's Majesty and Wisdom (Job 37:6-13)
| 37:6 | Elihu describes God's power in controlling the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty. |
| 37:7 | Elihu highlights God's wisdom and intelligence, which are beyond human comprehension, and encourages Job to trust in His sovereignty. |
4. Conclusion: God's Transcendence (Job 37:23-24)
| 37:23 | Elihu concludes by emphasizing God's transcendence and power, encouraging Job to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. |
| 37:24 | Elihu highlights God's majesty and wisdom, demonstrating His control over nature and the world, and encouraging Job to approach Him with humility and reverence. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Job 37?
The main theme of Job 37 is God's power and wisdom, emphasizing His control over nature and the world, and encouraging Job to trust in His sovereignty (Job 37:1-5, 14).
How does Elihu's speech in Job 37 relate to the rest of the book?
Elihu's speech in Job 37 serves as a bridge between the third cycle of speeches and God's response, emphasizing God's power and wisdom, and encouraging Job to trust in His sovereignty.
What does the chapter teach about the importance of fearing God?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will, and warns against pride and self-righteousness (Job 37:14-24).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 37:1 → Psalm 104:1-4 | Both passages describe God's power and wisdom in controlling the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty. |
| 2 | Job 37:14 → Proverbs 1:7 | Both passages emphasize the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will, and warn against pride and self-righteousness. |
| 3 | Job 37:23 → Romans 11:33-36 | Both passages describe God's transcendence and power, encouraging believers to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. |
| 4 | Job 37:6 → Psalm 19:1-6 | Both passages describe God's power and wisdom in creation, demonstrating His control over nature and the world, and encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty. |
| 5 | Job 37:7 → Isaiah 40:28 | Both passages describe God's wisdom and intelligence, which are beyond human comprehension, and encourage believers to trust in His sovereignty. |
| 6 | Job 37:10 → Matthew 5:45 | Both passages describe God's power and wisdom in controlling the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty. |
| 7 | Job 37:12 → Psalm 148:1-6 | Both passages describe God's power and wisdom in creation, demonstrating His control over nature and the world, and encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty. |
| 8 | Job 37:15 → 1 Corinthians 1:25 | Both passages describe God's wisdom and intelligence, which are beyond human comprehension, and encourage believers to trust in His sovereignty. |
| 9 | Job 37:18 → Jeremiah 10:12-13 | Both passages describe God's power and wisdom in controlling the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty. |
| 10 | Job 37:24 → Hebrews 12:28-29 | Both passages describe God's transcendence and power, encouraging believers to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. |
Sermons on Job 37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 5 by Bakht Singh | This sermon reflects on the significance of rare natural phenomena like the multicolored ring around the sun, drawing parallels to spiritual occurrences and divine manifestations. |
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(Through the Bible) Job 31-37 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an interesting individual who was obsessed with timing everything. It is later revealed that this person was a bank robber and had |
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Job #3: The Spirit's Interpretation by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Job in the book of Job, specifically focusing on chapters 29 to 31. The speaker highlights how Job's life was initially filled |
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Job #3: The 4th Friend by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit when studying the Bible. He then introduces the character of Elihu in the book of Job |
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Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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Not All Storms Are Bad by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe preaches on the powerful imagery in Psalms 18:7-15, illustrating how God works when He comes to the aid of His children. These verses depict God as the Creator and D |
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Letter 18 by James Bourne | James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to his wife, expressing his struggles and anxieties as he leaves London for Kidbrook. He seeks a sign from the Lord to confirm his presence a |
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God Is Above All Understanding by Meister Eckhart | Meister Eckhart emphasizes the importance of the soul's intelligence and will as the first faculties to emerge, followed by other faculties. He highlights the beauty of God's work |
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Letter 131. by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of not relying on worldly wisdom or methods to appease others, but to instead trust in God's ways and seek His purposes, even in times of tri |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 37
Matthew Henry's commentary on Job 37 emphasizes God's power and wisdom, highlighting His control over nature and the world. Henry encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and majesty, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will. He also warns against pride and self-righteousness, emphasizing the importance of fearing God and approaching Him with humility and reverence. Henry's commentary serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and providence, even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Elihu's Humility
Elihu acknowledges his own limitations in understanding God's ways, demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn. This serves as a model for Job and the reader, encouraging them to approach God with humility and reverence.
God's Majesty
The chapter emphasizes God's majesty and power, highlighting His control over nature and the world. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and encourages the reader to trust in His wisdom and providence.
The Importance of Fearing God
The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will. This serves as a central theme in the chapter, encouraging Job and the reader to acknowledge God's power and wisdom.