Reflections on Job 37

 Job 37 (Contemporary English Version)

1. I am frightened and tremble all over,
   
2. when I hear the roaring voice of God in the thunder,
   
3. and when I see his lightning flash across the sky.
   
4. God's majestic voice thunders his commands,
   
5. creating miracles too marvelous for us to understand.
   
6. Snow and heavy rainstorms
   
7. make us stop and think about God's power,
   
8. and they force animals to seek shelter.
   
9. The windstorms of winter strike,
   
10. and the breath of God freezes streams and rivers.
    
11. Rain clouds filled with lightning appear at God's command,
    
12. traveling across the sky
    
13. to release their cargo-- sometimes as punishment for sin, sometimes as kindness.
    
14. Job, consider carefully the many wonders of God.
    
15. Can you explain why lightning flashes at the orders
    
16. of God who knows all things? Or how he hangs the clouds in empty space?
    
17. You almost melt in the heat of fierce desert winds when the sky is like brass.
    
18. God can spread out the clouds to get relief from the heat, but can you?
    
19. Tell us what to say to God! Our minds are in the dark, and we don't know how to argue our case.
    
20. Should I risk my life by telling God that I want to speak?
    
21. No one can stare at the sun after a breeze has blown the clouds from the sky.
    
22. Yet the glorious splendor of God All-Powerful is brighter by far.
    
23. God cannot be seen-- but his power is great, and he is always fair.
    
24. And so we humans fear God, because he shows no respect for those who are proud and think they know so much.

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As Elihu neared the conclusion of his speeches, he pointed to God's majesty and greatness in an attempt to diminish Job's view of himself by comparison. Wanting Job to humble himself before God rather than accuse Him and criticize Him.

God's majesty and greatness, he pointed out, are best seen through nature which is easily recognized. A good example is a thunderstorm when the lightning streaks across the sky followed by the roar of the thunder. It is like hearing the voice of God. More calming and peaceful, though no less awesome, is a snowfall or a torrential rain. The torrential rains, Elihu said, "serve as His signature to all mankind." Through them all people may know God's work. Further examples of God's greatness are the windstorm or a driving north wind or an ice storm or a cloud formation. All of these God has at His disposal for either punishment or a demonstration of His love.

Elihu then asked Job to ponder these things and consider God's wonders. Having done so, the question for Job to consider was whether he understood how God does all these things and whether he could assist God with any of it. Obviously, Job could neither understand how God controls nature or help God do so. In that case, should Job be so bold before God? If he was so smart, he should teach them what they should say to God to defend themselves or he should tell them how to approach God. Should they give God notice that they want to speak? Should they speak to God when they are confused? Elihu had already told Job he spoke without understanding, so this last question was likely aimed at suggesting that Job was confused and therefore should remain quiet before God.

In conclusion Elihu said that God is too great for man to even reach. He is above reproach concerning His justice and righteousness. Nor, He does oppress. Therefore, men should not consider themselves wise in their own hearts for God does not look on this with favor.