Job 37: Stand Still And Consider the Wonderous Works of God

God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. Job 37:5

Twin themes dominate Elihu’s discourse. The physical universe demonstrates that God’s wisdom and understanding far surpass man’s. Why then should we expect to understand his ways of working in human lives? Since we are confident that God’s character is marked by “an abundant righteousness he will not violate” (37:23), when we cannot understand, we are simply to trust Him. This is perhaps the most significant message of Job.

23  As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress.

37:6,7 He says: As God once spoke and brought forth light, land and all manner of life, so now He speaks and controls all that He has. God uses the winter storms to stop the hand of every man so that he cannot work but instead may recognize the work of God.

6  For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7  He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work.

37:21, 22 If people cannot look at the bright light of the sun in the skies, how much more difficult is it to approach God, who appears in His own golden splendor and awesome majesty?

21  Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind has passed and cleared them. 22  He comes from the north as golden splendor; With God is awesome majesty.

37:23, 24 Elihu’s concluding words offer praise to the living God who is at once elusive — we cannot find Him—and merciful — He does not oppress. Judgment means Justice. Justice means “righteousness.” fear: finally Elihu speaks of the referential awe and worshipful wonder that all people should have for their omnipotent Creator.

23  As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. 24  Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart.”