Job 36-38: The Lord Answers Job

Thoughts

Job 36 Elihu

Elihu insists he speaks on God’s behalf and his words are not false. 

God does not despise anyone, and is is mighty in strength and understanding. He upholds those who live rightly. Kings who follow Him are exalted, but if they sin, He disciplines them. Those who resist correction perish.

Elihu warns Job not to let anger lead him into sin or bitterness. He cautions Job not to long for death (the night) or wish for escape but to endure.

Elihu then begins to worship:

• “Behold, God is exalted in His power; who is a teacher like Him?”
• “Behold, God is great, and we know Him not.”
• God’s greatness surpasses human comprehension , He Is our teacher

Elihu then paints a picture of weather: rain, lightning, thunder. Can anyone understand the control of the weather? 

Job 37 Elihu

Elihu: “At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place.” He describes thunder as “the voice of God” rolling across the heavens. lightning flashes under His command, and the sound reveals His presence.

Elihu describes God directing snow, rain, and storms. His breath makes ice. All creations tops before God’s power.

Elihu : “Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” He seems to imply Job’s inability to understand creation. He says to stop trying to talk to God and instead marvel at His power. 

“The Almighty—we cannot find him;  he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.”

Job 38 God

God answers JOB. Not any of the friends.

God does not explain Job’s suffering but instead He questions Job’s understanding.

• “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (v. 4)
• “Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?” (v. 5)
• “On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (vv. 6–7)
• “Who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?” (v. 8)
• “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place?” (v. 12)
• “Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?” (v. 16)
• “Have the gates of death been revealed to you?” (v. 17)
• “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or seen the storehouses of the hail?” (v. 22)
• “By what way is the light distributed, or the east wind scattered upon the earth?” (v. 24)
• “Who has cleft a channel for the torrent of rain and a way for the thunderbolt?” (v. 25)
• “Has the rain a father, or who has begotten the drops of dew?” (v. 28)
• “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion?” (v. 31)
• “Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?” (v. 33)
• “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that a flood of waters may cover you?” (v. 34)
• “Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?” (v. 36)
• “Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions?” (v. 39)
• “Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God for help?” (v. 41)

Questions

Is this God’s word for word? I know some other chapters might have been embellished for poetical reasons.

What does God’s voice sound like?

Application

God’s majesty. After all the silence, God finally answers Job. But not in a way he was probably expecting. God doesn’t reveal why Job suffered but instead reveals who He IS. He has Job look past his pain and look to the One who created the universe. He didn’t offer black and white answers, but instead He offered Himself. We don’t understand our storms, but we serve a God who commands them.