Matthew Henry Commentary Job 37
Matthew Henry Commentary
Job 37
Matthew Henry Commentary
Job 37
"Yea, at this my heart trembleth, And is moved out of its place. Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, And the sound that goeth out of his mouth. He sendeth it forth under the whole heaven, And his lightening unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of his majesty; And he restraineth not [the lightnings] when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice; Great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Fall thou on the earth; Likewise to the shower of rain, And to the showers of his mighty rain. He sealeth up the hand of every man, That all men whom he hath made may know [it]. Then the beasts go into coverts, And remain in their dens. Out of the chamber [of the south] cometh the storm, And cold out of the north. By the breath of God ice is given; And the breadth of the waters is straitened. Yea, he ladeth the thick cloud with moisture; He spreadeth abroad the cloud of his lightning: And it is turned round about by his guidance, That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them Upon the face of the habitable world, Whether it be for correction, or for his land, Or for lovingkindness, that he cause it to come." — Job 37:1-13 (ASV)
Changes in the weather are often the subject of our thoughts and common conversation; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, like Elihu, with a regard for God as their director! We must notice the glory of God, not only in thunder and lightning, but also in the more common and less awe-inspiring changes of the weather, such as snow and rain.
Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and should humans alone be unprovided with a refuge? Oh, that people would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come, and invites them to accept His salvation and to be happy. The poor opinion that people hold of divine direction particularly appears in their grumbling about the weather, even though the overall outcome of the year proves the foolishness of their complaints.
Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many days bad by our sins. (Job 37:14–20)
"Hearken unto this, O Job: Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know how God layeth [his charge] upon them, And causeth the lightning of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge? How thy garments are warm, When the earth is still by reason of the south [wind]? Canst thou with him spread out the sky, Which is strong as a molten mirror? Teach us what we shall say unto him; [For] we cannot set [our speech] in order by reason of darkness. Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?" — Job 37:14-20 (ASV)
Proper thoughts about the works of God will help to reconcile us to all His providences. Just as God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so He has a thawing, calming south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because He both convinces and comforts (Song of Solomon 4:16). The best of people are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing in comparison with what is to be known, and of what will be known, when that which is perfect is come.
"And now men see not the light which is bright in the skies; But the wind passeth, and cleareth them. Out of the north cometh golden splendor: God hath upon him terrible majesty. [Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out He is excellent in power; And in justice and plenteous righteousness he will not afflict. Men do therefore fear him: He regardeth not any that are wise of heart." — Job 37:21-24 (ASV)
Elihu concludes his discourse with some great sayings concerning the glory of God. Light always is, but is not always to be seen. When clouds come between, the sun is darkened in the clear day. The light of God's favour shines continually towards his faithful servants, though it is not always seen.
Sins are clouds, and often hinder us from seeing that bright light which is in the face of God. Also, as to those thick clouds of sorrow which often darken our minds, the Lord has a wind which passes and clears them away. What is that wind?
It is his Holy Spirit. As the wind dispels and sweeps away the clouds which are gathered in the air, so the Spirit of God clears our souls from the clouds and fogs of ignorance and unbelief, of sin and lust. From all these clouds the Holy Spirit of God frees us in the work of regeneration. And from all the clouds which trouble our consciences, the Holy Spirit sets us free in the work of consolation.
Now that God is about to speak, Elihu delivers a few words, as the sum of all his discourse. With God is awesome majesty. Sooner or later all men will fear him.
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