God’s Sovereignty Through Storms
January 11, 2023
Commentary
Nothing can compare to God. His power and presence are awesome, and when He speaks, we must listen (vv. 1–4), even though His greatness is beyond human understanding (v. 5). God’s power is seen in the snow and frost (v. 6). Workers must stop their labor (v. 7), and wild animals go into hiding (v. 8). Storm winds from the south and cold from the north come by His command (v. 9). His breath forms ice, and the waters freeze (v. 10). The clouds move according to His direction, accomplishing His purposes, whether for correction, for blessing, or to show His lovingkindness (vv. 11–13), reminding all creation that He rules with perfect wisdom and authority.
Elihu urges Job to “stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (v. 14), calling him to quiet reflection. He asks how much Job truly understands (v. 15). He points to the clouds that “hang poised” in the sky, a display of God’s perfect knowledge (v. 16). When the south wind brings heat, people “swelter in their clothes” (v. 17). Job cannot spread out the skies, strong as a mirror of cast metal (v. 18). Elihu wonders how anyone could properly speak before such a great God (v. 19). To argue with Him would be dangerous (v. 20). Looking again at the bright heavens, Elihu says that the shining light is too brilliant for human eyes (vv. 21–22) and humbly admits that human wisdom cannot fully grasp divine majesty or question His infinite understanding.
In conclusion, Elihu declares that God is almighty and righteous. Because of who He is, people should fear Him rather than question His ways, for He does not regard those who are wise in their own eyes (vv. 23–24), but honors those who approach Him with reverence and humility, trusting His sovereign purposes in every storm.
Application
Do I pause to consider His wondrous works, or rush ahead in pride? When life feels like a storm, do I trust His purpose? Am I humbling enough to admit I do not understand everything? Will I fear Him, listen carefully, and rest fully in His sovereign care today? As I face this day, I choose to stand still quietly before God.
Job 37:1–24 (NET)
1 At this also my heart pounds and leaps from its place.
2 Listen carefully to the thunder of his voice, to the rumbling that proceeds from his mouth.
3 Under the whole heaven he lets it go, even his lightning to the far corners of the earth.
4 After that a voice roars; he thunders with an exalted voice, and he does not hold back his lightning bolts when his voice is heard.
5 God thunders with his voice in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
6 For to the snow he says, ‘Fall to earth,’ and to the torrential rains, ‘Pour down.’
7 He causes everyone to stop working, so that all people may know his work.
8 The wild animals go to their lairs, and in their dens they remain.
9 A tempest blows out from its chamber, icy cold from the driving winds.
10 The breath of God produces ice, and the breadth of the waters freeze solid.
11 He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through the clouds.
12 The clouds go round in circles, wheeling about according to his plans, to carry out all that he commands them over the face of the whole inhabited world.
13 Whether it is for punishment, or for his land, or for mercy, he causes it to find its mark.
14 “Pay attention to this, Job! Stand still and consider the wonders God works.
15 Do you know how God commands them, how he makes lightning flash in his storm cloud?
16 Do you know about the balancing of the clouds, that wondrous activity of him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 You, whose garments are hot when the earth is still because of the south wind,
18 will you, with him, spread out the clouds, solid as a mirror of molten metal?
19 Tell us what we should say to him. We cannot prepare a case because of the darkness.
20 Should he be informed that I want to speak? If a man speaks, surely he will be swallowed up!
21 But now, the sun cannot be looked at — it is bright in the skies— after a wind passed and swept the clouds away.
22 From the north he comes in golden splendor; around God is awesome majesty.
23 As for the Almighty, we cannot attain to him! He is great in power, but justice and abundant righteousness he does not oppress.
24 Therefore people fear him, for he does not regard all the wise in heart.”
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