10. the breath of God—poetically, for the ice-producing north wind. frost—rather, "ice." straitened—physically accurate; frost compresses or contracts the expanded liquid into a congealed mass (Job 38:29; Job 38:30; Psalms 147:17; Psalms 147:18). read more
The Speeches of Elihu (concluded)2. The thunder is frequently called the voice of God: cp. Psalms 29. Sound] RM ’muttering.’4. Them] the flashes and thunderclaps. 6c. RV ’And to the showers of his mighty rain.’ 7b. RV ’That all men whom he hath made may know it.’The suspension of work by storms shows men that they are subject to a higher Power.9. Render, ’The whirlwind comes from its chamber, and cold from the scatterers,’ i.e. from the winds (so RM), which scatter the clouds. But we should... read more
(10) The breadth of the waters is straitened.—Firm, like a molten mass. read more
Job 37:16 I rather believe that some of the mysteries of the clouds never will be understood by us at all. 'Knowest thou the balancings of the clouds?' Is the answer ever to be one of pride? The wondrous works of Him, Who is perfect in knowledge? Is our knowledge ever to be so?... For my own part, I enjoy the mystery, and perhaps the reader may. I think he ought. He should not be less grateful for summer rains, or see less beauty in the clouds of morning, because they come to prove him with... read more
XXVI.THE DIVINE PREROGATIVEJob 35:1-16; Job 36:1-33; Job 37:1-24AFTER a long digression Elihu returns to consider the statement ascribed to Job, "It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God." {Job 34:9} This he laid hold of as meaning that the Almighty is unjust, and the accusation has been dealt with. Now he resumes the question of the profitableness of religion."Thinkest thou this to be in thy right, And callest thou it ‘My just cause before God,’ That thou dost ask... read more
CHAPTERS 36:22--37:24 1. God’s power and presence in nature (Job 36:22-33 ) 2. The thunderstorm (Job 37:1-5 ) 3. The snow and the rain (Job 37:6-16 ) 4. Elihu’s concluding remarks (Job 37:17-24 ) Job 36:22-33 . The chapter division in the Authorized Version is at fault. These concluding verses of the thirty-sixth chapter begin the final section of Elihu’s testimony. Unspeakably great in every way, in diction and reverence, is this man’s witness to the ways of God in creation’s work.... read more
37:10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters {g} is straitened.(g) That is, frozen up and dried. read more
MAN'S IMPOTENCE IN THE STORM (vv.1-5) As the storm breaks upon them, Elihu himself trembles (v.1). The thunder of God's voice calls for man's close attention and His lightning spreads over the whole visible area (vv.2-3). "After it, a voice roars. He thunders with His majestic voice" (v.4). "God thunders marvellously with His voice: He does great things which we cannot comprehend" (v.5). Here before Job's eyes was an object lesson concerning the spiritual storm he had experienced. He could... read more
WORDS OF ELIHU ; WORDS OF GOD Elihu now comes forward with apparent modesty, and yet great pretensions. Young and inexperienced, he is nevertheless indignant at the manner in which the friends of Job have sought to reply to him. Professing that his views have been revealed from above, he undertakes to clear up all the difficulties in the case. Afflictions are for the good of the sufferer is his dictum, a thought which he exhibits in various lights. He, too, reflects upon Job for his... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 37:10
Job 37:10. By the breath of God frost is given— By the breath of God he giveth ice, and he swelleth the waters by the thaw: Job 37:11. Fair weather also disperseth the cloud; his sun scattereth the cloud abroad; Job 37:12. This also [the sun] by his wisdom performeth its revolution, that men may execute whatever he commandeth them upon the face of the earth. read more