12. it—the cloud of lightning. counsels—guidance ( :-); literally, "steering"; the clouds obey God's guidance, as the ship does the helmsman. So the lightning (see on :-); neither is haphazard in its movements. they—the clouds, implied in the collective singular "it." face of the world, &c.—in the face of the earth's circle. 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
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
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
The Speech of Elihu. IV. Job 35-37 Elihu says many beautiful things. There is some difficulty in tracing the uniting line of his numerous remarks, but the remarks themselves often glitter with a really beautiful light. Many of the independent sayings are like single jewels. We need not always look for the thread upon which the pearls are strung: sometimes it is enough to see the separate pearls themselves, to admire, to value, and spiritually to appropriate all their helpful suggestion.... read more
(8) Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. (9) Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. (10) By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. (11) Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: (12) And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. (13) He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Job 37:12
world = vast expanse, or the habitable world. Hebrew. tebel . read more