And it is turned round about by his counsels , "It" ( i.e. the cloud) is "turned round" (or directed in its course) "by his counsels," or under the guidance of his wisdom, and so conveys his rain whither he pleases. That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. There is no expressed antecedent to "they." Perhaps the showers are intended, or the atmospheric influences generally. read more
He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy . God has different purposes in directing the rain hither or thither. Sometimes his object is to punish by violent or excessive rainfall: sometimes it is to fertilize his own special land; sometimes it is out of kindness to men generally. read more
Also by watering - Very various interpretations have been given of this phrase. Herder renders it, “His brightness rendeth the clouds.” Umbreit, Und Heiterkeit vertreibt die Wolke - “and serenity or clearness drives away the clouds.” Prof. Lee, “For irrigation is the thick cloud stretched out.” Rosenmuller, “Splendor dispels the clouds.” Luther, “The thick clouds divide themselves that it may be clear.” Coverdale, “The clouds do their labor in giving moistness.” The Vulgate, “The grain desires... read more
And it is turned round about - The word here rendered “it” (הוא hû') may refer either to the “cloud,” and then it will mean that it is driven about at the pleasure of God; or it may refer to God, and then it will mean that “he” drives it about at pleasure. The sense is not materially varied. The use of the Hebrew participle rendered “turned about” (in Hithpael), would rather imply that it refers to the cloud. The sense then is, that it turns itself round about - referring to the appearance of... read more
He causeth it to come - That is, the rain, or the storm. It is entirely under the hand of God, like the lightning Job 36:30, and designed to accomplish his purposes of mercy and of justice.Whether for correction - Margin, as in Hebrew “a rod.” The rod is often used as an emblem of punishment. The idea is, that God, when he pleases, can send the rain upon the earth for the purpose of executing punishment. So he did on the old world Genesis 7:11-12, and so the overflowing flood is often now sent... read more
Job 37:11-12. Also by watering The earth; by causing the clouds first to receive, and then to convey to distant parts, and afterward to pour forth, abundance of water; he wearieth the thick clouds Alluding to men’s being wearied with carrying burdens, travelling, and labour. By filling and burdening them with much water, and making them go long journeys to water remote countries, and, at last, to spend and empty themselves there, he, as it were, wearies and fatigues them. He scattereth... read more
Job 37:13. Whether for correction Hebrew, אם לשׁבשׂ , im leshebet, whether for a rod, to scourge or correct men by immoderate showers. The word, however, also means, a tribe, for a certain portion of land, which God intends particularly to favour or punish, in that way. Or for his land Hebrew, לארצו le-artzo, for his earth; the whole earth, which is said to be the Lord’s, Psalms 24:1; Psalms 50:12; and so this may denote a general judgment by excessive rains inflicted upon the... read more
God’s unknowable purposes (36:1-37:24)Elihu, believing he has all the answers to Job’s questions, says he will now answer Job on God’s behalf (36:1-4). Certainly, God punishes the wicked, but he does not despise all who suffer. If the afflicted are truly righteous, they will soon be exalted (5-7). The reason he afflicts them is to show them their sin. If they repent, they will enjoy renewed and unbroken contentment; if not, they will suffer horrible deaths (8-12).Only the ungodly rebel against... read more
world = vast expanse, or the habitable world. Hebrew. tebel . read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - Job 37:11-13
The rainstorm. I. ITS SOURCE . It is produced by God, and it is directed by God. He brings it about, and he guides it. 1. It comes from God. Now, this is most certainly an integral part of nature. We have seen that the thunder belongs to nature. That was not always apparent to men; there seemed to be something so weird and awful about it that men attributed it to supernatural agencies. But the rain is manifestly in the order of natural phenomena. Yet this is as Divine as the... read more