The Majesty of God in Nature: Exploring Job 37 Through Orthodox Eyes

Executive Summary ✨

Job 37, spoken by Elihu, serves as a powerful hymn to the majesty of God in nature. Elihu meticulously describes God’s control over the elements: thunder, lightning, snow, rain, and wind. He emphasizes God’s incomprehensible power and wisdom, urging Job and us to acknowledge His sovereignty. He reminds us that God’s actions are often beyond human understanding, and that true wisdom lies in reverent awe and trust. This chapter invites us to see God’s handiwork in the world around us, transforming our daily experiences into opportunities for worship and spiritual growth. We should cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our limitations and embracing the mystery of God’s creation and providence. The passage encourages us to seek understanding, but ultimately to rest in the knowledge that God’s ways are higher than our ways.

Job 37 is a profound exploration of God’s power and sovereignty, as revealed through the natural world. This chapter, rich in imagery and theological depth, invites us to contemplate the unfathomable wisdom of our Creator. We will delve into its depths, drawing upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the rich tapestry of Orthodox tradition.

Commentary Sections 📖

Job 37:1-5 – God’s Voice in the Storm

Job 37:1-5 (KJV): At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them 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, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

Job 37:1-5 (NKJV): “At this also my heart trembles, And leaps out of its place. Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that comes from His mouth. He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.”

Elihu begins by emphasizing the overwhelming impact of God’s voice on him. The thunder, the lightning, and the sheer power of the storm evoke a sense of awe and reverence. This experience prompts a physical and emotional reaction, highlighting the transformative power of encountering God’s presence. The depiction of God’s voice spreading “under the whole heaven” suggests His omnipresence and universal power, impacting every corner of creation.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great, in his homilies on the Psalms, reflects on the power of God revealed in creation, stating, “Ἡ γὰρ ἀόρατος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης ἀπὸ κτίσεως κόσμου τοῖς ποιήμασι νοουμένη καθορᾶται” (Hē gar aoratos autou dynamis kai theiotēs apo ktiseōs kosmou tois poiēmasi nooumenē kathoratai – “For since the creation of the world His invisible power and divine nature, being understood by the things that are made, are clearly seen.” – St. Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 18). This highlights that nature itself is a testament to God’s invisible power.

Spiritual Application: When faced with life’s storms, both literal and metaphorical, remember the power and majesty of God. Cultivate a sense of awe and reverence in the face of His creation. Instead of fear, choose to see His hand at work, knowing that He is in control, even when we don’t understand His ways. Consider visiting web hosting for your own site to share your faith online.

Job 37:6-13 – God’s Control Over the Elements

Job 37:6-13 (KJV): He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: 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. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.

Job 37:6-13 (NKJV): “He seals the hand of every man, So that all men may know His work.” Then the beasts go into dens, And remain in their places. From the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the north. By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen. Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. And they swirl about, having turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy.

Here, Elihu describes God’s meticulous control over the elements. He speaks of God “sealing the hand of every man,” suggesting a period of inactivity or forced stillness, perhaps due to the severity of the weather. This time of stillness provides an opportunity for reflection and recognition of God’s work. The mention of animals seeking shelter further emphasizes the power of God’s creation over all living beings. The passage then details the origin of wind, cold, ice, and rain, all attributed to God’s command and breath. God uses these natural forces for various purposes: correction, provision for the land, and mercy. This showcases the multifaceted nature of God’s actions and His providential care for His creation.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, reflects on God’s providential care for creation, stating, “Οὐ γὰρ ἀφίησιν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον κυλίνδεσθαι ὡς τύχῃ παρεχόμενον, ἀλλὰ αὐτὸς πάντα οἰκονομεῖ” (Ou gar aphiēsin ho Theos ton kosmon kylindesthai hōs tychē parechomenon, alla autos panta oikonomei – “For God does not allow the world to roll on as if governed by chance, but He Himself orders all things.” – St. John Chrysostom, Homily 6 on Matthew). This emphasizes that nothing in creation happens by chance, but all things are orchestrated by God’s divine plan.

Spiritual Application: Recognize God’s hand in the events of your life, both good and bad. Understand that even difficult times can serve a purpose in His plan. Seek to discern His will in all things, trusting that He is working for your ultimate good. Use periods of stillness and reflection to deepen your relationship with God and to gain a greater understanding of His ways. Remember to appreciate the intricate beauty and power of the natural world around you, seeing it as a reflection of God’s glory.

Job 37:14-20 – The Limits of Human Understanding

Job 37:14-20 (KJV): Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.

Job 37:14-20 (NKJV): “Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. Do you know when God dispatches them, And causes the light of His cloud to shine? Do you know the balance of the clouds, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? How your garments are warm, When He quiets the earth by the south wind? With Him have you spread out the skies, Strong as a cast metal mirror? Teach us what we should say to Him, For we cannot prepare our speech because of darkness. Should it be told Him that I speak? If a man speaks, surely he shall be swallowed up.”

Elihu shifts his focus to Job, urging him to stand still and consider the “wondrous works of God.” He poses a series of rhetorical questions, highlighting the limits of human understanding. Can Job comprehend the mysteries of the clouds, the balance of the sky, or the source of warmth? These questions emphasize the vast gap between human knowledge and divine wisdom. Elihu admits his own inability to articulate a perfect response to God, confessing that “we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.” This acknowledgement of human limitations underscores the need for humility and reverence in approaching God.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his “Life of Moses,” describes the infinite nature of God, stating, “Ἡ δὲ θεία φύσις διὰ τὴν ἀπειρίαν ἀνέφικτος τῇ καταλήψει” (Hē de theia physis dia tēn apeirian anephiktos tē kataleipsei – “The divine nature, because of its infinity, is unattainable by comprehension.” – St. Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Moses). This highlights the inherent limitations of human understanding when trying to grasp the nature of God.

Spiritual Application: Embrace the mystery of God. Don’t be discouraged by the things you cannot understand. Instead, cultivate a spirit of humility and acknowledge the limits of your own knowledge. Trust in God’s wisdom, even when His ways seem unclear. Focus on what you *can* know about God through Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments, rather than fixating on the unknowable. Recognize that a relationship with God is not about intellectual understanding, but about faith, trust, and love.

Job 37:21-24 – God’s Unapproachable Light

Job 37:21-24 (KJV): And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.

Job 37:21-24 (NKJV): “And now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies, But the wind passes and clears them. Fair weather comes from the north; With God is terrible majesty. Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgment and abundant justice; He does not violate justice. Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any wise of heart.”

Elihu concludes his speech by emphasizing the unapproachable nature of God. He describes the bright light hidden in the clouds, suggesting a divine glory that is often veiled from human eyes. God’s “terrible majesty” inspires awe and reverence. Elihu acknowledges that we “cannot find Him out,” emphasizing the limitations of human inquiry when it comes to understanding the Almighty. Yet, he affirms God’s excellence in power, judgment, and justice. Ultimately, the appropriate response to God’s majesty is fear, not in the sense of terror, but in the sense of profound respect and reverence. God shows no partiality, even to those who consider themselves wise.

Patristic Insight: St. Dionysius the Areopagite, in his “Mystical Theology,” speaks of God as being beyond all human categories and understanding, stating, “Ὑπὲρ πᾶσαν θέσιν καὶ ἀφαίρεσιν” (Hyper pasan thesin kai aphairesin – “Beyond all affirmation and negation.” – St. Dionysius the Areopagite, Mystical Theology). This emphasizes God’s transcendence and His inaccessibility to human conceptualization.

Spiritual Application: Approach God with humility and reverence. Acknowledge His transcendence and the limits of your own understanding. Cultivate a healthy “fear of the Lord,” which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Seek God through prayer, worship, and obedience to His commandments. Trust in His justice and mercy, even when His ways are beyond your comprehension. Remember that true wisdom lies not in intellectual prowess, but in a humble and obedient heart.

Subtopic Sections

Let’s consider some key takeaways from Job 37:

• ✨ God’s Power and Sovereignty: The chapter underscores God’s absolute control over the natural world, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.
• 💡 Human Limitations: Elihu emphasizes the limits of human understanding in comprehending God’s actions and wisdom.
• 📖 Reverence and Awe: The passage encourages a spirit of reverence and awe in the face of God’s creation and His unfathomable ways.
• 📜 Divine Providence: God’s control over the elements is not arbitrary but serves His purposes, whether for correction, provision, or mercy.
• 🕊️ Humility and Trust: True wisdom lies in humility, recognizing our limitations and trusting in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.

FAQ ❓

Here are some common questions about Job 37:

• Q: Why does Elihu focus so much on nature?

  A: Elihu uses nature as a powerful illustration of God’s power, wisdom, and majesty. The observable forces of nature are a tangible way to grasp the incomprehensible nature of God Himself.

• Q: Is “fear of the Lord” a bad thing?

  A: No, “fear of the Lord” in this context is not about being terrified of God. It’s about having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for His power and holiness. It’s a recognition of our place in relation to the Almighty.

• Q: How can I apply Job 37 to my daily life?

  A: Take time to appreciate the beauty and power of the natural world around you. See it as a reflection of God’s glory. Cultivate humility and trust in His plan, even when you don’t understand His ways. Seek to discern His will in all things.

Conclusion

Job 37 invites us to contemplate the majesty of God in nature and to cultivate a spirit of humility and reverence in His presence. Elihu’s description of God’s control over the elements underscores His power and sovereignty. The chapter also reminds us of the limitations of human understanding, urging us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when His ways are beyond our comprehension. Ultimately, Job 37 is a call to worship, inviting us to see God’s handiwork in the world around us and to respond with awe, reverence, and a deep trust in His providential care. By understanding our limitations, we draw closer to God, recognizing the immense scope and beauty of His creation.

Tags

Job, Elihu, God, Nature, Majesty, Sovereignty, Wisdom, Humility, Orthodox, Theology

Meta Description

Explore Job 37’s profound message on the majesty of God in nature through an Orthodox theological lens. Discover insights into God’s power and human limitations.