Job 37 explained: Elihu Points to the Storm

Thunder as God's voice (vv. 1-5)

Elihu says his heart pounds at the thunder and lightning, which he calls the roar of God's voice. Many readers think a real storm was building as he spoke, since God answers Job out of a storm in the very next chapter.

Snow, rain and ice (vv. 6-13)

Winter weather comes at God's command, stopping farm work and sending animals into their dens so people notice God's work instead of their own. Elihu says God sends the clouds either to correct people or to water the land as an act of kindness.

Questions Job cannot answer (vv. 14-18)

Elihu asks whether Job understands how clouds float or lightning flashes from a dark cloud. People then pictured the sky as a solid dome, shining like a polished metal mirror, since mirrors were made of bronze rather than glass.

No one can argue with God (vv. 19-20)

Elihu says humans are so in the dark that they cannot even put together a case against God, and demanding a hearing would be like asking to be swallowed up. This pushes back on Job's repeated wish to take his complaint straight to God.

Dazzling majesty from the north (vv. 21-24)

Just as no one can stare at the sun once the wind clears the clouds, no one can face God's full brightness, yet Elihu insists God is just and does not crush people. The last line is unclear in Hebrew, and translations differ on whether God values the wise or ignores those who are wise in their own eyes.

Key verse: Job 37:23

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Elihu speaks wisely and prepares the way for God's own answer, or is simply one more friend who misjudges Job, since God never mentions him afterward.

Something to think about

When you meet something far bigger than you can explain, like a storm or a loss, does it tend to quiet your questions or sharpen them?