Chapters 32 through 37, all Elihu!
And today he finally closes his “speech,” actually several orations combined, say the scholars.
And the emphasis I’ve chosen to highlight today in Job chapter 37 is meteorological!
In the background, as Elihu concludes his bulky philosophical worldview, a thunderstorm is apparently developing!
I personally feel that, in reality, the storm is indicative of God’s approaching Presence.
See if you can discern a storm in Elihu’s words. “Hear attentively the noise of his (the Lord’s) voice, and the sound (thunder) 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.” Job 37:2-5
Thereafter Elihu comments on the snow, the rain, the clouds, and even the frost! A weather summary, the wind being included, with God in full charge!
Then … immediately … God SPEAKS!
As in Job chapter 38, verse 1 … “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said ….” The very thing for which Job has earnestly longed for months and months now! (Notice God did not answer Elihu, speaking rather His faithful servant Job!)
It is as if God “tired” of Elihu’s half right, half-wrong assessments of the Patriarch Job. And decided He MUST intervene!
And folks, when God appears, even Elihu must hush … and notice … and adore! “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice.” Job 37:23
Sadly though, Elihu hurls two more quick “insults” at Job … even as God draws near. Verse 23: “He (the Lord) will not afflict.” But He will! He does! Elihu just insinuated that Job was NOT being tested (afflicted) by the Lord! Wrong, very wrong!
And lastly (Job 37:24) a caution of being “wise in heart,” as if Job were vainly pround!
Then, the words of Elihu are ended.
And the Words of God have begun!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
By the way, Psalm 29 is another Holy Spirit inspired Poem about God’s Voice and the thunder!