Job 36:25

Job 36:25 KJV continues Elihu's discourse, emphasizing the undeniable evidence of God's majestic power and wisdom, particularly as displayed in His creation and providential acts. This verse asserts that the grandeur of God's works is not hidden but is openly visible and discernible to all humanity.

Context

This verse is part of Elihu's lengthy speech (chapters 32-37), where he attempts to justify God's ways to Job and his friends. Unlike Job's three initial companions, Elihu presents a more nuanced view, arguing that God is just and powerful, and that suffering can be a means of discipline and instruction, not solely punishment. In Job 36:24, Elihu urges Job to "remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold." This sets the stage for verse 25, which states that this work is clearly apparent. Elihu points to natural phenomena like rain, storms, and clouds as demonstrations of God's incomprehensible power and meticulous design, which human beings can plainly observe.

Key Themes

• Divine Revelation through Creation: The verse highlights the concept of general revelation, where God's attributes, power, and wisdom are openly manifested through the natural world. His mighty deeds are not obscure but universally visible.
• Universal Accessibility of Truth: "Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off" underscores that the evidence of God's existence and power is not limited to a select few but is accessible to all people, regardless of their background or proximity. It implies an undeniable truth that confronts humanity.
• God's Incomparable Power and Majesty: The "it" refers to the vast and intricate works of God – His control over the elements, His wisdom in creation, and His sovereign governance. These works are so grand that they are discernible even "afar off," signifying their immense scale and overwhelming presence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two distinct verbs for seeing: "see" (from the Hebrew ra'ah - רָאָה) and "behold" (from chazah - חָזָה). While both refer to visual perception, chazah often carries a stronger connotation of gazing, perceiving, or even having a vision, implying a deeper, more contemplative observation than mere physical sight. This reinforces Elihu's point that God's works are not only physically apparent but also invite profound reflection and understanding of His divine nature.

Related Scriptures

• This idea of God's invisible attributes being clearly seen through what has been made is echoed in the New Testament by Paul in Romans 1:20, which states, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."
• Similarly, Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork," affirming the universal witness of creation.
• Elihu's perspective aligns with God's own declarations from the whirlwind in Job 38-41, where God challenges Job by detailing His control over creation, further demonstrating that His power is beyond human comprehension and clearly visible.

Practical Application

Job 36:25 serves as a powerful reminder for us today to pause and observe the world around us. In an age of distraction, this verse encourages us to:

• Cultivate Awe and Wonder: Recognize the divine craftsmanship in nature, from the smallest atom to the vastness of the cosmos. This observation can lead to a deeper appreciation for God's wisdom and power.
• Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: The undeniable clarity of God's works should lead to humility and an acknowledgment of His supreme authority over all things.
• Seek Understanding: If God's works are so clearly visible, we are invited to not just see, but to truly "behold" and understand His character through them, drawing closer to Him.

The verse ultimately calls humanity to recognize and respond to the pervasive evidence of a mighty and wise Creator, whose presence and power are manifest throughout the world.