Job 36:32

Commentary on Job 36:32 (KJV)

Job 36:32, part of Elihu's discourse to Job, powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over the natural world. Elihu, speaking on behalf of God's righteousness and majesty, uses the example of clouds obscuring light to emphasize the Creator's dominion and wisdom. The KJV text reads: "With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it [not to shine] by [the cloud] that cometh betwixt." The words in brackets are supplied by the translators for clarity, highlighting the active role of the cloud in intercepting the light at God's command.

Context

This verse is situated within Elihu's final and most extensive speech, which spans from Job 32 through 37. Elihu, a younger man, asserts that Job's suffering is not necessarily a sign of God's injustice but rather a means of discipline, instruction, and a demonstration of God's sovereign power and wisdom. In chapters 36 and 37, Elihu focuses on God's majesty revealed through natural phenomena, particularly storms, rain, lightning, and the intricate workings of the weather. Job 36:32 serves as a prelude to a more detailed description of a divine storm, emphasizing God's ability to manipulate even fundamental elements like light and darkness, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God's unfathomable ways.

Key Themes

• God's Sovereignty Over Nature: The verse explicitly states that God "covereth the light" with clouds and "commandeth it [not to shine]." This highlights God's absolute control over creation, including the sun, moon, and the elements that affect their visibility. It underscores His power to orchestrate weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.
• Divine Majesty and Power: The ability to obscure light, which is essential for life and vision, showcases God's immense power. It's a reminder that even the most fundamental aspects of our world are subject to His will. This power is not merely destructive but also purposeful, as clouds often bring life-giving rain.
• God's Unfathomable Ways: Elihu consistently points to the mysteries of God's workings. Just as we cannot fully comprehend how God orchestrates the obscuring of light by clouds, we cannot fully grasp the depths of His plans and purposes, especially concerning human suffering or divine justice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covereth" (כָּסָה - kasah) implies a deliberate act of concealing or overwhelming. It reinforces the idea that God is actively involved in the process, not merely observing it. The phrase "commandeth it [not to shine]" emphasizes the divine decree behind the natural occurrence, illustrating that phenomena like a cloudy day are direct results of God's will and power, not random events. This highlights God's active involvement in every detail of the cosmos, from the grandest cosmic movements to the smallest atmospheric changes.

Practical Application

Job 36:32 invites us to contemplate God's immense power and wisdom. In our modern world, where we often seek to control our environment, this verse serves as a humbling reminder of our limitations and God's boundless authority. It encourages us to:

• Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: Recognize that all things, even those we perceive as natural occurrences, are ultimately under God's control. This can bring peace in times of uncertainty, knowing that the Creator of the universe is in charge.
• Cultivate Humility: Just as Elihu sought to humble Job before the majesty of God, this verse prompts us to approach God with reverence, understanding that His ways are far beyond our full comprehension (Isaiah 55:9).
• Trust in His Purposes: Even when life's circumstances seem to "cover the light" and bring darkness, we can trust that God has a purpose. Just as clouds bring rain and nourish the earth, challenges can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God's wisdom and provision.

This verse, therefore, is not just a description of meteorology but a profound theological statement about God's enduring power and His active involvement in every aspect of His creation.