Job 36:32

KJV

With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it [not to shine] by [the cloud] that cometh betwixt.

KJV (with Strong's)

With clouds {H3709} he covereth {H3680} the light {H216}; and commandeth {H6680} it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt {H6293}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gathers the lightning into his hands and commands it to strike the target.

Berean Standard Bible

He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.

American Standard Version

He covereth his hands with the lightning, And giveth it a charge that it strike the mark.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:32, embedded within Elihu's profound discourse, powerfully articulates God's absolute and meticulous control over the natural world. Elihu employs the vivid imagery of clouds obscuring light to underscore the Creator's sovereign dominion, unfathomable wisdom, and active involvement in orchestrating even the most fundamental atmospheric phenomena. This verse serves as a crucial theological statement, emphasizing that natural occurrences are not random but direct manifestations of God's purposeful command and omnipotent power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Elihu's final and most comprehensive speech, spanning from [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's First Speech") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Exaltation of God's Power"). Having patiently listened to Job and his three friends, Elihu, a younger man, steps forward to offer a fresh perspective on God's justice and Job's suffering. Unlike the friends, Elihu posits that suffering can be a means of divine discipline, instruction, and a revelation of God's majesty, rather than solely punishment for sin. In chapters [Job 36](/job/36 "Job 36 - Elihu's Defense of God's Justice") and [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Exaltation of God's Power"), Elihu shifts his focus to God's overwhelming power and wisdom as revealed through natural phenomena, particularly storms, rain, lightning, and the intricate workings of the weather. Job 36:32 specifically acts as a prelude to a more detailed description of a divine storm, highlighting God's ability to manipulate even fundamental elements like light and darkness, thereby setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God's unfathomable ways and preparing Job for the Lord's own appearance from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job"). This verse underscores Elihu's argument that God is too great and too wise to be questioned by humanity, and His ways are beyond full human comprehension.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Ancient Near East (ANE), weather phenomena were almost universally attributed to the direct action of deities. Unlike modern scientific understandings, the people of Job's time would have seen every cloud, every flash of lightning, and every drop of rain as a deliberate act of a divine being. The sun, as the primary source of light and life, was often revered or associated with divine power (e.g., the Egyptian sun god Ra or the Mesopotamian Shamash). Therefore, the ability to "cover the light" with clouds was not merely a meteorological observation but a profound theological statement about ultimate control. Clouds themselves were frequently associated with the divine presence, often signaling the arrival of a deity or serving as a veil for divine glory, as seen in the pillar of cloud guiding Israel ([Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). The life-giving nature of rain, brought by these same clouds, was critical for agriculture and survival in arid regions, further reinforcing the perception of God's absolute power over life and death through His control of the elements. Elihu’s words would resonate deeply with this worldview, emphasizing that the God of Israel, Yahweh, was the sole and supreme orchestrator of all creation, unlike any pagan deity, and His control was absolute and personal.
* **Key Themes:** Job 36:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and Elihu's discourse. Foremost is the theme of **God's Absolute Sovereignty Over Nature**. The verse explicitly states that God "covereth the light" and "commandeth it [not to shine]," directly attributing meteorological events to divine decree. This underscores God's complete and meticulous control over creation, from the grandest cosmic movements to the smallest atmospheric changes, aligning with the broader biblical teaching found in passages like [Psalm 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "Psalm 147:8 - God covers the heavens with clouds") and [Jeremiah 5:24](/jeremiah/5-24 "God gives the rain in its season"). Another key theme is **Divine Majesty and Unfathomable Power**. The ability to obscure light, which is essential for life and vision, showcases God's immense power and authority over the very fabric of existence. It's a humbling reminder that even the most fundamental aspects of our world are subject to His will, a concept Elihu consistently emphasizes to humble Job and his friends, preparing them for the Lord's own rhetorical questions in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job"). Finally, the verse highlights **God's Unsearchable Wisdom and Mysterious Ways**. Just as humans cannot fully comprehend the intricate mechanics by which God orchestrates the obscuring of light by clouds, so too can they not fully grasp the depths of His plans and purposes, especially concerning human suffering or divine justice. This prepares the listener for the Lord's own speech, which further amplifies the theme of human limitation versus divine omnipotence, as seen in [Job 38:2-5](/job/38-2 "Job 38:2-5 - God questions Job's knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **כַּף (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** This Hebrew noun, translated "clouds" in the KJV's "With clouds," literally means "hollow hand" or "palm." Its use here is an idiomatic expression, suggesting that God holds the clouds in His hand or uses them as an instrument. It emphasizes God's direct, tangible control over the atmospheric phenomena, implying that the clouds are not independent entities but are precisely managed by His divine "hand" or power, reinforcing His intimate involvement in the natural world.
* **כָּסָה (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This primitive root verb, translated "covereth," signifies a deliberate act of concealing, overwhelming, or shutting off. It implies an active, intentional shrouding rather than a passive or accidental obscuring. In the context of God covering the light, it emphasizes His direct and purposeful involvement in the natural phenomenon, reinforcing His sovereign control over the elements, much like a king intentionally covers something with a cloak.
* **אוֹר (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** The Hebrew noun for "light" refers to the fundamental illumination provided by the sun, essential for all life and vision. Its selection here is significant because light is a primal element of creation ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God creates light")) and often symbolizes divine presence, knowledge, and life. God's ability to cover or withhold this essential element underscores His absolute power over existence itself, demonstrating that even the most fundamental aspects of the cosmos are subject to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With clouds he covereth the light":** This initial clause establishes God as the supreme agent and the clouds as His chosen instrument. The verb "covereth" (from _kâçâh_) denotes a deliberate and powerful action, indicating God's active role in manipulating the atmosphere to obscure the sun's radiance. It speaks to His immediate and direct control over fundamental elements of the cosmos, asserting that even the obscuring of light is a purposeful act of divine will.
* **"and commandeth it [not to shine]":** Here, the "it" refers to the light itself, specifically its ability to shine. God issues a direct, authoritative command (from _tsâvâh_) to the light, indicating His absolute power to regulate its emission. The bracketed words "not to shine" are a helpful translational clarification, indicating that God's command is for the light to be withheld or suppressed by the clouds. This emphasizes divine authority over the very function and manifestation of light, demonstrating that light's presence or absence is by His decree.
* **"by [the cloud] that cometh betwixt":** This final phrase describes the precise means by which God's command is executed. The cloud acts as an intermediary, positioning itself "betwixt" (from _pâgaʻ_, meaning to impinge or meet) the light source and the earth. This detail reinforces the idea of God's precise orchestration and purposeful design in natural phenomena, demonstrating that even the specific placement and function of a cloud are under His direct and meticulous control, not merely random atmospheric events.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's discourse in Job 36:32 is rich with literary artistry designed to magnify God's power. **Anthropomorphism** is evident as God is depicted "commanding" the light, much like a human king issues decrees, thereby emphasizing His absolute authority and active governance over creation. This device makes God's actions relatable while simultaneously highlighting their immense scale. The clouds themselves are imbued with a sense of agency, "coming betwixt" at God's behest, which borders on **Personification**, suggesting their obedience to divine will and their role as active participants in God's cosmic plan. Furthermore, the act of "covering the light" functions as a powerful **Symbolism**. Light, throughout scripture, often symbolizes divine presence, knowledge, truth, or blessing. Its temporary obscuring by clouds can symbolize God's mysterious ways, His ability to bring seasons of spiritual darkness or hiddenness, or His power to prepare for subsequent blessings like life-giving rain. This imagery also serves as a **Metaphor** for God's control over all aspects of human experience, including those that might seem to "darken" our understanding or circumstances, assuring us that even in obscurity, God is sovereign and purposeful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:32 profoundly underscores the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation. It asserts that natural phenomena are not merely random occurrences but direct expressions of God's will and power. This aligns with the consistent biblical portrayal of God as the meticulous orchestrator of the cosmos, who not only created the heavens and the earth but actively sustains and governs every detail. His ability to command the light and the clouds demonstrates His comprehensive dominion, reminding humanity of its finite understanding in contrast to His infinite wisdom. This divine control extends beyond the physical realm, serving as a powerful metaphor for God's ultimate authority over all circumstances, including those that might seem to "darken" our lives or understanding, reinforcing the truth that His purposes are always at work, even when obscured from our view.

* [Psalm 104:2](/psalms/104-2 "God covers Himself with light")
* [Psalm 147:8](/psalms/147-8 "God covers the heavens with clouds")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God creates light and darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:32 calls us to a profound contemplation of God's immense power and wisdom, challenging our often human-centric view of the world. In an age where we strive to control our environment and predict every outcome, this verse serves as a humbling reminder of our limitations and God's boundless, unwavering authority. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of reverence and awe, recognizing that the Creator of the universe is actively involved in every detail, from the grandest cosmic movements to the smallest atmospheric changes. This understanding can bring profound peace in times of uncertainty, knowing that the One who commands the light and the clouds is ultimately in charge of our lives. It also prompts us to trust in His purposes, even when circumstances seem to "cover the light" and bring darkness or confusion. Just as clouds bring life-giving rain to nourish the earth, challenges and periods of obscurity can be orchestrated by God to lead to spiritual growth, deeper reliance on His wisdom, and a more profound appreciation for His sovereign provision. This verse is not merely a description of meteorology but a call to worship and humble submission to the God who holds all things in His hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's direct control over natural phenomena, as described in this verse, impact your view of daily events and circumstances?**
* **In what "dark" or confusing seasons of your life might you need to remember that God "commandeth it [not to shine]" and has a purpose even in obscurity?**
* **How can contemplating God's power over light and darkness deepen your trust in His sovereignty during times of personal uncertainty or global crisis?**

### FAQ
**Why does Elihu focus so heavily on God's power in nature?**

Answer: Elihu's focus on God's power in nature serves multiple purposes within his discourse. Primarily, he aims to demonstrate God's majesty, wisdom, and justice to Job, who has been questioning God's ways. By highlighting God's undeniable control over the most powerful and unpredictable forces of nature—storms, lightning, rain, and even light itself—Elihu underscores the vast chasm between human understanding and divine omnipotence. He uses creation as a tangible witness to God's character, preparing Job for the ultimate encounter with God Himself, who will later speak from the whirlwind and further elaborate on His creative power in [Job 38](/job/38 "The Lord Answers Job"). This emphasis also refutes the simplistic theology of Job's friends, who primarily saw suffering as direct punishment for sin, by presenting a more nuanced view of God's purposes, which include discipline, instruction, and the revelation of His glory.

**What is the deeper significance of "light" being covered by clouds in this context?**

Answer: The covering of light by clouds carries significant symbolic weight beyond a mere meteorological observation. Light, throughout Scripture, is often associated with God's presence ([Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation")), truth ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet")), knowledge, and blessing. Its obscuring by clouds, at God's command, demonstrates His absolute control even over these fundamental aspects of existence. Theologically, it can symbolize God's mysterious ways or a temporary "hiddenness" of His purposes, especially when human understanding is limited or when suffering obscures clear vision. Yet, it also implies purpose, as these same clouds often bring life-giving rain, suggesting that even periods of "darkness" or obscurity in life can be part of God's larger, beneficial plan, leading to spiritual nourishment and growth.

**Does this verse imply that God causes all "bad" weather or natural disasters?**

Answer: Job 36:32, along with other biblical texts, certainly implies that God has ultimate control over all weather phenomena, whether perceived as "good" (like life-giving rain) or "bad" (like destructive storms). The verse emphasizes God's active command and orchestration of events like clouds covering light. This does not necessarily mean God *directly causes* every single instance of a natural disaster in a punitive sense, but it affirms His overarching sovereignty and permission over all creation. The Bible teaches that God uses natural events for various purposes: to demonstrate His power ([Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "The Voice of the Lord")), to bring blessing ([Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "God sends rain")), to discipline ([Amos 4:7-8](/amos/4-7 "God withholds rain")), or simply to reveal His majesty to a fallen world. The key takeaway is God's absolute control and purposeful governance, not necessarily a direct causal link to specific human suffering in every instance, though He can and does use such events for His righteous purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 36:32 speaks of God's sovereign control over natural light, its profound theological implications find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Christ is Creator and Sustainer")), but He is also the very "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World")), illuminating spiritual darkness and revealing the Father. Just as God commanded the clouds to cover physical light, foreshadowing His power over all creation, Jesus demonstrated this same divine authority by calming the raging storm with a mere word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), revealing His dominion over the very elements Elihu described. The temporary "covering of light" at God's command in Job 36:32 can be seen as a shadow of the profound darkness that covered the earth during Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Darkness at the Crucifixion")), a moment when the true Light of the World seemed to be obscured. Yet, it was precisely through this darkest hour, when the "light" of God's presence seemed hidden, that God's ultimate purpose of salvation was accomplished, bringing forth the light of resurrection and eternal life. In Christ, the one who commands light and darkness, we find the ultimate revelation of God's power, wisdom, and redemptive plan, ensuring that though temporary darkness may come, the true Light will never be ultimately overcome ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "The Light Shines in the Darkness")) and will ultimately triumph over all shadows.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 147:8

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Psalms 147:9

He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

Acts 27:20

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on [us], all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

Job 37:15

Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?

Psalms 148:8

Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

Psalms 18:11

He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies.

Job 37:12

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.