Job 37:11

Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

Also by watering {H7377} he wearieth {H2959} the thick cloud {H5645}: he scattereth {H6327} his bright {H216} cloud {H6051}:

He weighs the clouds down with moisture, and they flash forth his lightning.

He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them.

Yea, he ladeth the thick cloud with moisture; He spreadeth abroad the cloud of his lightning:

Commentary

Job 37:11 is part of Elihu's powerful discourse, where he extols the majesty and omnipotence of God, particularly as revealed through natural phenomena. This verse focuses on God's absolute control over clouds and rain, illustrating His intricate work in the hydrological cycle.

Context

In Job chapter 37, Elihu continues his argument that God is infinitely wise and powerful, far beyond human comprehension. He uses vivid descriptions of storms, lightning, thunder, and rain to emphasize that God's works are magnificent and mysterious. The purpose is to humble Job and all humanity before the Creator's awesome might, suggesting that suffering might be part of God's grand, unfathomable plan, or a means of discipline, rather than solely punishment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nature: The verse highlights God's direct and complete control over the elements, specifically clouds and rain. He orchestrates the gathering of water in the clouds and its subsequent release.
  • God's Provision: Rain is essential for life, and this verse implicitly points to God as the ultimate provider who sustains creation through His natural processes. Job 5:10 also speaks of God sending rain.
  • The Incomprehensibility of God's Ways: Elihu's overarching point in this section is that God's ways are beyond human understanding, requiring awe and reverence rather than questioning. The intricate processes of nature are just one example of this profound mystery.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "wearieth" and "scattereth" from forms of the same Hebrew root, Χ™ΦΈΧ€Φ΄Χ™Χ₯ (yaphiytz). This word generally means "to scatter" or "to disperse."

  • The phrase "by watering he wearieth the thick cloud" poetically describes how God fills the clouds with water until they are heavy and ready to release their burden, effectively "exhausting" them with moisture.
  • "He scattereth his bright cloud" refers to the dispersion of the clouds after they have released their rain, or perhaps the clearing of the sky, revealing a "bright cloud" or the sun's brilliance after a storm. This shows God's control not just in bringing the rain but also in clearing the skies.

Practical Application

Job 37:11 serves as a powerful reminder for us today:

  • Awe and Humility: We are called to stand in awe of God's magnificent power displayed throughout creation. This should cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our limited understanding compared to His infinite wisdom.
  • Trust in God's Providence: Just as God faithfully manages the complex systems of nature, providing rain in its season, we can trust Him to oversee the details of our lives and provide for our needs. Psalm 147:8 similarly highlights God's provision through nature.
  • Worship and Reverence: Understanding God's control over even the seemingly mundane aspects of weather should lead us to greater worship and reverence for the Creator of all things.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • Job 36:27

    For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:

  • Job 36:30

    Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.

  • Job 36:32

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

  • Isaiah 18:4

    For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, [and] like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.
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