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.

And it is turned {H2015} round about {H4524} by his counsels {H8458}: that they may do {H6467} whatsoever he commandeth {H6680} them upon the face {H6440} of the world {H8398} in the earth {H776}.

He, by his plans, turns them around, so they do what he commands them anywhere on earth;

They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth.

And it is turned round about by his guidance, That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them Upon the face of the habitable world,

Commentary

Job 37:12 KJV is part of Elihu's extensive discourse, where he expounds on the majesty, power, and wisdom of God, primarily through His control over natural phenomena. This particular verse highlights the absolute sovereignty of God over His creation, emphasizing that even the seemingly chaotic forces of nature operate under His precise direction and for His specific purposes across the entire earth.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of Elihu's speech (chapters 32-37), which serves as a theological bridge between the debates of Job and his three friends and God's eventual appearance. Elihu's primary aim is to defend God's justice and wisdom, asserting that God is greater than man and that His ways are unsearchable, yet always righteous. In Job 37, Elihu focuses on God's awe-inspiring control over weather – thunder, lightning, snow, rain, and winds. He describes these elements not as random occurrences but as instruments carrying out God's will. Verse 12 specifically refers to the movements of clouds and atmospheric conditions (implied from verses 9-11), stating that they are "turned round about by his counsels" – meaning they are directed by God's intelligent and purposeful plans.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's absolute control over all creation. Nothing, not even the elements, moves without His express command and direction. This underscores the theological concept of God's ultimate authority and planning.
  • God's Purpose in Nature: Nature is not a blind force but an active participant in God's cosmic plan. The weather phenomena, described in previous verses, are not random but serve as tools for God to accomplish "whatsoever he commandeth them," whether for blessing, judgment, or simply to display His glory.
  • Omnipotence and Wisdom: The phrase "by his counsels" speaks to God's infinite wisdom, indicating that His direction of the world is not arbitrary but flows from perfect knowledge and purpose. His ability to command the elements demonstrates His boundless power and omnipotence.
  • Global Reach of God's Command: The phrase "upon the face of the world in the earth" emphasizes that God's sovereignty is not limited to a specific region but extends universally, encompassing the entire globe.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "counsels" (עֵצוֹת - ‘etsot) implies deliberate, well-thought-out plans and purposes, not mere suggestions or whims. It speaks to the intentionality and wisdom behind God's actions.
  • "Turned round about" (מִתְהַפֵּךְ - mithappekh) suggests constant, active direction and management. It's not a static control but an ongoing, dynamic orchestration of events.
  • "Commandeth" (יְפַקְּדֵם - yepaqqëdëm) conveys a strong sense of divine appointment or commissioning. God doesn't just influence; He issues direct orders that are obeyed by His creation.

Practical Application

Job 37:12 offers profound comfort and a call to humility. In a world often perceived as chaotic or subject to random chance, this verse reminds us that an infinitely wise and powerful God is in control. For believers, it fosters trust, knowing that even in life's storms, both literal and figurative, God has a purpose and is directing all things according to His sovereign will. It also encourages us to stand in awe of God's majesty, recognizing that if He commands the very elements, then His care and plans for humanity are equally precise and purposeful. This perspective can lead to greater peace and a deeper appreciation for the Creator, whose power is displayed even in the wind and rain.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 148:8

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

  • Revelation 11:6

    These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

  • Psalms 104:24

    O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

  • James 5:17

    Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

  • James 5:18

    And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

  • Psalms 65:9

    Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

  • Psalms 65:10

    Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
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