Job 37:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Job 37:12 stands as a powerful declaration within Elihu's discourse, asserting God's absolute and meticulous sovereignty over all natural phenomena. It emphasizes that the seemingly unpredictable forces of nature—such as winds, clouds, and storms, implied from the preceding verses—are not random occurrences but are precisely orchestrated and directed by God's intelligent and purposeful counsels. This verse underscores the divine control extending universally across the entire earth, ensuring that every element fulfills God's specific commands and serves His overarching purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 37:12 concludes Elihu's final and most extensive speech (chapters 32-37), which serves as a crucial theological bridge between the protracted debates of Job and his three friends and God's eventual appearance from the whirlwind. Elihu positions himself as a younger, more discerning voice, aiming to correct the flawed perspectives of both Job and his friends. His primary objective is to vindicate God's justice and wisdom, asserting that God is infinitely greater than humanity and that His ways, though unsearchable, are always righteous and purposeful. In Job 37, Elihu transitions from discussing God's disciplinary role (Job 36) to focusing intensely on God's awe-inspiring control over the natural world, particularly weather phenomena like thunder, lightning, snow, rain, and winds (as seen in [Job 37:1-11](/job/37-1 "Job 37:1-11 - Elihu's Description of God's Control Over Weather")). He describes these elements not as chaotic or independent forces, but as instruments directly carrying out God's will. Verse 12 specifically refers to the movements of clouds and atmospheric conditions, stating that they are "turned round about by his counsels," meaning they are directed by God's intelligent, deliberate, and purposeful plans, which ultimately serve His global command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, natural phenomena like storms, droughts, and floods were often attributed to the direct actions of various deities, reflecting their moods or power struggles. Unlike the polytheistic views of surrounding cultures, the biblical worldview, as presented by Elihu, firmly establishes one singular, supreme God who holds absolute and unchallenged dominion over all creation. There was no concept of independent natural laws operating autonomously; every event in nature was seen as a direct manifestation of divine will. For a people whose lives were intimately tied to agricultural cycles and weather patterns, the idea of a God who precisely controls every aspect of the climate—whether for blessing (rain for crops) or judgment (drought, destructive storms)—was profoundly significant. Elihu's discourse, set against Job's suffering and his friends' attempts to link it directly to sin, emphasizes that God's power is not merely arbitrary but is exercised with wisdom and purpose, even when those purposes are beyond human comprehension. This perspective was intended to foster awe and submission to God's unsearchable ways.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute and meticulous control over all creation. Nothing, not even the most powerful or seemingly chaotic elements of nature, moves without His express command and direction, underscoring the theological concept of God's ultimate authority and meticulous planning, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Purpose in Nature**. Nature is not a blind, indifferent 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 and wisdom. This concept resonates with passages like [Psalm 148:8](/psalms/148-8 "Psalm 148:8 - Wind and Storm Fulfilling His Word"). Thirdly, the phrase "by his counsels" speaks to God's infinite **Omnipotence and Wisdom**, indicating that His direction of the world is not arbitrary but flows from perfect knowledge and an unassailable purpose. His ability to command the elements demonstrates His boundless power and profound wisdom. Finally, the phrase "upon the face of the world in the earth" emphasizes the **Global Reach of God's Command**, showing that God's sovereignty is not limited to a specific region but extends universally, encompassing the entire globe, reinforcing His role as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsels (Hebrew, _‘etsot'_):** The Hebrew word עֵצוֹת (_‘etsot_), derived from the root יָעַץ (_ya‘ats_), signifies deliberate, well-thought-out plans, purposes, or advice. It implies a profound intentionality, wisdom, and strategic design behind God's actions, rather than impulsive or arbitrary decisions. When applied to God, it speaks to His perfect foresight and the unchangeable nature of His decrees. In this context, it emphasizes that the direction of natural forces is not a matter of chance but of divine, intelligent design.
* **Turned round about (Hebrew, _mithappekh'_):** The Hebrew verb מִתְהַפֵּךְ (_mithappekh_), a Hithpael participle from הָפַךְ (_haphakh_), means "to turn oneself," "to be turned over," or "to be transformed." In this context, it conveys a sense of constant, active, and dynamic direction and management. It's not a static control but an ongoing, continuous orchestration of events, implying God's active involvement in the moment-by-moment movement of the elements. It suggests a dynamic and pervasive influence, ensuring that every turn and movement is precisely aligned with His will.
* **Commandeth (Hebrew, _yepaqqëdëm'_):** The Hebrew verb יְפַקְּדֵם (_yepaqqëdëm_), a Piel imperfect from פָּקַד (_paqad_), carries a strong sense of divine appointment, commissioning, or authoritative decree. It implies that God doesn't merely influence or allow; He issues direct, binding orders that are obeyed by His creation. This word underscores the absolute authority of God over the elements, portraying them as obedient servants carrying out specific instructions, highlighting His sovereign power and the responsiveness of His creation to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it is turned round about by his counsels:"** This opening clause refers to the elements previously described by Elihu (wind, clouds, cold, rain, etc., from [Job 37:9-11](/job/37-9 "Job 37:9-11 - Elihu's Description of God's Control Over Weather")). The "it" is a collective reference to these natural phenomena. The phrase emphasizes that their movements, their very existence, and their specific actions are not random or self-directed but are meticulously guided and orchestrated by God's deliberate and wise plans. Every shift in the weather, every gust of wind, every cloud formation, is a direct result of God's intentional design and ongoing management.
* **"that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them"** This clause reveals the purpose behind God's precise direction of the elements. The "they" clearly refers to the natural forces. They are not independent agents but instruments, perfectly compliant with God's will. The phrase "whatsoever he commandeth them" highlights the absolute scope of God's authority; there is no limit to what He can command the elements to do, and they respond without fail. This can include bringing rain for crops, sending destructive storms as judgment, or simply displaying His majestic power.
* **"upon the face of the world in the earth."** This concluding phrase emphasizes the universal and comprehensive reach of God's sovereignty. His commands are not confined to a specific region or type of phenomenon but extend globally, encompassing the entire planet. "The face of the world" and "in the earth" are synonymous expressions reinforcing the idea that no part of creation, no corner of the globe, lies outside the sphere of God's absolute control and purposeful direction. It underscores the omnipresence of His power and the universality of His dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's discourse in Job 37:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey God's immense power and wisdom. Central to the verse is **Personification**, where the inanimate elements of nature (implied from preceding verses) are depicted as active agents capable of "doing" and "obeying" God's commands. This imbues the natural world with a sense of responsiveness to divine will, making God's sovereignty more vivid and immediate. The phrase "turned round about by his counsels" suggests a meticulous, almost mechanical, yet divinely intelligent **Orchestration**, implying that the cosmos operates like a grand, intricate machine precisely controlled by its Creator. Furthermore, the expansive scope of "upon the face of the world in the earth" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the boundless and universal extent of God's dominion, leaving no doubt about His absolute control over every inch of creation. The overall effect of Elihu's speech, culminating in this verse, is to evoke **Awe** and the **Sublime**, preparing Job and the reader for the direct manifestation of God's power in the subsequent chapters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:12 profoundly articulates the biblical doctrine of divine providence, asserting that God is not merely a distant creator but an active, meticulous, and sovereign ruler over every detail of His creation. This verse challenges any notion of randomness or independent natural forces, positing that even the most powerful and seemingly chaotic elements of nature are perfectly aligned with God's wise and unchangeable purposes. It underscores that God's control is not just over the grand sweep of history but extends to the minute movements of wind and cloud, demonstrating His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. This truth provides a foundation for trusting God's purposes even amidst suffering, as it implies that His control is comprehensive and His plans are always perfect, even when they are beyond human understanding.

* [Psalm 148:8](/psalms/148-8 "Psalm 148:8 - Wind and Storm Fulfilling His Word")
* [Psalm 104:1-4](/psalms/104-1 "Psalm 104:1-4 - God's Majesty in Creation")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Forms Light and Creates Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:12 calls us to a profound posture of humility and trust before the Almighty God. In a world that often feels chaotic, unpredictable, and subject to random forces, this verse offers immense comfort by reminding us that an infinitely wise and powerful God is meticulously in control. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and recognize the divine hand orchestrating all things, from the grand movements of galaxies to the smallest atmospheric shifts. For believers, this fosters a deep sense of security, knowing that even in life's most turbulent storms—whether literal weather events or personal trials—God has a sovereign purpose and is directing all things according to His perfect will. This perspective can transform anxiety into peace, prompting us to worship the Creator whose power is displayed not only in miraculous interventions but also in the consistent, purposeful functioning of His creation. It invites us to cultivate a heart of awe and wonder, recognizing that if God commands the very elements with such precision, then His care and plans for humanity are equally precise, purposeful, and ultimately for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's absolute control over natural phenomena impact your sense of security or anxiety in an unpredictable world?**
* **In what specific ways can recognizing God's "counsels" in nature deepen your trust in His plans for your own life, especially during challenging times?**
* **How might a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty over creation influence your worship and adoration of Him?**

### FAQ
**Who are "he" and "they" in Job 37:12?**

Answer: In Job 37:12, "he" unequivocally refers to God, the Almighty Creator whom Elihu is exalting throughout his discourse. The "they" refers to the natural elements and phenomena that Elihu has been describing in the preceding verses of [Job 37:1-11](/job/37-1 "Job 37:1-11 - Elihu's Description of God's Control Over Weather"), particularly the winds, clouds, cold, and rain. Elihu portrays these elements as God's obedient servants, carrying out His precise commands across the entire earth.

**How does this verse relate to natural disasters or human suffering?**

Answer: Job 37:12, within the broader context of Elihu's speech and the book of Job, asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all natural events, including those that bring suffering or destruction. It implies that even natural disasters, while devastating from a human perspective, are not random occurrences but are ultimately within God's sovereign control and serve His purposes, even if those purposes are inscrutable to us. Elihu's argument is that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, and His wisdom is perfect, even when His actions bring hardship. This does not necessarily explain *why* specific disasters occur but affirms that they are not outside of God's knowledge or ultimate authority. The book of Job ultimately teaches that while we may not understand God's reasons, His character remains just and good, and His power is absolute, as revealed when God speaks from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 37:12, with its profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "counsels" of God, which meticulously direct the elements, are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the very wisdom of God (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He is not only the agent through whom all things were created (as seen in [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Him and For Him")), but also the one who actively sustains and governs the universe, for "in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - All Things Hold Together in Christ")). The power of God to "commandeth them" is vividly demonstrated in the New Testament when Jesus, by His mere word, calms a raging storm, causing the disciples to marvel, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" ([Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). This miracle reveals that the divine authority over creation, which Elihu attributes to God, is fully present in Jesus. Therefore, the majestic control over the "face of the world in the earth" described in Job is not a distant, abstract power, but a living, active reality in Christ, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds the Universe")). Through Christ, God's sovereign counsels are not only displayed in nature but also perfectly executed in the redemptive plan for humanity, leading all things to their ultimate purpose in Him.

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 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.