Job 37:14

KJV

¶ Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H238} unto this, O Job {H347}: stand still {H5975}, and consider {H995} the wondrous {H6381} works of God {H410}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen to this, Iyov! Stop, and consider God's wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God.

American Standard Version

Hearken unto this, O Job: Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 37:14, Elihu, the youngest of Job's counselors, issues a profound and pivotal directive to Job, urging him to redirect his attention from his personal suffering and perceived injustices to the overwhelming majesty and incomprehensible power of God. This verse serves as a climactic invitation within Elihu's discourse, calling Job—and by extension, all who read—to pause, quiet the clamor of their own thoughts, and humbly engage in a deep contemplation of the Creator's vast wisdom and omnipotence, particularly as manifested in the awe-inspiring phenomena of the natural world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Elihu's extensive and climactic discourse, spanning from [Job chapter 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job chapter 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Exaltation of God's Power"). Elihu emerges as a new voice, distinct from Job's three friends who largely accuse Job of sin, and from Job himself, who vehemently defends his innocence and challenges God's justice. Elihu positions himself as a mediator, offering a more nuanced perspective on God's ways, emphasizing divine wisdom, sovereignty, and the often-mysterious purposes of suffering. [Job chapter 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Exaltation of God's Power") specifically focuses on God's absolute control over meteorological phenomena—thunder, lightning, rain, snow, and winds—as irrefutable evidence of His omnipotence and inscrutable wisdom. Elihu's aim is to humble Job by contrasting human frailty and limited understanding with God's limitless power and unfathomable purposes, preparing him for God's direct address from the whirlwind in [Job chapter 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job"). The call to "stand still, and consider" is a direct challenge to Job's intense focus on his personal plight, urging him to look beyond himself and contemplate the divine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, grappling with the universal problem of suffering and divine justice. In the ancient world, natural phenomena like storms, droughts, and pestilences were often understood as direct manifestations of divine power and will. Unlike modern scientific explanations, these events were seen as tangible proof of a deity's active involvement in the world. Elihu's detailed descriptions of weather patterns would have resonated deeply with an audience whose lives were intimately tied to agricultural cycles and vulnerable to the unpredictable forces of nature. The cultural expectation was that a righteous God would bless the righteous and punish the wicked, a framework Job's friends rigidly adhered to. Elihu, however, subtly shifts this, suggesting that God's power in nature is not merely punitive but also revelatory of His wisdom and sovereignty, which transcends human moral accounting. This context underscores the profound humility Elihu calls for, acknowledging a God whose ways are far above human comprehension, much like the unpredictable and overwhelming forces of nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the Book of Job and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, asserting God's absolute control over all creation, from the grandest cosmic movements to the most intricate details of nature. Elihu emphasizes that God's "wondrous works" are beyond human comprehension or control, reinforcing the theme that God is not accountable to human standards but operates from an infinite wisdom. Secondly, the command to "stand still" and "consider" is a profound invitation to **Humility and Awe**. It suggests that true understanding and proper perspective begin with acknowledging human limitations in the face of God's infinite power and wisdom, leading to a posture of reverence rather than complaint. This theme prepares Job for God's own humbling questions in [Job 38:1-3](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1-3 - God Challenges Job"). Thirdly, the verse promotes **Observation and Reflection** as a pathway to wisdom. Elihu urges Job to be an attentive observer of God's creation, implying that it is not enough to merely see; one must "consider," which denotes deep thought, meditation, and a search for understanding the divine hand behind all things. This resonates with other biblical calls to learn from creation, such as [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"), which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Finally, Elihu implies that **Wisdom through Creation** is a crucial aspect of knowing God. True wisdom comes not from human reasoning alone, but from recognizing God's wisdom displayed in His works. By considering these works, one can gain a glimpse into God's character and purposes, which ultimately prepares Job for God's own address in [Job chapters 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _šāmaʿ'_):** This is a strong imperative, a direct and urgent call for Job's undivided attention. It implies more than just listening; it means to heed, obey, and respond to what is being said. It's an appeal for Job to shift his focus entirely from his own suffering and arguments to the divine revelation Elihu is about to present.
* **Stand still (Hebrew, _ʿāmad'_):** The Hebrew word means to stand, stop, or remain. In this context, it suggests a cessation of activity, particularly the mental and emotional striving and argumentation that has characterized Job's discourse. It's a call for quietude, receptivity, and a posture of humble stillness before God, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know God"), "Be still, and know that I am God." It implies a necessary pause for contemplation.
* **Consider (Hebrew, _bîn'_):** This verb signifies to discern, understand, perceive, or meditate. It implies a deeper intellectual and spiritual engagement than mere casual observation. It's an active process of processing information, analyzing, and meditating upon it to gain insight and wisdom. It moves beyond simply seeing God's works to comprehending their significance and the character of God revealed through them.
* **Wondrous works (Hebrew, _niphlaʾôt'_):** Derived from the root _pālāʾ_, meaning "to be wonderful, marvelous, difficult, extraordinary." These are not merely impressive acts, but supernatural, miraculous, and incomprehensible deeds that evoke awe and wonder. The term highlights God's unique, transcendent, and unsearchable power, emphasizing that His actions are beyond human explanation or imitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto this, O Job:"**: Elihu begins with an urgent, direct command, demanding Job's full and undivided attention. The address "O Job" personalizes the exhortation, underscoring that this message is specifically for him, intended to penetrate his self-focused lament and prepare him for a new perspective.
* **"stand still,"**: This imperative calls for a cessation of Job's current mental and emotional state—his complaining, questioning, and striving against God. It's an invitation to quietude, to adopt a posture of receptivity and humility, acknowledging the limits of human understanding in the face of divine mystery. It implies a necessary pause from his own narrative to make space for God's.
* **"and consider the wondrous works of God."**: Following the call to stillness, this second imperative directs Job's focus outward and upward. He is to actively and deeply contemplate God's extraordinary and incomprehensible deeds, particularly as displayed in creation. The "wondrous works" are those acts of God that evoke awe and demonstrate His unique, transcendent power and wisdom, which are far beyond human grasp or critique. This is the ultimate objective: to shift Job's perspective from his suffering to God's majesty.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's exhortation in [Job 37:14](/job/37-14 "Job 37:14 - Elihu's Call to Consider God's Works") is rich with literary techniques designed to persuade and impress upon Job the gravity of his words. The most prominent device is the **Imperative Mood**, employed through the commands "Hearken," "stand still," and "consider." This direct, authoritative tone underscores the urgency and non-negotiable nature of Elihu's counsel, reflecting his conviction that Job desperately needs this shift in perspective. There is a clear **Contrast** drawn between Job's current state of agitated questioning and the desired posture of quiet contemplation. Elihu implicitly contrasts Job's limited human understanding with the boundless wisdom and power of God, as evidenced in His "wondrous works." This sets up a **Rhetorical Exhortation**, where Elihu isn't just stating facts but actively urging Job to change his mindset and focus. The verse also functions as a form of **Didacticism**, teaching Job (and the reader) a profound spiritual lesson: that true wisdom and peace can be found by humbly observing and meditating on God's magnificent creation, which reveals His character and sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:14 serves as a powerful theological pivot, inviting a profound shift in perspective from self-absorption to God-centered awe. It underscores the biblical truth that creation is a primary revelation of God's invisible attributes, power, and wisdom. By urging Job to "stand still, and consider," Elihu is not merely asking for a casual glance but a deep, meditative engagement with the natural world as a testament to God's active presence and sovereign control. This contemplation is intended to humble the human spirit, diminishing the perceived magnitude of personal suffering in light of God's infinite greatness, and fostering a posture of trust and worship. It prepares the way for a deeper understanding of God's purposes, which often transcend human logic and experience.

* [Psalm 8:3-4](/psalms/8-3 "Psalm 8:3-4 - When I consider your heavens...")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's invisible attributes seen in creation")
* [Psalm 145:3-5](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3-5 - Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary world, often characterized by relentless activity, self-focus, and a pervasive sense of control, Elihu's ancient counsel to Job remains profoundly relevant and urgently needed. This verse is a timeless invitation to cultivate a spiritual discipline of intentional pause and profound observation. It challenges us to disengage from the anxieties, distractions, and perceived injustices of our daily lives, and instead, to quiet our minds and hearts before the overwhelming reality of God's majesty. By actively seeking out and meditating upon the "wondrous works of God" in creation—from the intricate design of a snowflake to the vastness of the cosmos, from the miracle of life to the power of a storm—we are called to shift our perspective. This shift fosters a much-needed humility, reminding us of our finite nature in contrast to God's infinite power and wisdom. It diminishes the perceived size of our problems and exalts God's unwavering sovereignty, leading to deeper trust, gratitude, and authentic worship. Ultimately, Job 37:14 is a call to find wisdom, peace, and renewed faith not by striving harder, but by standing still and beholding the One who holds all things together.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "wondrous works of God" in creation most profoundly capture your attention and evoke a sense of awe?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "stand still" and relinquish control or anxious striving?**
* **How might intentionally observing God's creation help you to cultivate greater humility and trust in His sovereignty during times of personal difficulty or confusion?**
* **Beyond merely seeing, how can you more deeply "consider" or meditate on God's works to gain greater insight into His character and purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why does Elihu specifically emphasize God's "wondrous works" in nature to Job, rather than His moral attributes or covenant faithfulness?**

Answer: Elihu's emphasis on God's "wondrous works" in nature (specifically meteorological phenomena in [Job chapter 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Exaltation of God's Power")) serves several strategic purposes. First, it provides irrefutable, tangible evidence of God's immense power and sovereignty, which is undeniable even to Job in his suffering. Unlike abstract theological arguments about justice or sin, the raw power of a storm or the intricate balance of seasons speaks for itself. Second, it highlights God's inscrutability and transcendence. Just as humans cannot control or fully comprehend the forces of nature, so too are God's ways and purposes often beyond human understanding. This directly challenges Job's attempts to put God on trial and demand an explanation for his suffering. Third, it prepares Job for God's own direct address in [Job chapters 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job"), where God Himself extensively uses examples from creation to demonstrate His wisdom and power, effectively silencing Job's complaints by showcasing His unchallengeable authority as Creator. Elihu uses nature as a universal, accessible sermon on divine majesty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 37:14, with Elihu's call to "stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elihu points to creation as a testament to God's power and wisdom, the New Testament reveals that all things were created through Christ and for Him ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All things created through Christ")). He is the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), the ultimate "wondrous work" of God revealed to humanity. In Jesus, we see not only the Creator's power—as He stills storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and commands nature—but also His wisdom, justice, and boundless love perfectly embodied. The call to "stand still" before God's works becomes a call to pause and behold Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures")). By considering Jesus' life, His miracles, His teachings, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection, we "consider the wondrous works of God" in their most complete and saving form. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the ultimate demonstration of God's power to redeem and reconcile, inviting us to not only stand in awe but to worship and follow.

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 145:10

¶ All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Psalms 145:12

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

Psalms 111:2

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Exodus 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Habakkuk 2:20

But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Job 36:24

¶ Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.

Psalms 145:5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.