Job 37:17

Commentary on Job 37:17 (KJV)

Job 37:17 is part of Elihu's extensive discourse, where he expounds on the majesty and power of God as revealed through natural phenomena. Elihu, one of Job's younger friends, delivers a series of speeches (beginning in Job 32:1) aimed at humbling Job and his friends, asserting God's righteousness and incomprehensible wisdom.

Context

In Job 37, Elihu challenges Job to consider the wonders of God's creation—the snow, the rain, the clouds, the lightning, and the winds. He uses these powerful elements to illustrate God's control and wisdom, suggesting that if humanity cannot fully comprehend or control these natural processes, how much less can they understand the Almighty Himself? This particular verse shifts from the cold, stormy imagery to the warmth brought by a specific type of wind, emphasizing God's complete dominion over all weather patterns.

Key Themes

• God's Sovereignty Over Nature: The verse explicitly attributes the warming effect of the south wind to God's direct action: "when he quieteth the earth by the south [wind]." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over natural forces, demonstrating His power not only in storms but also in bringing calm and warmth.
• Divine Provision and Comfort: The rhetorical question, "How thy garments [are] warm," points to the comfort and warmth provided by this natural phenomenon. It suggests that even in seemingly ordinary occurrences, God is actively at work, providing for and sustaining life.
• Incomprehensibility of God's Ways: Elihu's overarching point in Job 37 is that God's works are beyond human comprehension. The ability to bring warmth and quietness through a specific wind is presented as another example of God's mysterious and powerful ways that humans cannot fully grasp or replicate.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "quieteth the earth" comes from the Hebrew word שָׁקַט (shaqat), which means to settle, to calm, or to be at rest. This implies that the south wind, under God's direction, brings a sense of tranquility and stability to the land, perhaps after colder or turbulent weather. The "south wind" (תֵּימָן - teyman) in the Near East region was typically known for bringing warm, dry air, contrasting with the often cold and wet winds from the north.

Practical Application

Job 37:17 encourages believers to recognize God's hand in every aspect of creation, from the grandest storms to the gentle warmth of a breeze. It's a call to:

1. Acknowledge God's Control: Even the most mundane weather patterns are under God's precise control. This can instill a sense of awe and reverence for the Creator.
2. Find Comfort in His Sovereignty: Just as God provides warmth and quietness through the south wind, He cares for His creation. This can be a source of peace, knowing that a powerful and loving God is in control of all circumstances, even when life feels turbulent.
3. Cultivate Humility: Elihu's message reminds us that God's wisdom and power far exceed our understanding, fostering humility and trust in His divine plan.