Job 37:18

KJV

Hast thou with him spread out the sky, [which is] strong, [and] as a molten looking glass?

KJV (with Strong's)

Hast thou with him spread out {H7554} the sky {H7834}, which is strong {H2389}, and as a molten {H3332} looking glass {H7209}?

Complete Jewish Bible

can you, with him, spread out the sky, hard as a cast metal mirror?

Berean Standard Bible

can you, like Him, spread out the skies to reflect the heat like a mirror of bronze?

American Standard Version

Canst thou with him spread out the sky, Which is strong as a molten mirror?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 37:18 presents a profound rhetorical question from Elihu to Job, challenging human capacity in light of God's unparalleled omnipotence, demonstrably evident in creation. Elihu directs Job's attention to the vast and enduring sky, vividly describing it as "strong" and "as a molten looking glass"—a polished, reflective expanse. This verse serves as a powerful statement designed to humble Job, emphasizing the incomprehensible power and wisdom of God, who alone possesses the ability to "spread out" the heavens, a feat utterly beyond any human comprehension or capability. It stands as a climactic point in Elihu's extensive argument for God's unchallengeable sovereignty, effectively preparing the narrative for God's direct intervention and address to Job.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 37:18 serves as a climactic summation within Elihu's final discourse, spanning chapters 32-37, immediately preceding God's direct address to Job in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Challenge to Job"). Throughout his speeches, Elihu aims to reframe Job's understanding of God's justice and sovereignty, often by meticulously detailing God's majestic power as manifested in natural phenomena. Chapter 37, in particular, focuses on God's absolute control over weather patterns—including storms, lightning, clouds, and cold—culminating in this awe-inspiring description of the celestial expanse. Elihu's rhetorical questions, such as his inquiry in [Job 37:16](/job/37-16 "Job 37:16 - Elihu's Question About Cloud Formation") concerning the balancing of clouds, are strategically posed to underscore human ignorance and God's unparalleled wisdom. Verse 18 functions as a powerful crescendo to this argument, employing the heavens themselves as an irrefutable testament to divine power, a creation far beyond human ability to conceive, sustain, or even fully comprehend.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the prevailing cosmology often conceptualized the sky as a solid dome or "firmament" (Hebrew: _raqia'_) that served to separate the celestial waters above from the terrestrial waters below, as vividly portrayed in [Genesis 1:6-8](/genesis/1-6-8 "Genesis 1:6-8 - God Creates the Firmament"). This widespread understanding naturally contributed to the perception of the sky as being "strong" or enduring. Mirrors during this historical period were not fabricated from glass but from meticulously polished metal, typically bronze or copper, which could be melted and cast into a smooth, reflective surface. Thus, the imagery of a "molten looking glass" would have powerfully evoked a vast, smooth, and potentially shimmering expanse, reflecting light with the brilliance of a highly polished shield. Ancient cultures were profoundly dependent on and reverent of weather patterns, interpreting phenomena such as rain, thunder, and storms as direct, tangible manifestations of divine activity. Elihu's appeal to these natural wonders would have resonated deeply with his audience, effectively demonstrating God's immediate, overwhelming, and unchallengeable presence in the world, entirely beyond human control or understanding.
* **Key Themes:** This verse robustly contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Paramount among these is **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, as the act of "spreading out the sky" is exclusively attributed to Him, underscoring His unique creative power and absolute control over the cosmos. It starkly highlights **Human Limitation and Humility**, contrasting the finite capabilities of humanity with the infinite, boundless power of God. Elihu's challenging question, "Hast thou with him spread out the sky?", serves as a profound rhetorical device to humble Job and emphasize the immense, unbridgeable chasm between human understanding and God's infinite wisdom, a theme that God Himself will later powerfully elaborate upon in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's Challenge to Job"). Furthermore, the verse eloquently exemplifies the **Testimony of Creation**, where the natural world—and specifically the heavens—stands as irrefutable evidence of God's glory, majesty, and unsearchable wisdom, echoing the profound sentiments articulated in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spread out (Hebrew, _râqaʻ_ H7554):** This verb, a primitive root, fundamentally means "to pound the earth (as a sign of passion)" and by analogy, "to expand (by hammering)." It also implies "to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)." This is the very same verb used in [Genesis 1:6-7](/genesis/1-6-7 "Genesis 1:6-7 - God Creates the Firmament") to describe God's creation of the "firmament" or "expanse" of the sky. In Job 37:18, it powerfully conveys the idea of God actively stretching out the heavens, imbuing them with their vastness and perhaps their perceived solidity or structure, much like a craftsman hammering out a metal sheet or spreading a vast canopy. This emphasizes God's direct, powerful, and intentional hand in the cosmic creation.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzâq_ H2389):** Derived from the root meaning "to seize, be strong," this adjective denotes firmness, might, hardness, or durability. When applied to the sky, it suggests its enduring nature, its vast and unyielding quality, and reflects the ancient perception of the firmament as a solid, impenetrable dome. It speaks to the stability, permanence, and immense power inherent in God's handiwork, standing in stark contrast to the fragility and transience of all human endeavors.
* **Molten looking glass (Hebrew, _yâtsaq_ H3332, _rᵉʼîy_ H7209):** This vivid and composite phrase combines "looking glass" (_rᵉʼîy_ H7209), meaning a mirror (typically crafted from highly polished metal in the ancient world), with "molten" (_yâtsaq_ H3332), which refers to something poured out, cast as metal, or made firm. The combined image is that of a vast, smooth, and brilliantly polished surface, akin to a mirror fashioned from cast metal. This striking simile beautifully describes the appearance of a clear, blue sky—smooth, reflective, and seemingly impenetrable. It speaks to both the aesthetic beauty and the perceived solidity of the heavens, reflecting light and, implicitly, the ineffable glory of God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hast thou with him spread out the sky,"**: This opening clause is a direct, challenging rhetorical question posed by Elihu to Job. The crucial phrase "with him" unequivocally underscores that the act of "spreading out the sky" is an exclusive divine prerogative, an act that only God can accomplish. It implicitly asks Job if he possesses even a fraction of the same creative power, knowledge, or authority as the Almighty, thereby powerfully highlighting human inadequacy and God's unique, unparalleled omnipotence.
* **"[which is] strong,"**: This descriptive clause attributes a fundamental characteristic to the sky, emphasizing its inherent durability, stability, and immense vastness. It suggests an enduring, unyielding structure that defies human comprehension or replication. This inherent "strength" of the heavens serves as a direct testament to the boundless power of its Creator, who established it with such permanence and might, far surpassing any human construction or design.
* **"[and] as a molten looking glass?"**: This concluding clause employs a profound and evocative simile, likening the sky to a mirror crafted from cast, highly polished metal. This rich imagery conveys the sky's smooth, clear, and potentially reflective appearance, particularly on a bright, cloudless day. It speaks not only to its aesthetic beauty but also to its seemingly impenetrable quality and, perhaps most profoundly, its capacity to reflect the divine glory, much like a perfectly polished mirror reflects an image.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's discourse in Job 37:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to powerfully convey God's overwhelming might and to effectively humble Job. The most prominent device is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Hast thou with him spread out the sky...?", which is not intended to elicit a direct answer but rather to provoke profound contemplation and highlight the immense, unbridgeable chasm between finite human capability and infinite divine omnipotence. This question serves to underscore human limitation, ignorance, and God's absolute, unchallengeable sovereignty. A striking **Simile** is utilized in the phrase "as a molten looking glass," comparing the sky's appearance to a meticulously polished metal mirror. This comparison evokes vivid **Imagery** of a smooth, vast, and reflective expanse, emphasizing the sky's beauty, clarity, and perceived solidity. The descriptive use of the word "strong" further enhances this imagery, attributing a physical characteristic to the heavens that powerfully points to the enduring, unwavering power of their Creator. This strategic combination of literary devices culminates in a powerful and memorable statement about God's unparalleled majesty, profoundly revealed in the intricate tapestry of His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 37:18 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God as the singular, transcendent Creator, whose power, wisdom, and majesty are utterly beyond human comprehension. It powerfully reinforces the pervasive biblical theme that the natural world serves as a constant, irrefutable testimony to God's glory, invariably prompting awe, reverence, and humility in humanity. Elihu's challenge to Job in this verse is a deliberate precursor to God's own direct, unanswerable questions in the subsequent chapters, both aiming to reorient Job's perspective from his personal suffering to the majestic, all-encompassing sovereignty of the One who meticulously controls all things. The "strength" and "molten looking glass" imagery of the sky points not only to the physical attributes of the heavens but also symbolically to God's steadfastness, His unwavering character, and the crystalline clarity with which His attributes are revealed in creation, provided one has the spiritual eyes to perceive them. This profound revelation calls for unwavering trust in His sovereign plan, even when life's circumstances are perplexing, painful, or seemingly inexplicable.

* [Genesis 1:6](/genesis/1-6 "Genesis 1:6 - God Creates the Firmament")
* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Job 38:4](/job/38-4 "Job 38:4 - God Challenges Job on Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 37:18 stands as a timeless and profound invitation to pause, reflect, and meditate on the immense power, infinite wisdom, and meticulous artistry of God, so gloriously displayed in the very sky that stretches above us. Even in our age of advanced scientific understanding, the sheer vastness, intricate complexity, and breathtaking beauty of the cosmos continue to inspire profound awe and point unequivocally to a Creator whose capabilities and knowledge far exceed our own. This verse cultivates a deep sense of humility within us, urging us to recognize our inherently limited perspective in stark comparison to God's infinite knowledge and boundless power. It calls us to marvel at the everyday miracle of the sky—strong, vast, and beautiful like a polished mirror—and to worship the God who meticulously "spread it out" with divine precision. If we, with all our technological prowess, cannot even replicate or fully comprehend something as seemingly familiar as the sky, how much less can we fully grasp the intricate ways, sovereign purposes, and ultimate wisdom of the One who spoke it into existence? This perspective is absolutely crucial for cultivating unwavering trust in God's overarching plan, especially when our personal circumstances are confusing, painful, or seemingly unjust, much like Job was challenged to do. It serves as a powerful reminder that even amidst our deepest questions and most profound suffering, God remains the unchallengeable, all-wise, and perfectly sovereign Creator, eternally deserving of our unwavering faith, adoration, and humble submission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does observing the natural world, particularly the vastness and beauty of the sky, deepen your appreciation for God's immeasurable power and infinite wisdom?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to rely predominantly on your own understanding or control, and how might the humbling truth of this verse encourage you to surrender those areas and trust God's incomprehensible, sovereign plan?**
* **What profound spiritual lessons does the "strength" and "reflectiveness" of the sky, as vividly described in this verse, teach you about God's enduring presence, unwavering faithfulness, and manifest glory in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does "molten looking glass" mean in the context of Job 37:18?**

Answer: In the ancient world, a "looking glass" was the common term for a mirror, and these were typically crafted from highly polished metal, such as bronze or copper, rather than the glass we are familiar with today. The term "molten" refers to metal that has been melted down and then cast into a solid, specific form. Therefore, "molten looking glass" describes a mirror made of metal that was first melted and then solidified into a smooth, reflective surface. When this vivid imagery is applied to the sky in Job 37:18, it suggests a celestial expanse that is vast, smooth, clear, and highly reflective, perhaps shimmering with light. It powerfully conveys the sky's immense beauty, its seemingly impenetrable quality, and its capacity to reflect the divine glory, much like a perfectly polished shield or mirror.

**Why does Elihu ask Job, "Hast thou with him spread out the sky?"**

Answer: Elihu's question is a potent rhetorical device strategically employed to humble Job and underscore the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human capability and infinite divine omnipotence. Throughout his extensive discourse, Elihu consistently asserts God's absolute justice and unchallengeable sovereignty, frequently using various natural phenomena as irrefutable evidence of God's incomprehensible greatness. By directly asking Job if he possesses the power to "spread out the sky"—a monumental feat attributed solely to God throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Stretches Out the Heavens Like a Tent")—Elihu effectively highlights human limitation, ignorance, and utter dependence. His overarching purpose is to silence Job's complaints, challenge his presumptions of understanding God's intricate ways, and ultimately prepare him to humbly submit to the Almighty's unsearchable wisdom and sovereign plan, even amidst profound suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 37:18 primarily extols the incomparable power and profound wisdom of God the Creator, its foundational themes find their ultimate fulfillment, deepest meaning, and most glorious expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "spreading out of the sky" points to an act of cosmic creation of unimaginable scale, and the New Testament unequivocally reveals that all things—including the heavens and the earth—were created *through* and *for* Christ. As [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Christ") majestically declares, "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." Similarly, [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer") affirms that "by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him." The inherent "strength" of the sky, testifying to an enduring and steadfast Creator, finds its ultimate and perfect expression in Christ, who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). He is the steadfast, unchanging Son, the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). The "molten looking glass" of the sky, reflecting God's glory and beauty, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and most profound revelation of God's glory found in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ")). Elihu's rhetorical question, "Hast thou with him spread out the sky?", finds its profound and glorious answer not in human ability or wisdom, but in the divine person of Christ, who *is* God with us, Immanuel, the very one through whom the cosmos was formed and is eternally sustained, inviting us to behold His glory and be progressively transformed into His likeness ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Beholding the Glory of the Lord")).

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

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Psalms 104:2

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Exodus 38:8

And he made the laver [of] brass, and the foot of it [of] brass, of the lookingglasses of [the women] assembling, which assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Proverbs 8:27

When he prepared the heavens, I [was] there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

Isaiah 40:22

[It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Job 9:8

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

Job 9:9

Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.