Job 37:2

Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound [that] goeth out of his mouth.

Hear {H8085} attentively {H8085} the noise {H7267} of his voice {H6963}, and the sound {H1899} that goeth out {H3318} of his mouth {H6310}.

Just listen to the rumbling of his voice, to the thunder that comes from his mouth!

Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth.

Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, And the sound that goeth out of his mouth.

Commentary

Job 37:2 is part of Elihu's extended discourse to Job, where he seeks to articulate the majesty and incomprehensibility of God's power, particularly as manifested in natural phenomena. Elihu, the youngest of Job's counselors, presents a perspective that emphasizes God's omnipotence and wisdom, often using grand imagery of storms and weather to illustrate divine control.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of Elihu's passionate speeches, which span from Job chapter 32 through 37. Unlike Job's three other friends, Elihu doesn't accuse Job directly of specific sins, but rather focuses on God's justice, sovereignty, and the purpose of suffering as a means of instruction. Here, Elihu is describing a powerful storm, likely thunder, which he interprets as the very "voice" of God. This sets the stage for God's own direct address to Job from the whirlwind in the following chapter, echoing Elihu's emphasis on God's control over nature.

Key Themes

  • Divine Majesty and Power: Elihu calls for a profound awe in the face of God's overwhelming power, evident in the roaring thunder. This "noise of his voice" is not just a sound but a manifestation of God's active presence and control over creation.
  • God's Revelation Through Nature: The natural world, especially dramatic weather events, serves as a powerful medium through which God reveals His attributes. For Elihu, thunder is a tangible expression of God's voice, inviting humanity to recognize the divine hand in creation. This idea resonates with the concept that God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in the things that have been made (Romans 1:20).
  • Attentive Listening: The command to "Hear attentively" underscores the importance of not just hearing sound, but truly listening and discerning the message behind it. It's an invitation to reverence and careful consideration of God's powerful communication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "noise" or "sound" is qol (Χ§ΦΉΧ•Χœ), which can mean voice, sound, or thunder. In this context, it powerfully conveys the thunderous roar that Elihu attributes directly to God's mouth. The phrase "Hear attentively" (literally, "Hear, hear") emphasizes the urgency and importance of truly paying heed to this divine manifestation, suggesting a call to deep spiritual perception beyond mere physical hearing.

Practical Application

Job 37:2 challenges us to cultivate an attentive spirit towards God's multifaceted communication. While we may not always hear God's voice in literal thunder, the principle remains: God speaks through His creation, His Word, and His Spirit. This verse encourages us to:

  • Recognize God's Presence: Look for and acknowledge God's power and majesty in the natural world around us, from the intricate design of a flower to the grandeur of a storm.
  • Listen with Reverence: Approach God's revelations, whether through Scripture or through life circumstances, with humility and a desire to truly understand and obey. As James 1:19 advises, be "swift to hear."
  • Cultivate Awe: Allow the vastness and power of God to inspire a sense of wonder and reverence, leading to a deeper appreciation for His sovereignty and wisdom in our lives and in the world.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 37:5

    God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

  • Job 36:33

    The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

  • Job 36:29

    Also can [any] understand the spreadings of the clouds, [or] the noise of his tabernacle?

  • Psalms 104:7

    At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

  • Psalms 29:3

    The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

  • Psalms 29:9

    The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

  • Exodus 19:16

    ΒΆ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.
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