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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Job 37:21–24.
Elihu here concludes his discourse with some short but great sayings concerning the glory of God, as that which he was himself impressed, and desired to impress others, with a holy awe of. He speaks concisely, and in haste, because, it should seem, he perceived that God was about to take the work into his own hands. 1. He observes that God who has said that he will dwell in the thick darkness and make that his pavilion (Ch2 6:1, Psa 18:11) is in that awful chariot advancing towards them, as if he were preparing his throne for judgment, surrounded with clouds and darkness, Psa 97:2, Psa 97:9. He saw the cloud, with a whirlwind in the bosom of it, coming out of the south; but now it hung so thick, so black, over their heads, that they could none of them see the bright light which just before was in the clouds. The light of the sun was now eclipsed. This reminded him of the darkness by reason of which he could not speak (Job 37:19), and made him afraid to go on, Job 37:20. Thus the disciples feared when they entered into a cloud, Luk 9:34. Yet he looks to the north, and sees it clear that way, which gives him hope that the clouds are not gathering for a deluge; they are covered, but not surrounded, with them. He expects that the wind will pass (so it may be read) and cleanse them, such a wind as passed over the earth to clear it from the waters of Noah's flood (Gen 8:1), in token of the return of God's favour; and then fair weather will come out of the north (Job 37:22) and all will be well. God will not always frown, nor contend for ever. 2. He hastens to conclude, now that God is about to speak; and therefore delivers much in a few words, as the sum of all that he had been discoursing of, which, if duly considered, would not only clench the nail he had been driving, but make way for what God would say. He observes, (1.) That with God is terrible majesty. He is a God of glory and such transcendent perfection as cannot but strike an awe upon all his attendants and a terror upon all his adversaries. With God is terrible praise (so some), for he is fearful in praises, Ex. 15. 11. (2.) That when we speak touching the Almighty we must own that we cannot find him out; our finite understandings cannot comprehend his infinite perfections, Job 37:23. Can we put the sea into an egg-shell? We cannot trace the steps he takes in his providence. His way is in the sea. (3.) That he is excellent in power. It is the excellency of his power that he can do whatever he pleases in heaven and earth. The universal extent and irresistible force of his power are the excellency of it; no creature has an arm like him, so long, so strong. (4.) That he is not less excellent in wisdom and righteousness, in judgment and plenty of justice, else there would be little excellency in his power. We may be sure that he who can do every thing will do every thing for the best, for he is infinitely wise, and will not in any thing do wrong, for he is infinitely just. When he executes judgment upon sinners, yet there is plenty of justice in the execution, and he inflicts not more than they deserve. (5.) That he will not afflict, that is, that he will not afflict willingly; it is no pleasure to him to grieve the children of men, much less his own children. He never afflicts but when there is cause and when there is need, and he does not overburden us with affliction, but considers our frame. Some read it thus: "The Almighty, whom we cannot find out, is great in power, but he will not afflict in judgment, and with him is plenty of justice, nor is he extreme to mark what we do amiss." (6.) He values not the censures of those who are wise in their own conceit: He respecteth them not, Job 37:24. He will not alter his counsels to oblige them, nor can those that prescribe to him prevail with him to do as they would have him do. He regards the prayer of the humble, but not the policies of the crafty. No, the foolishness of God is wiser than men, Co1 1:15. (7.) From all this it is easy to infer that, since God is great, he is greatly to be feared; nay, because he is gracious and will not afflict, men do therefore fear him, for there is forgiveness with him, that he may be feared, Psa 130:1-8. 4. It is the duty and interest of all men to fear God. Men shall fear him (so some); sooner or later they shall fear him. Those that will not fear the Lord and his goodness shall for ever tremble under the pourings out of the vials of his wrath.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
74. Even if we can now find Him out, yet not worthily. For whatever we perceive in Him, is of faith, and not of sight. But yet he adds that which he considers he has found, saying;
He is great in power, and judgment, and justice, and cannot be spoken of.
For He is great in power, because He overcomes the powerful adversary, and taking from his house the vessels of dishonour, changes them into vessels of mercy. [Matt. 12, 29] Great in judgment; because, though He here brings down His Elect by adversity, yet He raises them at last in the glory of eternal prosperity. Great in justice: for though He here bears long with the reprobate, yet He at last condemns them for ever. But it is well subjoined; And cannot be spoken of. For if He cannot worthily be thought of, how much less can He be spoken of? But we speak of Him far better, in a measure, if we hold our peace with admiration through fear of thinking upon Him.
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Summary
Job 37:23 encapsulates Elihu's profound declaration concerning the transcendent and perfectly righteous nature of God. This verse asserts the divine incomprehensibility, stating that humanity cannot fully grasp the Almighty. Simultaneously, it affirms God's supreme excellence in power, His flawless judgment, and His abundant, overflowing justice, culminating in the assurance that He does not arbitrarily afflict or act unjustly. Elihu's statement serves as a theological crescendo, preparing Job for God's own direct revelation from the whirlwind, emphasizing that divine actions, though often mysterious to human understanding, are always rooted in perfect righteousness and unassailable character.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated near the conclusion of Elihu's extensive discourse, spanning Job 32-37. Elihu, a younger man, steps forward after Job's three friends have exhausted their arguments, claiming to speak on God's behalf with greater insight and a more nuanced theological perspective. His speeches aim to defend God's justice and sovereignty, correcting what he perceives as Job's presumption and his friends' simplistic retribution theology. Job 37 specifically focuses on God's majestic power as displayed in natural phenomena, particularly storms, thunder, and lightning, portraying these as overwhelming demonstrations of divine control and wisdom that humble humanity. Elihu's words in Job 37:23 serve as a climactic summary of his argument for God's unsearchable greatness, directly preceding and setting the stage for God's dramatic appearance and direct address to Job from the whirlwind in Job 38:1. Elihu's discourse, therefore, acts as a crucial theological bridge from human speculation to divine revelation, preparing both Job and the reader for a direct encounter with the Almighty.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Job is set in a patriarchal society, likely in the ancient Near East, where the prevailing theological framework often linked suffering directly to sin (retribution theology). Job's friends vehemently uphold this view, arguing that Job's immense suffering must be a direct punishment for some hidden transgression. Elihu, while also affirming God's justice, offers a more sophisticated perspective. He emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and wisdom, which transcend human comprehension, suggesting that suffering can serve purposes beyond mere punishment, such as discipline, testing, or revealing God's glory. The vivid descriptions of natural phenomena throughout Elihu's speech reflect the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of nature as a direct manifestation of divine power and majesty, where gods were often associated with control over weather and cosmic forces. Elihu's argument draws on this cultural understanding to underscore the vast chasm between human limitation and divine omnipotence, inviting a deeper trust in God's character rather than a full comprehension of His ways.
Key Themes
Job 37:23 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights Divine Incomprehensibility, asserting that God's essence, ways, and purposes are ultimately beyond full human grasp. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from Psalm 145:3 declaring God's greatness to be unsearchable, to Romans 11:33 marveling at the unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways of God. Secondly, the verse underscores God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty, describing Him as "excellent in power," a truth foundational to the entire biblical narrative, from the creation account to the eschatological victory of Christ. Thirdly, it emphasizes God's Perfect Justice, stating He is "excellent... in plenty of justice." This assures humanity that God's actions are always righteous and fair, even when they appear mysterious or severe, aligning with the declaration in Deuteronomy 32:4 that God is "a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." Finally, the concluding phrase, "he will not afflict," points to God's Righteous Character, asserting that His abundant justice precludes arbitrary or malicious suffering, challenging simplistic retribution theology and inviting deeper trust in His righteous governance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This ancient divine title (H7706) signifies God's supreme power, absolute sovereignty, and all-sufficiency. While often paired with "El" (God) to form "El Shaddai," the term Shadday itself conveys the idea of an overwhelmingly powerful and dominant deity. It suggests God's capacity to fulfill His purposes without hindrance, to sustain all things, and to be more than enough for His creation. In the context of Job, it emphasizes God's unchallengeable authority over all circumstances, including suffering.
The root verb (H4672) means "to find," "to attain," or "to come upon." When used in the negative, as here ("cannot find him out"), it conveys humanity's inherent inability to fully comprehend, grasp, or exhaustively investigate the infinite God. It speaks to the limits of human reason and inquiry when confronted with the transcendent nature of the divine, highlighting God's unsearchable wisdom and His ways that are beyond human discovery.
This term (H6666) refers to rightness, rectitude, and moral integrity. It encompasses both objective justice (what is right according to God's standard) and subjective righteousness (God's inherent character). The preceding word "plenty" (Hebrew, rôb, H7230), meaning "abundance" or "multitude," intensifies tsᵉdâqâh, signifying that God's character is saturated with an immeasurable and overflowing degree of righteousness. This abundance of justice renders it impossible for God to act unjustly, capriciously, or without perfect moral integrity in any of His dealings.
Verse Breakdown
"[Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out"
This opening clause establishes God's transcendence and the inherent limitation of human understanding. Elihu asserts that when it comes to the infinite God, human reason and inquiry are incapable of fully comprehending His essence, His plans, or the depths of His wisdom. It calls for intellectual humility before the divine mystery, acknowledging that God's being and ways are ultimately unsearchable to finite minds.
"[he is] excellent in power"
This phrase immediately follows the declaration of God's incomprehensibility with an affirmation of His supreme might. God's power is not just great; it is "excellent," signifying perfection, supremacy, and unparalleled effectiveness. His omnipotence ensures that He can accomplish all His purposes without hindrance, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and destiny.
"and in judgment"
This refers to God's perfect discernment, His decrees, and His governance. All of God's decisions, His rule over creation, and His interactions with humanity are founded upon infallible wisdom and righteous discernment. His judgments are always just and true, even when their rationale is not immediately apparent to human understanding. This underscores His role as the ultimate arbiter and sovereign ruler.
"and in plenty of justice"
Building on the idea of perfect judgment, this clause emphasizes the overflowing nature of God's righteousness. His character is so utterly imbued with fairness and moral rectitude that injustice is an absolute impossibility for Him. This abundance of justice undergirds all His actions, ensuring they are always consistent with His holy nature and that His dealings are always equitable and morally pure.
"he will not afflict"
This concluding statement, in the context of Elihu's argument, means that God will not arbitrarily oppress, cause unjust suffering, or pervert justice. Given His "plenty of justice," He has no need to act capriciously or cruelly. While God may permit or even bring about suffering for various righteous purposes (e.g., discipline, testing, revelation), this verse assures that such actions are never rooted in malice or injustice, but always consistent with His abundant and perfect righteousness. It challenges the simplistic retribution theology that assumes all suffering is punitive.
Literary Devices
Job 37:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to the verse is Apophatic Theology, where Elihu describes God by what He is not or what cannot be fully known ("we cannot find him out"). This emphasizes God's transcendence and the limits of human epistemology when confronted with the divine, fostering a sense of awe and humility. The phrase "plenty of justice" utilizes Hyperbole to underscore the absolute and overflowing nature of God's righteousness, suggesting an immeasurable abundance rather than a mere sufficiency. There is also an implicit Parallelism in the listing of God's attributes—"excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice"—which highlights the multifaceted perfection and coherence of His character. Finally, the verse presents a stark Contrast between human limitation and divine boundlessness, setting the stage for God's subsequent direct intervention in the narrative, which further dwarfs human understanding and reinforces the theme of divine majesty.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Job 37:23 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of God, emphasizing His incomprehensibility, omnipotence, and perfect justice. This understanding is crucial for navigating the complexities of suffering and divine providence. While humanity may struggle to reconcile God's goodness with the presence of evil and pain, Elihu's declaration reminds us that God's character is utterly righteous and His actions are always just, even when His reasons remain hidden from our finite minds. This perspective calls for a posture of humility and trust, acknowledging that God's wisdom and ways are infinitely superior to our own. The verse serves as a crucial theological anchor, assuring us that the God who governs the universe is not arbitrary or malicious, but perfectly righteous in all His dealings, inviting us to rest in His sovereign goodness.
Reflection and Application
Job 37:23 invites us to a posture of profound humility and unwavering trust in the face of life's mysteries and personal suffering. When we encounter circumstances that seem inexplicable, or when God's actions appear contrary to our expectations, this verse serves as a powerful reminder: we cannot fully "find out" the Almighty. Our finite minds are simply incapable of grasping the infinite depth of His wisdom, power, and justice. Therefore, instead of demanding explanations or questioning His character, we are called to rest in the assurance that He is "excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice." This truth provides immense comfort, knowing that the God who governs all things is never arbitrary, cruel, or unjust. His dealings with us, even those that bring hardship, are always consistent with His perfect righteousness and benevolent purposes. Our application, then, is to cultivate a faith that trusts God's character more than our immediate comprehension, finding peace and spiritual stability in His perfect governance even when His path is shrouded in mystery and our understanding is limited.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "he will not afflict" mean God never causes suffering or allows hardship?
No, the phrase "he will not afflict" (KJV) or "he will not oppress" (other translations) in Job 37:23 does not mean God never causes or permits suffering. Rather, in the context of Elihu's argument about God's "plenty of justice," it means God will not arbitrarily oppress, unjustly punish, or cause suffering without a righteous and perfect purpose. His actions are never capricious, malicious, or contrary to His abundant justice. Suffering in the Bible can serve various purposes, such as discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11), testing (James 1:2-4), or to reveal God's glory (John 9:3). Elihu's point is that God's justice is so overflowing that He has no need or desire to act cruelly or unjustly towards His creation; every action is consistent with His perfect character.
How can we "find out" God if the verse says "we cannot find him out"?
The phrase "we cannot find him out" refers to our inability to fully comprehend God's infinite essence, His unsearchable wisdom, or the complete scope of His plans through human investigation or intellectual effort alone. It speaks to the inherent limitation of finite humanity in grasping the infinite divine. However, this does not mean God is unknowable. While we cannot fully "find out" His exhaustive being, God has chosen to reveal Himself to humanity. We can know Him intimately through His self-revelation in creation, in His Word, and supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our knowledge of God is therefore partial and relational, but real and transformative, allowing us to trust His character even when His ways remain mysterious.
What is the significance of the title "Almighty" (El Shaddai) in this verse?
The title "Almighty" (Hebrew, Shadday, often part of El Shaddai) is highly significant as it emphasizes God's supreme power, His all-sufficiency, and His absolute sovereignty. It portrays God as the One who is utterly dominant, capable of fulfilling all His purposes, and possessing complete authority over all creation and destiny. In the context of Job's suffering, this title reassures that God is not limited in His ability to act, to bring about justice, or to sustain His creation. It underscores that His "plenty of justice" is backed by unlimited power, ensuring that His righteous character is always upheld in His governance of the world, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Elihu's profound words in Job 37:23 point to an ultimately incomprehensible yet perfectly just God, the New Testament reveals that God has made Himself fully known in the person of Jesus Christ. The very mystery of God that Elihu wrestled with is unveiled in the Incarnation. As John 1:18 declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Jesus is the ultimate revelation, the "image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). In Christ, we see God's "excellence in power" not only in creation but supremely in His power over sin and death through the resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20). God's "judgment" is perfectly displayed at the cross, where He justly condemned sin while simultaneously demonstrating His "plenty of justice" by providing atonement for humanity (Romans 3:25-26). Furthermore, the assurance that God "will not afflict" arbitrarily finds its deepest meaning in Christ. God did not arbitrarily afflict Job, nor does He capriciously afflict humanity. Instead, He "afflicted" His own Son, the innocent Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:4-5), to bear the just punishment for our sins, thereby fulfilling His abundant justice while extending boundless mercy. Through Christ, we can truly "find out" God in a saving, personal relationship, even as His infinite glory remains eternally beyond our full comprehension.