Job 37:6

¶ For he saith to the snow, Be thou [on] the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

For he saith {H559} to the snow {H7950}, Be thou {H1933} on the earth {H776}; likewise to the small {H4306} rain {H1653}, and to the great {H4306} rain {H1653} of his strength {H5797}.

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth!'-likewise to the light rain, also to the downpour.

For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the gentle rain, ‘Pour out a mighty downpour.’

For he saith to the snow, Fall thou on the earth; Likewise to the shower of rain, And to the showers of his mighty rain.

Commentary

Job 37:6 is part of Elihu's lengthy discourse, where he expounds on the majesty and omnipotence of God through His control over natural phenomena. This particular verse focuses on God's direct command over precipitation—snow and rain—underscoring His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

Context of Job 37:6

Elihu, the youngest of Job's friends, speaks extensively in chapters 32-37, aiming to justify God's actions and wisdom, often contrasting divine power with human frailty. In Job 36:26, he declares, "God is great, and we know him not." Chapter 37 continues this theme, describing various aspects of weather—clouds, lightning, wind, and here, snow and rain—as direct manifestations of God's power and purposeful will. Elihu uses these powerful elements to humble Job and all humanity, emphasizing that nature is not random but operates under divine command, revealing the Creator's unsearchable greatness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nature: The verse powerfully asserts that God is not merely an observer but the active commander of the natural world. He "saith" to the snow and rain, indicating direct, authoritative control.
  • God's Omnipotence and Wisdom: The ability to orchestrate complex weather patterns, from gentle drizzles to powerful storms, demonstrates God's limitless power and intricate wisdom. This control extends to every flake and drop, highlighting His meticulous oversight.
  • Human Humility: Faced with such overwhelming divine command over the elements, humanity is reminded of its own limitations and dependence on the Creator. It fosters a sense of awe and reverence for God's unapproachable majesty, echoing the theme found in Psalm 33:9, "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "small rain" from the Hebrew word matar (מָטָר), a general term for rain. The phrase "great rain of his strength" combines geshem (גֶּשֶׁם), meaning heavy rain or downpour, with ethan (אֵיתָן), which conveys ideas of enduring, strong, or mighty. This emphasizes that the powerful, intense rainfall is a direct manifestation of God's inherent strength and enduring might, not a random occurrence. It highlights the purposeful force behind the storm.

Practical Application

Job 37:6 offers profound insights for contemporary life:

  • Cultivating Awe: It calls us to look at natural phenomena—be it a gentle snowfall or a torrential downpour—not as mere meteorological events, but as direct expressions of God's power and purposeful design. This perspective can deepen our worship and reverence for Him.
  • Trust in God's Control: Understanding that God commands even the weather can strengthen our faith in His control over all circumstances in our lives. Just as He directs the rain, He orchestrates our path, providing comfort and assurance that we are under His sovereign care, as hinted at in Psalm 147:8, which speaks of Him preparing rain for the earth.
  • Humility and Dependence: The verse serves as a powerful reminder of our human limitations and our absolute dependence on God. It encourages humility before the One who holds all power in His hands.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 38:22

    Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,

  • Job 36:27

    For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:

  • Ezekiel 13:13

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend [it] with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in [my] fury to consume [it].

  • Psalms 147:16

    He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

  • Psalms 147:18

    He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, [and] the waters flow.

  • Amos 9:6

    [It is] he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD [is] his name.

  • Genesis 7:10

    And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.
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