Job 38:1

¶ Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Then the LORD {H3068} answered {H6030} Job {H347} out of the whirlwind {H5591}, and said {H559},

Then ADONAI answered Iyov out of the storm:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

Then Jehovah answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Job 38:1 (KJV)

¶ Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Context

After enduring immense suffering (see Job 1:13-19), debating with his friends about the nature of suffering and God's justice, and finally presenting his own case and challenging God (Job 31), Job receives a direct response from the Almighty. Chapters 32-37 contain Elihu's speeches, which pave the way for divine intervention. This verse marks a dramatic turning point as God Himself enters the conversation, speaking from a powerful natural phenomenon—the whirlwind—signifying His awesome power and presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Encounter: God directly addresses Job, ending the human-only dialogue.
  • Manifestation of Power: God speaks from a whirlwind, symbolizing His overwhelming power, authority, and transcendence.
  • Shift in Perspective: The focus moves from Job's questions and human understanding to God's self-revelation and divine wisdom.
  • God Answers: Despite Job's complaints and challenges, God engages with him directly.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "whirlwind" here is sa'ar or se'arah. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe a violent storm or tempest and is frequently associated with a powerful manifestation of God's presence, judgment, or revelation. It is not merely a weather event but a vehicle for divine communication and a display of God's formidable power, as seen in Nahum 1:3 where it says, "the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm." This sets a tone of awe and majesty for God's ensuing discourse.

Reflection

This pivotal verse assures us that God hears and responds to the cries and even the challenging questions of His people. His response may not always come when or how we expect, but it is a direct engagement from the Creator. Speaking from the whirlwind emphasizes God's immense power and control over all creation, putting our human limitations into stark relief. It teaches us humility in the face of divine majesty and prepares us to listen attentively when God chooses to reveal Himself, shifting our focus from our problems to His power and wisdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 40:6

    ¶ Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

  • 2 Kings 2:11

    And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

  • Job 37:1

    ¶ At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.

  • Job 37:2

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

  • Exodus 19:16

    ¶ 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.

  • Exodus 19:19

    And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

  • 1 Kings 19:11

    And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake:
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