Job 37:13

He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.

He causeth it to come {H4672}, whether for correction {H7626}, or for his land {H776}, or for mercy {H2617}.

he brings them forth on the earth sometimes to punish, sometimes to express his grace.

Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion.

Whether it be for correction, or for his land, Or for lovingkindness, that he cause it to come.

Commentary

Job 37:13, spoken by Elihu, is a powerful declaration about God's absolute sovereignty and purposeful control over natural phenomena, particularly weather events like rain, snow, or storms. It asserts that God orchestrates these occurrences not randomly, but with specific, divine intentions for humanity and the earth.

Context of Job 37:13

This verse is part of Elihu's final discourse in the Book of Job, specifically within a section (Job 36-37) where he emphasizes God's majesty, wisdom, and omnipotence, particularly as displayed through natural creation. Elihu seeks to humble Job and his friends by pointing to the unsearchable greatness of God, contrasting it with human limitations. He describes meteorological wonders—thunder, lightning, clouds, and rain—as direct manifestations of God's power and intricate design, asserting that God uses these elements for various purposes, not just as random acts of nature. This statement serves as a theological anchor for understanding divine involvement in the world, particularly in the context of human suffering and divine will.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: The verse unequivocally states that "He causeth it to come," highlighting God's ultimate control over all creation, including the forces of nature. This reinforces the biblical truth that nothing happens outside of God's knowledge or ultimate permission, even seemingly chaotic events. God's power is not merely observed but actively exerted, demonstrating His comprehensive rule over the cosmos, a theme echoed in Daniel 4:35.
  • Divine Purpose in All Events: Job 37:13 reveals that God's actions are always intentional and purposeful. The "it" (referring to weather events, likely rain or storms from preceding verses) is sent for one of three primary reasons:
    • For Correction: Sometimes, God sends challenging circumstances or natural events as a form of discipline or to bring about repentance and spiritual growth. This aligns with the biblical understanding that whom the Lord loves He chastens, and that trials can refine faith (James 1:2-4).
    • For His Land: God uses natural events to bless and sustain the earth, providing necessary rainfall for crops and life. This speaks to God's benevolent provision and care for creation, ensuring that the land yields its increase to support life, as seen in Psalm 65:9-13. This purpose highlights God's role as the sustainer of all living things.
    • For Mercy: Beyond correction and sustenance, God also acts purely out of compassion and grace. This aspect emphasizes God's loving-kindness, sending blessings and favorable conditions as an act of unmerited favor, demonstrating His goodness to all, both righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). This reveals the breadth of God's benevolence.
  • God's Multifaceted Character: The verse beautifully illustrates the complexity and balance of God's character—He is both a disciplinarian and a provider, a God of justice and a God of profound mercy. This holistic view of God's nature is crucial for a complete understanding of His interaction with humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "correction" here can also mean "rod" or "staff" (מַטֶּה, matteh), implying an instrument of discipline or guidance, much like a shepherd's staff. The term for "mercy" is often connected to חֶסֶד (chesed), a rich Hebrew word conveying steadfast love, kindness, faithfulness, and covenant loyalty. Understanding these nuances reinforces the depth of God's intentionality behind His actions, whether for discipline or for an outpouring of His enduring love.

Practical Application

For believers today, Job 37:13 offers profound comfort and challenge. It reminds us that even in difficult circumstances, God is not absent or uncaring; He is actively at work with a purpose. When facing trials or blessings, we are invited to consider God's hand in them—whether He is disciplining us, providing for us, or simply extending His grace. This perspective encourages trust in God's ultimate plan, even when His ways are mysterious, fostering a deeper reliance on His wisdom and love. It also encourages us to seek understanding of God's purposes in our lives and in the world around us, recognizing His control over all things, from the grandest cosmic events to the most personal experiences. This verse can transform our perception of life's events from random occurrences to purposeful acts of a sovereign God.

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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

  • 1 Kings 18:45 (6 votes)

    And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

  • Job 38:26 (5 votes)

    To cause it to rain on the earth, [where] no man [is; on] the wilderness, wherein [there is] no man;

  • Job 38:27 (5 votes)

    To satisfy the desolate and waste [ground]; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?

  • 1 Samuel 12:18 (5 votes)

    So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

  • 1 Samuel 12:19 (5 votes)

    And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

  • Job 36:31 (4 votes)

    For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.

  • Exodus 9:18 (3 votes)

    Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.