Job 37:21 - Meaning and Application

Elihu closes his speech with a few short, weighty words about the glory of God. He is deeply moved by God’s greatness, and he wants others to feel that same holy reverence. He speaks briefly and quickly, because he seems to realize that God is about to take over the conversation.

He says that the God who “dwells in thick darkness” and makes that his tent (2 Samuel 22:12, Psalm 18:11) is now coming toward them in that awe-inspiring chariot. It is as if God is preparing his throne for judgment, surrounded by clouds and darkness (Psalm 97:2, Psalm 97:9). Elihu had seen a cloud with a whirlwind inside it coming from the south, but now it seemed so thick and black overhead that no one could see the bright light that had been in the clouds a moment before. The sunlight itself was hidden, and that reminded him of the darkness that kept him from speaking (Job 37:19), so he was afraid to go on (Job 37:20). In that same way, the disciples were afraid when they entered a cloud (Luke 9:34). Still, Elihu looks north and sees clear sky there, which gives him hope that the clouds are not gathering for a flood. They are covered, but not all around him. He expects the wind to pass through and clear them, like the wind that passed over the earth after Noah’s flood to dry it out (Genesis 8:1). That would be a sign that God’s favor had returned, and then fair weather would come from the north (Job 37:22). God will not always be angry, and he will not keep contending forever.

Now that God is about to speak, Elihu hurries to finish. He sums up much of what he has been saying in a few words, words that should strengthen his argument and prepare the way for God’s own speech. He says that with God is terrible majesty. God is so full of glory and perfect greatness that all his servants are filled with awe, and his enemies are filled with fear. Some understand this as “terrible praise,” meaning that even his praise is fearsome, because he is “fearful in praises” (Exodus 15:11). When we speak about the Almighty, we must admit that we cannot fully understand him (Job 37:23). Our minds are too small to grasp his endless greatness. We cannot put the sea into an eggshell, and we cannot trace every step of his providence, the way he directs and governs all things. His way is in the sea.

He is also excellent in power. His power is unmatched because he can do whatever he pleases in heaven and on earth. No creature has an arm like his, so long or so strong. Yet his power is not separate from his wisdom and justice. He is excellent in wisdom and righteousness, in judgment and abundant justice, or else his power would not be beautiful or good. We may be sure that the One who can do anything will do everything in the best way, because he is infinitely wise. And because he is perfectly just, he will never do wrong. When he judges sinners, there is always plenty of justice in it, and he never gives more punishment than they deserve.

Elihu also says that God will not afflict willingly. It is no pleasure to him to grieve human beings, and even less to grieve his own children. He never sends trouble unless there is good cause and real need, and he does not lay more on us than we can bear. He considers our weakness and human frailty. Some read the verse this way: the Almighty, whom we cannot fully understand, is great in power, but he will not punish unjustly, and with him there is abundant justice. He is not harsh in keeping record of our wrongs.

He pays no attention to people who think themselves wise. He will not change his plans to please them, and those who try to instruct him cannot make him act as they wish (Job 37:24). He listens to the prayer of the humble, but not to the schemes of the clever. Even what seems foolish in God is wiser than men (1 Corinthians 1:25). From all this, the conclusion is plain: since God is great, he must be greatly feared. Indeed, because he is gracious and does not afflict without cause, people should fear him all the more, for there is forgiveness with him so that he may be feared (Psalm 130:4). Men will fear him sooner or later. Those who will not fear the Lord in his kindness will one day tremble under the outpouring of his wrath.