Job 37

37:2 The Old Testament often associates thunder with God’s voice (36:29, 33; 37:5; 38:1; Exod 19:16-19; Ps 104:7).

37:7 everyone stops working . . . watch his power: The ending of the agricultural work season gave people time to meditate on God’s providential control.

37:13 The same act by God can serve more than one function, such as storms that both destroy enemies and give God’s people victory (Josh 10; Judg 4; 1 Sam 7:10-11; Pss 18:7-15; 105:32-33).

37:17 The hot south wind caused the sweltering conditions.

37:20 speak when they are confused? Or speak without being swallowed up? Punishment as severe as death might result from contesting God’s judgment (cp. 13:14).

37:22 the mountain of God (Hebrew from Zaphon): In the literature of the ancient city of Ugarit, Zaphon was the northern mountainous abode of Baal; here it figuratively refers to God’s lofty home in the heavens (see Isa 14:13-14).

37:23 cannot imagine the power of the Almighty: Cp. 11:7; 26:14; Rom 11:33; 1 Tim 6:16. • he is just and righteous: Cp. Job 9:4, 19; 12:13; Pss 62:11; 66:3; 93:1; 99:4.