Job 37:12
They swirl about, whirling at His direction, accomplishing all that He commands over the face of all the earth.
They swirl about
This phrase refers to the movement of clouds or weather patterns, which in the context of Job, are often seen as manifestations of God's power and sovereignty. The swirling motion can symbolize the unpredictability and majesty of God's creation, reflecting His control over nature. In the ancient Near Eastern context, weather was often attributed to the actions of deities, but here it is clearly under the direction of the one true God.

whirling at His direction
This emphasizes God's direct involvement and authority over the natural world. The imagery of whirling suggests a dynamic and purposeful movement, indicating that nothing in creation is random or outside of God's control. This aligns with other biblical passages that speak of God's command over nature, such as Psalm 148:8, which describes the elements fulfilling His word.

accomplishing all that He commands
This phrase underscores the idea that God's will is executed perfectly in creation. It reflects the biblical theme of God's omnipotence and the certainty that His purposes will be fulfilled. This can be connected to Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is described as achieving the purpose for which it is sent. It also highlights the concept of divine providence, where God orchestrates all events according to His plan.

over the face of all the earth
This indicates the universal scope of God's authority and action. It suggests that there is no part of the earth that is outside of His influence or control. This can be related to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus declares His authority over heaven and earth, sending His disciples to all nations. It also reflects the biblical worldview that God's sovereignty extends to all creation, not just a specific region or people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogues with friends and his quest for understanding God's ways.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's majesty and justice. In Job 37, Elihu is emphasizing God's control over nature.

3. God's Creation
The natural world, including the weather patterns and elements, which are depicted as being under God's sovereign control.

4. The Earth
The stage upon which God's commands are fulfilled, highlighting His omnipresence and omnipotence.

5. Weather Patterns
The swirling and whirling of clouds and winds, symbolizing God's active involvement in the world.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all aspects of creation, including the weather and natural events.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when life seems chaotic, trust that God is directing events according to His perfect will.

God's Majesty in Creation
Take time to observe and appreciate the natural world as a reflection of God's power and creativity.

Human Limitations
Acknowledge our limited understanding and control, and submit to God's greater wisdom and authority.

Active Faith
Let the knowledge of God's sovereignty inspire active faith and obedience in daily life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's control over nature, as described in Job 37:12, affect your perspective on current events in the world?

2. In what ways can you see God's hand at work in the natural world around you, and how does this influence your faith?

3. How can the account of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8 deepen your trust in God's power over the chaos in your life?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by circumstances. How can Job 37:12 encourage you to trust in God's direction?

5. How does recognizing God's sovereignty in creation challenge you to live differently in your daily walk with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account, where God speaks the world into existence, demonstrating His authority over all creation.

Psalm 104
A psalm that praises God for His creation and His ongoing involvement in sustaining the world.

Proverbs 8
Wisdom's role in creation, emphasizing God's order and purpose in the natural world.

Matthew 8
Jesus calming the storm, illustrating His divine authority over nature.

Colossians 1
Christ's preeminence in creation, affirming that all things were created through Him and for Him.
Lessons of the SnowJ. B. Whitford.Job 37:1-13
Suggestions of the SnowHenry Ward Beecher.Job 37:1-13
The Lessons of the SnowflakesWallace Thorp.Job 37:1-13
The Phenomena of NatureHomilistJob 37:1-13
The Snow and its LessonsR. Brewin.Job 37:1-13
The SnowstormThe PulpitJob 37:1-13
What is Elihu's MessageSamuel Cox, D. D.Job 37:1-13
WinterHenry Allon, D. D.Job 37:1-13
The RainstormW.F. Adeney Job 37:11-13
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Accomplish, Changes, Circuit, Commandeth, Commands, Counsels, Direction, Face, Gives, Goes, Guidance, Guiding, Habitable, Inhabited, Itself, Orders, Round, Surface, Swirl, Turn, Turning, Whatever, Whatsoever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:11-12

     8404   commands, in OT

Job 37:11-13

     4060   nature

Library
Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his Baptism?
Objection 1: It would seem that the heavens should not have been opened unto Christ at His baptism. For the heavens should be opened unto one who needs to enter heaven, by reason of his being out of heaven. But Christ was always in heaven, according to Jn. 3:13: "The Son of Man who is in heaven." Therefore it seems that the heavens should not have been opened unto Him. Objection 2: Further, the opening of the heavens is understood either in a corporal or in a spiritual sense. But it cannot be understood
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether by Reason of this Subtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be in the Same Place with Another Body not Glorified?
Objection 1: It would seem that by reason of this subtlety a body is able to be in the same place with another body not glorified. For according to Phil. 3:21, "He will reform the body of our lowness made like to the body of His glory." Now the body of Christ was able to be in the same place with another body, as appears from the fact that after His Resurrection He went in to His disciples, the doors being shut (Jn. 20:19, 26). Therefore also the glorified bodies by reason of their subtlety will
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that those to whom Christ's birth was made known were not suitably chosen. For our Lord (Mat. 10:5) commanded His disciples, "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles," so that He might be made known to the Jews before the Gentiles. Therefore it seems that much less should Christ's birth have been at once revealed to the Gentiles who "came from the east," as stated Mat. 2:1. Objection 2: Further, the revelation of Divine truth should be made especially to the friends of God,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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