Job 37:13
Whether for punishment or for His land, He accomplishes this in His loving devotion.
Whether for punishment
This phrase suggests that God's actions, including natural phenomena, can serve as a form of divine judgment. Throughout the Bible, God uses nature to discipline or correct His people, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-11) and the drought during Elijah's time (1 Kings 17). This reflects the belief that God is sovereign over creation and uses it to fulfill His purposes.

or for His land
The land is often seen as a gift from God to His people, particularly in the context of Israel. The Promised Land was a central aspect of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7). God's care for the land is evident in the laws given to Israel, such as the Sabbatical year (Leviticus 25:4), which allowed the land to rest. This phrase indicates that God's actions can be for the benefit and sustenance of the land, ensuring its fertility and productivity.

He accomplishes this
This emphasizes God's active role in the world. The Bible consistently portrays God as not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the universe (Colossians 1:17). His involvement in the world is purposeful and intentional, aligning with His divine will and plan.

in His loving devotion
God's loving devotion, or "chesed" in Hebrew, is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting His steadfast love and mercy. This term is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness, as seen in His relationship with Israel (Deuteronomy 7:9). It underscores that even when God allows or causes difficult circumstances, His actions are rooted in love and a desire for the ultimate good of His people. This reflects the nature of God as described in 1 John 4:8, where God is love.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogue with friends and God about the nature of suffering and divine justice.

2. Elihu
A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a perspective on God's justice and power, emphasizing God's sovereignty and wisdom.

3. God's Sovereignty
The overarching theme in this passage is the sovereignty of God over creation and His purposes, whether for correction, blessing, or other divine reasons.

4. Weather Events
The context of Job 37 includes descriptions of natural phenomena like storms and rain, which Elihu uses to illustrate God's power and control over nature.

5. The Land
Represents the earth and its inhabitants, which are under God's care and authority. The land is a recipient of God's actions, whether for judgment or blessing.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all events, both natural and personal. His purposes are beyond our understanding, but they are always rooted in His loving devotion.

Purpose in Suffering
Suffering and trials may serve as correction or refinement. Trust that God has a purpose, even when it is not immediately clear.

God's Loving Devotion
God's actions, whether for judgment or blessing, are motivated by His steadfast love. Reflect on how His love is evident even in difficult circumstances.

Responding to God's Actions
Our response to God's actions should be one of humility and trust. Seek to understand what God might be teaching or accomplishing in your life.

Interconnectedness of Creation
Recognize the interconnectedness of creation and how God uses it to fulfill His purposes. This should inspire awe and reverence for God's wisdom and power.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over natural events change your perspective on personal trials?

2. In what ways can you see God's loving devotion in the midst of difficult circumstances in your life?

3. How can the account of Noah's flood help us understand the dual nature of God's actions as both judgment and renewal?

4. Reflect on a time when a challenging situation led to personal growth or a deeper understanding of God's purposes. How does this relate to Job 37:13?

5. How can we cultivate a response of humility and trust when faced with events that seem beyond our control? Consider connections to other scriptures that encourage trust in God's plan.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 6-9
The account of Noah's flood illustrates God's use of natural events for judgment and renewal.

Psalm 104
This psalm praises God for His creation and control over nature, similar to Elihu's speech about God's power in Job 37.

Isaiah 55:10-11
Describes how God's word and purposes are accomplished through natural processes, paralleling the idea that God uses weather for His purposes.

Romans 8:28
Speaks to God's ability to work all things for good, aligning with the idea that God uses events for His purposes, whether for correction or blessing.
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
Cause, Causes, Causeth, Causing, Clouds, Correction, Curse, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Mark, Mercy, Punish, Rod, Whether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:13

     4293   water
     4805   clouds

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

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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