Job 37:18
can you, like Him, spread out the skies to reflect the heat like a mirror of bronze?
Can you, like Him
This phrase challenges human beings to consider their limitations in comparison to God's omnipotence. The Hebrew word for "like Him" (כָּמֹהוּ, kamohu) emphasizes the uniqueness and incomparability of God. In the context of Job, this rhetorical question serves to remind Job and his friends of God's supreme power and wisdom, which are beyond human understanding. It invites believers to reflect on the majesty of God, who alone can perform acts that are beyond human capability.

spread out the skies
The imagery of "spreading out the skies" evokes the creation narrative where God stretches out the heavens. The Hebrew verb used here, רָקַע (raqa), means to spread out or to expand, similar to how a craftsman might hammer out metal. This metaphor highlights God's role as the Creator, who has the power to establish the vast expanse of the heavens. It serves as a reminder of the order and beauty of creation, which reflects God's glory and sovereignty.

to reflect the heat
This phrase suggests the function of the skies in regulating the earth's climate. The Hebrew word for "heat" (חֹמֶם, chomem) can also imply warmth or the sun's influence. In ancient times, people understood the skies as a protective barrier that moderated the sun's intensity. This reflects the divine wisdom in creation, where God has designed the natural world with precision and care, ensuring that it sustains life.

like a mirror of bronze
The comparison to "a mirror of bronze" uses a familiar object from the ancient world to illustrate the reflective quality of the skies. Bronze mirrors were known for their polished surfaces, which could reflect light and images. The Hebrew word for "bronze" (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet) signifies strength and durability. This metaphor underscores the idea that the heavens are not only vast and expansive but also serve a purpose in reflecting God's light and glory. It invites believers to see the natural world as a testament to God's creative power and to recognize His hand in the intricate design of the universe.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions the reasons for his suffering.

2. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on God's majesty and justice.

3. God
The Creator, whose power and wisdom are beyond human understanding, as highlighted by Elihu in this passage.

4. The Skies
Representing God's creation, they are described as being spread out like a mirror of bronze, emphasizing God's power and artistry.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Creation
Recognize that God's power is evident in the natural world. The skies, like a mirror of bronze, reflect His majesty and control over all things.

Human Limitations
Acknowledge our limitations in understanding God's ways. Just as we cannot spread out the skies, we cannot fully grasp His purposes.

The Call to Humility
Approach God with humility, recognizing that His wisdom and power far exceed our own. This should lead us to trust Him even when we do not understand our circumstances.

Reflecting God's Glory
As the skies reflect God's glory, we are called to reflect His character in our lives. Consider how your actions and attitudes can mirror God's love and righteousness.

Trust in God's Justice
Even when life seems unjust, trust that God is in control and His justice will ultimately prevail. Elihu's words remind us of God's perfect governance over creation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the skies as a "mirror of bronze" enhance your understanding of God's power and majesty?

2. In what ways can you see God's sovereignty reflected in the natural world around you?

3. How does recognizing our human limitations in understanding God's ways impact your faith and trust in Him?

4. What practical steps can you take to reflect God's glory in your daily life, as the skies reflect His majesty?

5. How can the themes of God's justice and sovereignty in Job 37:18 encourage you in times of personal suffering or uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account, where God establishes the heavens and the earth, demonstrating His power and authority over creation.

Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God, showing the connection between creation and the revelation of God's majesty.

Isaiah 40
God's incomparable power and wisdom are highlighted, similar to Elihu's description of God's ability to spread out the skies.

Romans 1
Paul speaks of God's invisible qualities and divine nature being evident in creation, echoing the themes of God's majesty in Job 37:18.

Revelation 4
The vision of God's throne room, where His glory and power are continually praised, reflecting the awe of God's creation.
The SkyJohn Pulsford.Job 37:18
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Bronze, Canst, Cast, Clouds, Expanse, Firm, Glass, Hast, Looking-glass, Metal, Mirror, Molten, Polished, Skies, Sky, Smooth, Spread, Spreading, Strong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:18

     4312   bronze
     5411   mirror

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:15-18

     4272   sky

Job 37:17-18

     4860   wind

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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