Job 37:23

The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress.

Study Bible

The Almighty is beyond our reach;
This phrase emphasizes the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God. In the context of the Book of Job, it reflects the theme of human limitation in understanding divine purposes. The term "Almighty" (Hebrew: Shaddai) is used frequently in Job, highlighting God's supreme power and authority. This aligns with Isaiah 55:8-9, where God's thoughts and ways are described as higher than human understanding. The idea of God being beyond human reach also resonates with the New Testament, where Paul in Romans 11:33 speaks of the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge as unsearchable.

He is exalted in power!
This phrase underscores God's omnipotence. Throughout the Bible, God's power is demonstrated in creation, miracles, and His sovereignty over nations. In Job, God's power is evident in the natural world, as seen in the preceding chapters where God speaks of His control over the elements and creatures. This connects to Psalm 147:5, which declares God's understanding as infinite and His power as great. The exaltation of God's power serves as a reminder of His ability to accomplish His will, as seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are pivotal demonstrations of divine power.

In His justice and great righteousness
Here, the focus is on God's moral attributes. Justice and righteousness are central to God's character, as seen throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Law given to Israel. Deuteronomy 32:4 describes God as a "God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." The prophets, such as Isaiah and Amos, frequently call Israel to reflect God's justice and righteousness in their society. In the New Testament, these attributes are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's righteousness and brings justice through His sacrificial death and resurrection, as seen in Romans 3:21-26.

He does not oppress.
This phrase highlights God's fairness and benevolence. Unlike human rulers who may abuse power, God's use of power is always just and for the good of His creation. This is consistent with the biblical narrative where God is portrayed as a defender of the oppressed and a judge of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 103:6. The assurance that God does not oppress provides comfort to believers, affirming that His actions are always motivated by love and justice. This is further exemplified in the life of Jesus, who, in Matthew 11:28-30, invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him, demonstrating God's gentle and humble heart.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who endured immense suffering and sought understanding of God's ways.

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

3. The Almighty (God)
The central figure in the Book of Job, whose power, justice, and righteousness are beyond human comprehension.

4. The Heavens
Often referenced in Job as a symbol of God's majesty and the vastness of His creation.

5. The Suffering of Job
The context in which this verse is spoken, highlighting the struggle to understand divine justice amidst human suffering.

Teaching Points

God's Incomprehensible Nature
We must acknowledge that God's ways and thoughts are beyond human understanding. This calls for humility and trust in His divine wisdom.

The Exaltation of God's Power
Recognizing God's exalted power should lead us to worship and reverence. His power is unmatched and serves as a foundation for our faith.

Divine Justice and Righteousness
God's justice is perfect and His righteousness is great. We can trust that He does not oppress, even when circumstances seem unjust.

Trust in God's Character
In times of suffering or confusion, we should rely on the unchanging nature of God's justice and righteousness, knowing He is always good.

Responding to God's Majesty
Our response to God's majesty should be one of awe and submission, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's incomprehensible nature affect your daily trust in Him?

2. In what ways can you see God's exalted power at work in your life or the world around you?

3. How can you reconcile the idea of divine justice with the presence of suffering and injustice in the world?

4. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's character during difficult times?

5. How does recognizing God's majesty and righteousness influence your worship and relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 55:8-9
This passage emphasizes that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, similar to the theme in Job 37:23 of God's incomprehensible nature.

Psalm 145:17
This verse speaks of the Lord's righteousness and kindness, paralleling the description of God's justice and righteousness in Job 37:23.

Romans 11:33-34
Paul reflects on the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, echoing the idea that God is beyond our reach.

Deuteronomy 32:4
This verse describes God as just and upright, reinforcing the theme of divine justice found in Job 37:23.

James 5:11
James refers to the perseverance of Job, highlighting the purpose and compassion of the Lord, which aligns with the understanding of God's character in Job 37:23.