Job 37 · Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty

1Because of this, too, my heart quakes,And leaps from its place.

2Just listen to the noise of the rumbling,To the sound that comes out of God’s mouth.

3It is let loose beneath the entire heavens—God’s lightning, to the ends of the earth.

4After it, a roar is released—Thundered in God’s majestic voice.No one can find a trace of it by the time God’s voice is heard.

5Thundering marvelously with that voice,[God] works wonders that we cannot understand.

6The snow is commanded, “Fall to the ground!”And the downpour of rain, God’s mighty downpour of rain,

7Is as a sign on everyone’s hand,That all may know God’s doings.

8Then the beast enters its lair,And remains in its den.

9The storm wind comes from its chamber,And the cold from the constellations.

10By the breath of God ice is formed,And the expanse of water becomes solid.

11[God] also loads the clouds with moistureAnd scatters the lightning-clouds.

12Turning and overturning events via stratagems, That they might accomplish all God’s commandsThroughout the inhabited earth,

13[God] causes each of them to happen to the land,Whether as a scourge or as a blessing.

14Give ear to this, Job;Stop to consider the marvels of God.

15Do you know what charge God lays upon themBy making the lightning-clouds shine?

16Do you know the marvels worked upon the expanse of cloudsBy the One whose understanding is perfect,

17Why your clothes become hot When the land is becalmed by the south wind?

18Can you help to stretch out the heavens,Firm as a mirror of cast metal?

19Inform us, then, what we may say to [God];We cannot argue because [we are in] darkness.

20Is anything conveyed when I speak?Can a person say anything while confused?

21Now, then, one cannot see the sun,Though it be bright in the heavens,Until the wind comes and clears them [of clouds].

22By the north wind the golden rays emerge;The splendor about God is awesome.

23Shaddai—to whom we cannot attain—Is great in power and justiceAnd abundant in righteousness, and does not torment.

24Therefore, humankind is in awe of the OneWhom none of the wise can perceive.