Job 37:20

_SHALL IT BE TOLD HIM THAT I SPEAK? IF A MAN SPEAK, SURELY HE SHALL BE SWALLOWED UP._ What I, a mortal, say against God's dealings is not worthy of being told HIM. In opposition to Job's wish to "speak" before God (Job 13:3; Job 13:18). IF A MAN SPEAK, SURELY HE SHALL BE SWALLOWED UP. The parallelism more favours Umbreit-`Durst a man speak (before Him, complaining), that he is (without cause) being destroyed?'...

14-20 Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. As God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so he has a thawing, composing south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because he both convinces and comforts, Song of Solomon 4:16. The best of men are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing, in comparison with what is to be known, and of what will be known, when that which is perfect is come....

Verse Job 37:20. _SHALL IT BE TOLD HIM THAT I SPEAK?_] Shall I dare to whisper even before God? And suppose any one were to _accuse_ me before him for what I have spoken of him, though that has been well intended, how should I be able to stand in his presence? I should be swallowed up in consternation, and consumed with the splendour of his majesty. But in what state art _thou_? What hast _thou_ been doing? _Thou_ hast arraigned God for his government of the world; _thou_ hast found fault with the dispensations of his providence; _thou_ hast even charged him with _cruelty_! What will become of THEE?...

SHALL IT BE TOLD HIM THAT I SPEAK? - Still the language of profound awe and reverence, as if he would not have it even intimated to God that he had presumed to say anything in regard to him, or with a view to explain the reason of his doings. IF A MAN SPEAK - That is, if he attempt to speak with God; to argue a case with him; to contend with him in debate; to oppose him. Elihu had designed to reprove Job for the bold and presumptuous manner in which he bad spoken of God, and for his wish to enter into a debate with him in order to vindicate his cause. He now says, that if anyone should attempt this, God had power at once to destroy him; and that such an attempt would be perilous to his life. But other interpretations have been proposed, which may be seen in Rosenmuller, Umbreit, and Lee. SURELY HE SHALL BE SWALLOWED UP - Destroyed for his presumption and rashn

EXPOSITION JOB 37:1 It has been already remarked that there is no natural division between Job 36:1 and Job 37:1.—the description of the thunderstorm and its effects runs on. From its effect on cattle, Elihu passes to its effect on man (Job 37:1); and thence goes on to speak of other natural manifestations of God's power and marvellousness—snow, violent rain, whirlwind, frost, and the like (Job 37:6). He then makes a final appeal to Job to acknowledge his own weakness and God's perfection and unsearchableness, and to bow down in wonder and adora

SHALL IT BE TOLD HIM THAT I SPEAK?.... And what I speak? there is no need of it, since he is omniscient, and knows every word that is spoken by men; or is anything I have said concerning him, his ways, and his works, worthy relating, or worthy of his hearing, being so very imperfect? nor can the things I have spoken of, though common things, be fully explained to any; or should it be told him, the Lord, that he, Elihu, had spoke as Job had done, and arraigned his justice, and complained of his dealings? God forbid; he would not have it said they were spoken by him for all the world: or "shall it be recorded unto him what I speak?" as Mr. Broughton, or that I speak; shall it be recorded in a book, and that sent to God; that I will speak in thy cause, and be an advocate for thee, and endeavour to justify thee in all thou hast said? no, by no means; IF A MAN SPEAK, SURELY HE SHALL BE SWALL...

CHAPTER S 36:22--37:24 _ 1. God's power and presence in nature (Job 36:22)_ 2. The thunderstorm (Job 37:1) 3. The snow and the rain (Job 37:6) 4. Elihu's concluding remarks (Job 37:17) Job 36:22. The chapter division in the Authorized Version is at fault. These concluding verses of the thirty-sixth chapter begin the final section of Elihu's testimony. Unspeakably great in every way, in diction and reverence, is this man's witness to the ways of God in creation's work. They show that he speaks not of himself, but the One who is perfect in

How can he, whose mind is dark, address God? Shall I invite Him to converse and court destruction? (Job 37:19 f.). In Job 37:21 follow _mg._ And now men cannot look on the light when it is bright in the skies when the wind hath passed and cleansed them (_i.e._ when it has cleared away the clouds). But if man cannot look on the light in the skies how much less can he look on God? (Job 37:22). The north was conceived by the post-exilic Jews as the home of God (_cf._ Isaiah 14:13). The golden splendour is therefore the radiance streaming from God's throne. The Almighty is unsearchable, He is great in power, yet not unjust ...

Job 36:26-33. The greatness and unsearchableness of God, seen in His marvellous operations in the skies; and exhortation to Job to allow these wonders duly to impress him, and to bow beneath the greatness of God, who surpasses all comprehension The passage has two sections: First, ch. Job 36:26 to Job 37:13, the incomprehensible greatness of God, seen in the phenomena of the atmosphere: in the formation of the rain-drops (ch. Job 36:26-28); in the thunder-storm (ch. Job 36:29 to Job 37:5

2. Man should realize his insignificant position and fear God. (Job 37:14-24) TEXT 37:14-24 14 HEARKEN UNTO THIS, O JOB: Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Dost thou know how God layeth _his charge_ upon them, And causeth the lightning of his cloud to shine? 16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge? 17 How thy garments are warm, When the earth is still by reason of the south _wind?_ 18 Canst thou with him spread out the sky, Which is strong as a molten mirror? 19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; _For_ we cannot set _our speech in_ order by reason of darkness. 20 Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up? 21 And now men see not the light which is