Job 37

3. He directeth it. Some render, “He letteth it loose.”

6. Likewise to the small rain. Heb., “and the shower of rain; yea the shower of the rains in his strength.” The rains in hot countries are sometimes excessively heavy—far exceeding anything that is known in our climate.

7. He sealeth up. That is, He restrains. Such storms stop the labours of the field, and keep the beasts in their dens (7, 8).

9. Out of the south. Literally, “From the chamber”: see ix. 9.

11. Also by watering, He wearieth, etc. Rather, “Also with moisture He loadeth the cloud; He spreadeth out the thunder-cloud of His light (or lightning). And it (the lightning) turneth itself about by His counsels to do them; even all that He commandeth on the face of the whole earth.”

16 the balancings of the clouds. How they are suspended in the air.

17. How thy garments are warm, etc. Referring to the sultry stillness of summer heat, and its unpleasant effects upon the body.

18 strong, and as a molten looking-glass. Or, “Firm as a molten mirror”; made of polished metal. The sky is often represented in ancient poetry as a vast solid concave mirror.

20. If a man speak, surely, etc. Or, perhaps, “Or shall a man say (i.e., ask) that he may be destroyed?” To contend with the Almighty is to court destruction.

21. And now men see not, etc. Rather, “And now they see not the light that is bright in the skies; and the wind passeth, and cleareth them (the skies). (22) From the north cometh gold (perhaps a golden splendour): upon God (i.e., as His robe) is terrible glory.” It is possible that these phenomena were now occurring—a presage of the rising storm.

23. He will not afflict. Or, “oppress”; i.e., He will not deal unjustly.

24. Men do therefore fear Him, etc. “Therefore men should fear Him; for He will not regard any that are wise” [in their own opinion].