Job 37:5

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

Job 37:5 (KJV)

Context

The book of Job explores the problem of human suffering. Job, a righteous man, faced immense affliction and dialogued with friends about why he suffered. In chapter 37, Elihu, one of Job’s friends, speaks of God’s power and sovereignty, describing a thunderstorm as the backdrop for his words.

Meaning

The verse begins by acknowledging the awe-inspiring power of God’s voice, using thunder as imagery for the magnificence and grandeur of His speech. Thunder in Scripture often symbolizes power, majesty, and authority, and here it signals divine intervention. The Hebrew word translated “marvellously” can also mean “marvels” or “marvellous things,” pointing to the extraordinary effects of thunder and lightning, such as rending rocks and shattering trees.

The verse then emphasizes that God performs great things beyond human comprehension. His actions are extraordinary, surpassing the limits of our understanding. This highlights the mysterious and incomprehensible nature of God’s works, a theme Elihu develops as he concludes that God is great and we know Him not (Job 37:26).

Application

As finite creatures, our understanding is limited, and there are aspects of God’s actions and purposes beyond our grasp. This verse encourages humility before God’s greatness and trust in His wisdom, even when we do not fully understand His ways.

Despite our limited understanding, we can trust that God’s actions are just and righteous. We can find comfort in knowing that God is in control and His purposes will ultimately prevail. This verse invites us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing that there are aspects of His character and works we may never fully grasp.

Reflection

Job 37:5 prompts us to reflect on the greatness and unfathomable nature of God. It calls us to respond with awe and trust rather than complaint, even when His ways are beyond our scrutiny.