Job 38

Growing up in Oklahoma, I encountered a storm or two! Once, while our baseball team warmed up before a game, the clouds darkened, the winds began howling, the sirens blared, and we realized an honest-to-goodness tornado was approaching. We sprinted to our dugout, which was built four feet below ground and partially covered. We all lay on the dirt floor, piling on top of one another and covering our heads with our baseball gloves. I remember looking up and seeing shingles, wood, and pieces of metal swirling in the sky. The tornado sounded just like a train amid all the debris. That’s one experience I will never forget.

Today, in our study of the book of Job, God speaks to Job “out of the whirlwind” (38:1). It was an event Job would never forget! Let’s begin with an overview of what God says. Then, as we continue this section, we’ll delve deeper into God’s interaction with Job.

Job is suffering—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, offered him distressing advice. Elihu approached Job as an instructor. However, Job wanted to have a conversation with God. He desired to bring God to court and put the Almighty on the stand (13:22; 31:35). We can all relate to Job’s request. “God, what are you doing?” and “God, why is this happening?” are questions we’ve all asked, even though our experiences with suffering likely won’t compare to what Job endured.

Job sought a legal hearing, hoping to put God on the stand. However, God’s response was far from what Job desired. Instead, God appeared in a storm and placed Job on the stand. He did not clarify the problem with evil or the purpose of suffering. Rather, God rebuked Job for challenging his ways, inundating Job with over seventy questions! These questions spanned from the stars to the clouds and from the animal kingdom to the birds in the sky, reflecting God’s creation showcased in outer space. Bible scholar Roy Zuck states, “Though Job was dumbfounded by this barrage of questions, flunking both lengthy quizzes, he did meet God face to face. This reassured the complainer that God had not abandoned him after all.”^[1]

God’s dialogue with Job features the longest recorded speech by God in the Bible. This message consists of two parts—Job 38:1-40:2 and 40:6-41:34. Within these discourses, God poses three main questions.

God begins by asking Job, “Can you explain my creation?” (38:1-38). In this section, God demonstrates his power through how the world came into existence. In the second part, God probes, “Can you control my creation?” (38:39-39:30). Through a series of inquiries, God shows Job that he is the only One who can create and has complete control. Finally, God demands, “Can you conquer my creation?” (40:6-41:34). In this part, God describes colossal beasts he created that no human could subdue.

Job speaks only twice during the speech. First, he offers a brief expression of humility (40:3-5). Then, in Job 42:1-6, he responds with repentance.

We will examine God’s reply to Job in greater detail. For now, we question why God responds this way. He never provides Job with an explanation. Philip Yancey articulates what’s on our minds, stating, “God’s speech seems more striking in what it does not say. In fact, the speech avoids the issue of suffering entirely.”[2]

I will be honest: I wish God had responded differently, offering Job comfort instead of confrontation. However, I acknowledge that this perspective arises from my limited human understanding.  So, what is the purpose of God’s rebuke? We will explore this through God’s discourse.  This speech is not an explanation but a revelation! One commentator captures it this way:  

By displaying His power and wisdom, God showed Job his ignorance and impatience. How could Job comprehend or control God’s ways with man when he could not comprehend or control God’s government in nature? Since Job could not answer God in this matter how could he hope to debate with God? Since God has His own ways and designs in the sky and with animals, does He not also have His own purposes in His dealings with people? Though people cannot understand God’s doings, they can trust Him. Worship should stem from an appreciation of God Himself, not a comprehension of all God’s ways. Though puzzled, people should still praise.^[3]

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 38. We will begin working through this passage next time.

Talking to God
Ask God to help you begin a practice of praising him, even when you don’t understand.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.

^[1] Roy B. Zuck, “Job,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 767.

[2] Philip Yancey, The Bible Jesus Read (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1999), 61.

^[3] Roy B. Zuck, “Job,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 766.