Job 38
Sometimes, God whispers. Elijah called it God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 KJV). Sometimes, God shouts. Moses experienced lightning and thunder (Ex. 19:16-19). The prophet Nahum said God’s presence was like a storm (Nahum 1:3). In Job, God comes in a “whirlwind.”
Elihu’s last words were barely out of his mouth when God spoke directly to Job.
Job 38:1
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind….
The term translated as “whirlwind” is the Hebrew word searah. It refers to a strong, potentially destructive wind. In 2 Kings 2:11, this term describes the wind that took Elijah into heaven. Psalm 107:25 uses it to depict powerful winds that produced great waves in the sea. Isaiah told the people of Jerusalem, “You will be visited by the LORD of hosts with thunder and with earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest…” (Isa. 29:6). Describing the glory of the Lord, Ezekiel stated, “A stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing continually…” (Eze. 1:4). When God shows up, no one can doubt his presence!
Despite the powerful winds and deafening sounds, do not overlook a more significant point: “The LORD answered Job.” “LORD” translates to the Hebrew word Yahweh, referring to the personal God who enters into a covenant relationship with us. God did not distance himself while Job suffered; he did not cover his ears when Job cried out. God never abandoned Job in his pain, hearing every word, every cry, every accusation, and every plea to appear on the witness stand so that Job could question him. Now, the personal God engages in an intimate conversation with his servant. Recall how God introduced Job: “…there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns from evil” (Job 1:8). God holds the same view of Job in chapter 38 as he expressed in chapter 1.
Since chapter 1, much has happened. Satan did everything he could to destroy Job’s faith, aiming to break him to the point of cursing God to his face (Job 1:11). As Job endured mental, emotional, and physical suffering, his friends tried to impose their version of prosperity theology on him, insisting he must acknowledge the grave sin they believed was present. However, Job redirected the conversation towards God. In his pain, he cried out as anyone would. He sought direct interaction with God, and his request was granted. God comes— but he arrives on his terms, not Job’s.
God did not emerge from the whirlwind to passively take the stand and let Job challenge him with questions written on his legal notepad. Instead, God has questions for Job!
Job 38:2-3
Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me.
The phrase “darkens counsel” indicates making something difficult to comprehend. Job’s words confused rather than clarified the issue. Because of his suffering, Job’s perspective was limited. Elihu observed that Job’s remarks lacked insight (Job 34:35) and noted he “opens his mouth in empty talk” (Job 35:16). In this context, God agreed with Elihu.
Next, God communicates with Job that he has no intention of taking the witness stand. In Job 31:35, Job said, “Let the Almighty answer me!” But God responds, “No…that’s not going to happen.” Now, Job will answer the Almighty and must prepare for the encounter. God told Job, “Dress for action like a man.” The NIV translates this phrase as, “Brace yourself like a man.” The Hebrew text states, “Gird up your loins like a strong man.” In Job’s time, men wore outer robe-like garments and sash belts. When a soldier prepared for battle or a man readied himself for strenuous work, the outer garment was tucked into the belt to allow freedom of movement. God is instructing Job to prepare for serious action. He must be free and unencumbered to hear what God says.
Next time, we’ll begin with a series of questions God presents to Job. But let’s pause here for a few thoughts.
Sometimes, God comes as a loving Father. He embraces us and reminds us of his unconditional love. At other times, God takes on the role of a tender shepherd, holding us in his arms and calming our fears. Sometimes, we are the recipients of his grace and forgiveness. We resemble the prodigal son, whose father eagerly and patiently awaited his child’s return. Our gracious heavenly Father stands with open arms to welcome us home.
I readily admit that if I had authored the book of Job, this would be the part of the story where I would have written about the tender shepherd. God would have wrapped Job in a consuming embrace, delivering immediate healing and comfort. But I didn’t write the story. I’m not even writing my own story. God is writing his story in me!
While Job never rejected God, he became accusatory. He demanded that God explain himself, but God makes it clear that his ways are higher than ours. We can’t grasp the depth of his thoughts and actions. Thus, he addresses Job as a tough coach would: with love, yet the confrontation is hard-hitting. This reminds me of God meeting with Joshua and telling him to “Get up!” Joshua was instructed to stop mourning and confront the blatant sin that caused Israel’s downfall (Joshua 7). I recall Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). God’s words to Job are not harsh; they are profoundly instructive. Our pain can sometimes harden us, so God breaks through.
Dare I say this to someone who is hurting? Perhaps your pain is holding you back. Hurt from the past breeds bitterness. Your struggles distance your heart from God. I am not referring to those who question God—like a dear couple I spoke with recently, who both acknowledged that a cancer diagnosis has drawn them closer to God, even amidst their questions. I am addressing those who have allowed their pain to define both themselves and their relationship with God. Perhaps today is the day to “dress for action,” “brace yourself,” rise from the ground, and act like strong men and women. Today is the day to get up and move forward with God’s help and strength.
PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 38. Take the time to read, re-read, and contemplate the first two verses of this chapter. What is God teaching you through his initial interaction with Job?
Talking to God
Ask God to help you move forward…even in your pain.
Have Questions?
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Ron, we’re listening each as we travel in Portugal.
Thank you for your daily message.