Job 38:34
Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
Original Language Analysis
הֲתָרִ֣ים
Canst thou lift up
H7311
הֲתָרִ֣ים
Canst thou lift up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
1 of 6
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
לָעָ֣ב
to the clouds
H5645
לָעָ֣ב
to the clouds
Strong's:
H5645
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
Historical Context
In agrarian ancient Near Eastern society, rain was literally life or death. Pagan cultures worshiped storm gods like Baal, offering sacrifices to obtain rain. God's question asserts that only Yahweh commands the clouds, and He does so not in response to sacrifices but according to His sovereign will. The covenant blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28 include rain as a sign of God's favor, making this question particularly significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's calming of the storm demonstrate His divine authority and identity?
- What aspects of your life do you try to control that are actually under God's sovereign command alone?
- How should God's faithful provision of rain and seasons increase your trust in His provision of spiritual needs?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's interrogation shifts to weather phenomena, asking if Job can command clouds to release rain on demand. 'Lift up thy voice' (rum qol, רוּם קוֹל) implies authoritative command, while 'abundance of waters may cover thee' (shiphah-mayim, שִׁפְעַת־מַיִם) suggests overwhelming response to one's word. This question reveals the vast gulf between divine and human authority—God speaks, and nature obeys instantly and abundantly. The image recalls Genesis 1 where God's word alone creates and orders reality. It also foreshadows Christ's authority over nature (Mark 4:39-41), where His command immediately calms the storm, demonstrating His divine identity. The verse challenges Job's protests by establishing that one who cannot command rain has no standing to question the One who does. Yet it also reveals God's gracious provision—He speaks to clouds on our behalf, providing water for crops and life.