Job 38:35
Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?
Original Language Analysis
הַֽתְשַׁלַּ֣ח
Canst thou send
H7971
הַֽתְשַׁלַּ֣ח
Canst thou send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 6
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בְּרָקִ֣ים
lightnings
H1300
בְּרָקִ֣ים
lightnings
Strong's:
H1300
Word #:
2 of 6
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
וְיֵלֵ֑כוּ
H1980
וְיֵלֵ֑כוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Lightning was universally feared in the ancient world, often associated with divine wrath or the weapons of storm gods. God's question asserts His absolute control over what pagans worshiped or feared. Biblical theophanies frequently include lightning as a sign of God's presence and power (Exodus 19:16, Ezekiel 1:13-14), establishing it as a divine tool rather than an independent force.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing natural forces as God's obedient servants change your response to frightening circumstances?
- What 'lightning strikes' in your life have you interpreted as random when they were actually divine messages?
- How does the instant obedience of lightning convict and inspire your response to God's commands?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The divine interrogation reaches lightning—the most dramatic and fearsome natural phenomenon. 'Send lightnings' (shalach baraq, שָׁלַח בָּרָק) uses vocabulary of dispatching messengers on a mission. The response 'Here we are' (hinenu, הִנֵּנוּ) is the same word used when prophets and patriarchs respond to God's call (Genesis 22:1, Isaiah 6:8), suggesting personal, obedient relationship. This anthropomorphizes lightning as God's willing servants, ready to fulfill His commands instantly and joyfully. The theological implication is profound: the destructive forces of nature that terrorize humanity are actually God's obedient messengers, under His complete control and sent with purpose. This connects to both judgment (Psalm 18:14) and revelation (Exodus 19:16). Lightning that appears random or malevolent to human observers is actually divine communication and action. The verse anticipates Revelation's imagery where natural phenomena serve God's redemptive and judicial purposes.