In this chapter, Elihu addresses many topics similar to what God Himself says in His speeches. He exalts God for His control over the storms, all of which He causes to happen for one of three reasons.
1. Correction. 2. His world, or 3. Kindness.
Elihu is basically saying, that Job shouldn’t question the One who is able to control the physical universe. In other words, if God is so powerful, then Job is not in a place to question Him.
The thunder announces the presence of God and the cattle feel warned by the sound of the storm. In dealing with ice and snow, Elihu emphasises the helplessness of mankind.
When God breathes, ice is formed and lakes are frozen over. The clouds obey the will of God and scatter throughout the heavens at His command. In other words, mankind should do the same in response to the will of God.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Nor is there a sound in nature more descriptive of, or more becoming, the majesty of God, than that of thunder. We hear the breeze in its rustling, the rain in its pattering, the hail in its rattling, the wind in its hollow howlings, the cataract in its dash, the bull in his bellowing, the lion in his roar but we hear God, the Almighty, the Omnipresent, in the continuous peal of thunder! This sound, and this sound only, becomes the majesty of Jehovah.’
Elihu once again appeals to Job to listen to what he is saying, and so, discern the instruction of God. He compares Job, in his pitiful and weak condition, to the omnipotence of God.
Job has said that he wants to be instructed by God, he said he will cover his mouth and listen to God in silence, Job 9:3 / Job 9:15. However, he has never said, as Elihu insinuates, that he would like to teach God.
A few commentators believe a great storm is approaching, out of which God will eventually speak, Job 38:1.
While it is, Elihu will use it as a visual aid. Elihu says the sun will once again come out, and so will the truth be eventually revealed.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The rushing mighty wind, for which the description of the thunder and lightning had prepared poor, confounded, astonished Job, proclaims the presence of Yahweh and out of this whirlwind, God answers for and proclaims himself! Reader, canst thou not conceive something of what these men felt? Art thou not astonished, perplexed, confounded, in reading over these descriptions of the thunder of God’s power? Prepare, then, to hear the voice of God himself out of this whirlwind.’
Elihu also says that God isn’t unjust and will not do wrongful violence to righteous men but He will punish the wrongdoer. In other words, Elihu believes that men fear God because if they are wise of heart, God will not have any regard for them.
Solomon, however, states that God’s delay in executing justice causes men to not fear Him, Ecclesiastes 8:11.