Job 37:9
The tempest comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds.
The tempest
The Hebrew word for "tempest" is "סוּפָה" (suphah), which can also be translated as "storm" or "whirlwind." In the context of Job, the tempest symbolizes the powerful and often incomprehensible forces of nature that God controls. This imagery serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the awe-inspiring power He wields over creation. The tempest is not just a natural phenomenon but a manifestation of divine authority, illustrating that God's ways are beyond human understanding.

comes from its chamber
The phrase "comes from its chamber" suggests a deliberate and purposeful emergence, as if the tempest is being released from a specific place. The Hebrew word "חֶדֶר" (cheder) means "chamber" or "room," indicating a hidden or reserved space. This imagery conveys the idea that God has a storehouse of natural forces, which He can unleash at His will. It emphasizes the intentionality and control God has over the elements, reinforcing the theme of divine orchestration in the natural world.

and the cold
The word "cold" in Hebrew is "קֹר" (qor), which refers to the chill or frost that accompanies winter. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cold weather was often associated with the north, as it is in this verse. The mention of cold serves as a metaphor for the harsh and sometimes severe conditions that God allows in the world. It is a reminder of the balance in creation, where both warmth and cold have their place and purpose under God's design.

from the driving north winds
The "driving north winds" are described by the Hebrew word "תִּימָן" (timan), which refers to the south or south wind, but in this context, it is understood as the north wind due to the association with cold. The north wind is often depicted in Scripture as a powerful and forceful element, bringing change and sometimes discomfort. This phrase highlights the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of God's creation. The north wind, with its driving force, symbolizes the challenges and trials that can arise in life, yet it is under God's control and serves His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man known for his patience and faithfulness amidst suffering. The book explores his dialogues with friends and God regarding the nature of suffering and divine justice.

2. Elihu
The speaker in this passage, a younger friend of Job who offers his perspective on Job's suffering and God's majesty. Elihu's speeches are intended to prepare the way for God's own response.

3. The Tempest
Refers to the storm or whirlwind, symbolizing God's power and the mysterious ways in which He operates in the world.

4. The Chamber
A metaphorical place from which the tempest emerges, suggesting the hidden and sovereign workings of God.

5. The Driving Winds
Represents the cold and powerful forces of nature, illustrating God's control over creation.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nature
The imagery of the tempest and driving winds in Job 37:9 highlights God's absolute control over the natural world. Believers are reminded of God's power and authority, encouraging trust in His divine plan even when circumstances seem chaotic.

The Mystery of God's Ways
Just as the tempest emerges from its chamber, God's ways are often hidden and beyond human understanding. This calls for humility and faith, recognizing that God's wisdom surpasses our own.

The Role of Nature in Revealing God's Majesty
Nature serves as a testament to God's greatness. Observing the power and order in creation can lead to a deeper reverence for God and a greater appreciation for His creative work.

Responding to God's Power with Awe and Worship
The passage invites believers to respond to God's might with awe and worship, acknowledging His greatness and submitting to His will.

Trusting God in the Midst of Life's Storms
Just as God controls the tempest, He is present in the storms of our lives. This assurance encourages believers to rely on God's strength and guidance during difficult times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the tempest and driving winds in Job 37:9 enhance our understanding of God's power and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can observing nature lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's majesty and creative work?

3. How can we cultivate humility and faith when faced with the mystery of God's ways, as suggested by the metaphor of the chamber?

4. What are some practical ways we can respond to God's power with awe and worship in our daily lives?

5. How can the assurance of God's control over the storms of life provide comfort and strength during personal trials? Consider connections to other scriptures that speak of God's presence in difficult times.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 135:7
This verse speaks of God bringing forth the wind from His storehouses, similar to the imagery of the tempest coming from its chamber in Job 37:9, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nature.

Proverbs 30:4
This passage questions who has control over the wind and the waters, pointing to God's unmatched power and wisdom, akin to the themes in Job 37:9.

Isaiah 40:24
Describes God's power over the natural world and nations, reinforcing the idea of His supreme authority as seen in the tempest imagery.
Lessons of the SnowJ. B. Whitford.Job 37:1-13
Suggestions of the SnowHenry Ward Beecher.Job 37:1-13
The Lessons of the SnowflakesWallace Thorp.Job 37:1-13
The Phenomena of NatureHomilistJob 37:1-13
The Snow and its LessonsR. Brewin.Job 37:1-13
The SnowstormThe PulpitJob 37:1-13
What is Elihu's MessageSamuel Cox, D. D.Job 37:1-13
WinterHenry Allon, D. D.Job 37:1-13
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Chamber, Cold, Driving, Hurricane, Inner, North, Scattering, Scatterings, South, Store-houses, Storm, Storm-wind, Whirlwind, Winds
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 37:9

     4806   cold
     4860   wind

Job 37:1-13

     1355   providence

Job 37:1-18

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 37:6-10

     4970   seasons, of year

Job 37:9-10

     5132   biting

Library
Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his Baptism?
Objection 1: It would seem that the heavens should not have been opened unto Christ at His baptism. For the heavens should be opened unto one who needs to enter heaven, by reason of his being out of heaven. But Christ was always in heaven, according to Jn. 3:13: "The Son of Man who is in heaven." Therefore it seems that the heavens should not have been opened unto Him. Objection 2: Further, the opening of the heavens is understood either in a corporal or in a spiritual sense. But it cannot be understood
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether by Reason of this Subtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be in the Same Place with Another Body not Glorified?
Objection 1: It would seem that by reason of this subtlety a body is able to be in the same place with another body not glorified. For according to Phil. 3:21, "He will reform the body of our lowness made like to the body of His glory." Now the body of Christ was able to be in the same place with another body, as appears from the fact that after His Resurrection He went in to His disciples, the doors being shut (Jn. 20:19, 26). Therefore also the glorified bodies by reason of their subtlety will
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that those to whom Christ's birth was made known were not suitably chosen. For our Lord (Mat. 10:5) commanded His disciples, "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles," so that He might be made known to the Jews before the Gentiles. Therefore it seems that much less should Christ's birth have been at once revealed to the Gentiles who "came from the east," as stated Mat. 2:1. Objection 2: Further, the revelation of Divine truth should be made especially to the friends of God,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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