Job 37:20 – “Should he be told that I want to speak? Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?”
Extended Explanation
In Job 37:20, Elihu questions the idea of approaching God too boldly or without reverence. He essentially asks, “Is it wise to tell God that I want to question Him?” Elihu implies that speaking to God with a sense of entitlement or self-importance is not only unwise but dangerous. The phrase “Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?” suggests that speaking to God with arrogance is like inviting one’s own downfall. Elihu’s point here is that approaching God requires humility, understanding that we are limited in knowledge and wisdom, and that God, who is all-powerful, should be approached with deep respect.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, especially in Job’s cultural context, people had a deep reverence for God. They believed that approaching Him casually or without a sense of awe could have serious consequences. This reverence was reflected in practices and customs that emphasized humility and caution when speaking about or to God. Elihu’s words here remind Job and his friends that God’s ways are far beyond human understanding, and that to demand answers or explanations from God could be seen as prideful or presumptuous. For Elihu, this attitude was essential, as it reflected a healthy understanding of God’s holiness and power.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 37:20 emphasizes God’s holiness and the need for humility in our relationship with Him. It suggests that we must approach God with a recognition of His greatness and our own limitations. This is not to say that we cannot bring our concerns to God, but it teaches that we should do so with respect, acknowledging His wisdom over our own. For Christians, this verse underscores the importance of reverence and humility when approaching God, reminding us that He is the Creator and we are His creation. It calls us to a posture of trust, knowing that God’s ways are good and His wisdom is beyond our understanding.
Literary Analysis
The rhetorical questions in this verse—“Should he be told that I want to speak?” and “Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?”—highlight the absurdity of approaching God without respect. Elihu uses these questions to provoke reflection and to make his point more powerfully. The phrase “swallowed up” evokes a sense of consequence, illustrating that approaching God with the wrong attitude could lead to disaster. This poetic language is typical of the Book of Job, where imagery and rhetorical devices are used to convey profound spiritual insights.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 8:4 – “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” This verse emphasizes the humility needed when approaching God, recognizing His greatness.
- Ecclesiastes 5:2 – “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” This passage reflects a similar caution about speaking to God with respect and reverence.
- Isaiah 55:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This verse highlights the vast difference between God’s wisdom and ours, encouraging humility.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 37:20 serves as a reminder to approach God with reverence and humility. While it is natural to bring our questions, concerns, and even frustrations to God, this verse encourages us to do so with an awareness of His greatness and our limited understanding. This humility in prayer and worship allows believers to trust God’s wisdom, even when His ways are beyond our understanding. It encourages us to rely on God’s guidance rather than demanding answers or explanations, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and always acts in our best interests.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects a loving God who invites us into relationship with Him while teaching us the importance of humility. A loving God understands our questions and even our frustrations, but He also desires that we approach Him with respect, recognizing who He is. By encouraging humility, God helps us cultivate a posture of trust and reliance on Him. His love is evident in His willingness to hear us, even as He calls us to recognize His greatness. This balance between approachability and reverence is a sign of His love, inviting us to come to Him as we are but also reminding us of His holiness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job 37:20 connects to Jesus Christ, who taught His followers how to approach God with humility and reverence. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus begins with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9), setting an example of respectful and humble prayer. Jesus, as the mediator between God and humanity, allows us to approach God with confidence while still maintaining reverence. In Hebrews 4:16, we are encouraged to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,” but Jesus’ example reminds us that this confidence is grounded in humility, recognizing God’s holiness and love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to approach God with a respectful and humble attitude?
- In what ways can you express humility when bringing your questions and concerns to God?
- How does recognizing God’s greatness and your own limitations help deepen your trust in Him?
- How does Jesus’ example of prayer teach you about approaching God with both confidence and reverence?
- How can you find a balance between bringing your concerns to God openly while still maintaining a posture of humility and respect?