26 if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor,
26 if I have looked at the sun
26 Was I ever so awed by the sun's brilliance and moved by the moon's beauty
26 If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness,
26 "Have I looked at the sun shining in the skies, or the moon walking down its silver pathway,
21 And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
21 Now no one can look at the sun, bright as it is in the skies after the wind has swept them clean.
21 "And now no one looks on the light when it is bright in the skies, when the wind has passed and cleared them.
21 No one in his right mind stares straight at the sun on a clear and cloudless day.
21 Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind has passed and cleared them.
21 We cannot look at the sun, for it shines brightly in the sky when the wind clears away the clouds.
(Read Job 37:21-24)
Elihu concludes his discourse with some great sayings concerning the glory of God. Light always is, but is not always to be seen. When clouds come between, the sun is darkened in the clear day. The light of God's favour shines ever towards his faithful servants, though it be not always seen. Sins are clouds, and often hinder us from seeing that bright light which is in the face of God. Also, as to those thick clouds of sorrow which often darken our minds, the Lord hath a wind which passes and clears them away. What is that wind? It is his Holy Spirit. As the wind dispels and sweeps away the clouds which are gathered in the air, so the Spirit of God clears our souls from the clouds and fogs of ignorance and unbelief, of sin and lust. From all these clouds the Holy Spirit of God frees us in the work of regeneration. And from all the clouds which trouble our consciences, the Holy Spirit sets us free in the work of consolation. Now that God is about to speak, Elihu delivers a few words, as the sum of all his discourse. With God is terrible majesty. Sooner or later all men shall fear him.
4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.
4 His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power.
4 His cloud-brightness like dawn, exploding, spreading, forked-lightning shooting from his hand - what power hidden in that fist!
4 His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, And there His power was hidden.
4 His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from his hands, where his awesome power is hidden.
(Read Habakkuk 3:3-15)
God's people, when in distress, and ready to despair, seek help by considering the days of old, and the years of ancient times, and by pleading them with God in prayer. The resemblance between the Babylonish and Egyptian captivities, naturally presents itself to the mind, as well as the possibility of a like deliverance through the power of Jehovah. God appeared in his glory. All the powers of nature are shaken, and the course of nature changed, but all is for the salvation of God's own people. Even what seems least likely, shall be made to work for their salvation. Hereby is given a type and figure of the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ. It is for salvation with thine anointed. Joshua who led the armies of Israel, was a figure of Him whose name he bare, even Jesus, our Joshua. In all the salvations wrought for them, God looked upon Christ the Anointed, and brought deliverances to pass by him. All the wonders done for Israel of old, were nothing to that which was done when the Son of God suffered on the cross for the sins of his people. How glorious his resurrection and ascension! And how much more glorious will be his second coming, to put an end to all that opposes him, and all that causes suffering to his people!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:26
Commentary on Job 31:24-32
(Read Job 31:24-32)
Job protests, 1. That he never set his heart upon the wealth of this world. How few prosperous professors can appeal to the Lord, that they have not rejoiced because their gains were great! Through the determination to be rich, numbers ruin their souls, or pierce themselves with many sorrows. 2. He never was guilty of idolatry. The source of idolatry is in the heart, and it corrupts men, and provokes God to send judgments upon a nation. 3. He neither desired nor delighted in the hurt of the worst enemy he had. If others bear malice to us, that will not justify us in bearing malice to them. 4. He had never been unkind to strangers. Hospitality is a Christian duty, 1 Peter 4:9.