12 At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them.

Other Translations of Job 37:12

King James Version

12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.

English Standard Version

12 They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the habitable world.

The Message

12 He puts them through their paces - first this way, then that - commands them to do what he says all over the world.

New King James Version

12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth.

New Living Translation

12 The clouds churn about at his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 37:12

Commentary on Job 37:1-13

(Read Job 37:1-13)

The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We must notice the glory of God, not only in the thunder and lightning, but in the more common and less awful changes of the weather; as the snow and rain. Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and shall man only be unprovided with a refuge? Oh that men would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come; and invites them to accept his salvation, and to be happy. The ill opinion which men entertain of the Divine direction, peculiarly appears in their murmurs about the weather, though the whole result of the year proves the folly of their complaints. Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many bad by our sins.