Job 38:34

34 "Can you get the attention of the clouds, and commission a shower of rain?

Job 38:34 Meaning and Commentary

Job 38:34

Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of
waters may cover thee?
] Thy gardens, fields, and farms; canst thou, in a magisterial way, call to and demand of the clouds to let down rain in large quantities, sufficient to water them and make them fruitful? no, thou canst not: thou mayest cry and call as long as thou wilt, not a cloud will stir, nor a drop of water be let down; rain is to be had in a suppliant way, through the prayer of faith, as by Elijah, but not in a dictatorial authoritative way: the clouds and rain are only at the disposal of the Lord; ask of him, and he will give them; but they are not to be commanded, ( Zechariah 10:1 ) ; see ( Amos 5:8 ) .

Job 38:34 In-Context

32 Can you get Venus to look your way, or get the Great Bear and her cubs to come out and play?
33 Do you know the first thing about the sky's constellations and how they affect things on Earth?
34 "Can you get the attention of the clouds, and commission a shower of rain?
35 Can you take charge of the lightning bolts and have them report to you for orders? What Do You Have to Say for Yourself?
36 "Who do you think gave weather-wisdom to the ibis, and storm-savvy to the rooster?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.