Job 38:34

34 "Can you give orders to the clouds? Can you make them pour rain down on you?

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 bring out all of the stars in their seasons? Can you lead out the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper?

33 Do you know the laws that govern the heavens? Can you rule over the earth the way I do?

34 "Can you give orders to the clouds? Can you make them pour rain down on you?

35 Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?

36 Who put wisdom in people's hearts? Who gave understanding to their minds?