איוב לז

Because of this, too, my heart quakes,
And leaps from its place.

Just listen to the noise of the rumbling,
To the sound that comes out of God’s mouth.

It is let loose beneath the entire heavens—
God’s lightning, to the ends of the earth.

After it, a roar is released—
Thundered in God’s majestic voice.
No one can find a trace of it by the time God’s voice is heard.

Thundering marvelously with that voice,
[God] works wonders that we cannot understand.

The snow is commanded, “Fall to the ground!”
And the downpour of rain, God’s mighty downpour of rain,

Is as a sign on everyone’s hand,
That all may know God’s doings.

Then the beast enters its lair,
And remains in its den.

The storm wind comes from its chamber,
And the cold from the constellations.

By the breath of God ice is formed,
And the expanse of water becomes solid.

[God] also loads the clouds with moisture
And scatters the lightning-clouds.

Turning and overturning events via stratagems,
That they might accomplish all God’s commands
Throughout the inhabited earth,

[God] causes each of them to happen to the land,
Whether as a scourge or as a blessing.

Give ear to this, Job;
Stop to consider the marvels of God.

Do you know what charge God lays upon them
By making the lightning-clouds shine?

Do you know the marvels worked upon the expanse of clouds
By the One whose understanding is perfect,

Why your clothes become hot
When the land is becalmed by the south wind?

Can you help to stretch out the heavens,
Firm as a mirror of cast metal?

Inform us, then, what we may say to [God];
We cannot argue because [we are in] darkness.

Is anything conveyed when I speak?
Can a person say anything while confused?

Now, then, one cannot see the sun,
Though it be bright in the heavens,
Until the wind comes and clears them [of clouds].

By the north wind the golden rays emerge;
The splendor about God is awesome.

Shaddai—to whom we cannot attain—
Is great in power and justice
And abundant in righteousness, and does not torment.

Therefore, humankind is in awe of the One
Whom none of the wise can perceive.