Job 37:13

“He causeth it to come, etc.] The cloud, and rain by it; whether for correction; for the reproof and chastisement of men for their sins, by suffering such quantities to fall as wash away, or corrupt and destroy, the fruits of the earth: or “for a tribe” f1289, as the word sometimes signifies; the rain is sent, and comes only to a particular part or spot of ground, to one city and not to another, (<300407>Amos 4:7); or for his land; some particular land he has a favour for, as the land of Canaan he cared for from one end of the year to another, and therefore sent on it rain in due season, though as yet it did not appear to be the object of his peculiar regard; or for the whole earth, which is…”

“Literally, "He maketh it (the rain-cloud) find place," whether for correction, if (it be destined) for His land (that is, for the part inhabited by man, with whom God deals, as opposed to the parts uninhabited, on which rain is at other times appointed to fall, Job 38:26-27) or for mercy. "If it be destined for His land" is a parenthetical supposition [MAURER]. In English Version, this clause spoils the even balance of the antithesis between the "rod" (Margin) and "mercy" (Psa 68:9; Gen. 7:1-24).”

“He causeth it to come - That is, the rain, or the storm. It is entirely under the hand of God, like the lightning Job 36:30, and designed to accomplish his purposes of mercy and of justice. Whether for correction - Margin, as in Hebrew “a rod.” The rod is often used as an emblem of punishment. The idea is, that God, when he pleases, can send the rain upon the earth for the purpose of executing punishment. So he did on the old world Genesis 7:11-12, and so the overflowing flood is often now sent to sweep away the works of man, to lay waste his fields, and to cut off the wicked. Or for his land - When necessary to render the land productive. He waters it by timely rains. It is called “his…”

“Correction - To scourge or correct men by immoderate showers. Earth - The whole earth, which is said to be the Lord's, Psa 24:1, Psa 50:12, and so this may denote a general judgment by excessive rains inflicted upon the earth, and all its inhabitants, even the universal deluge, which came in great measure out of the clouds. Mercy - For the benefit of mankind and for the cooling of the air and improving the fruits of the earth. Job 37:14”

“37:13 The same act by God can serve more than one function, such as storms that both destroy enemies and give God’s people victory (Josh 10; Judg 4; 1 Sam 7:10-11; Pss 18:7-15; 105:32-33).”

“whether: Job 37:6, Job 36:31, Job 38:37, Job 38:38; Exo 9:18-25; Sa1 12:18, Sa1 12:19; Ezr 10:9 correction: Heb. a rod for his: Job 38:26, Job 38:27 for mercy: Sa2 21:10, Sa2 21:14; Kg1 18:45; Joe 2:23 Job 37:14”