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Job 40:1–5
Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it (v. 2).
Several years ago, one of the greatest Old Testament titles for God became the title of a popular contemporary Christian song about God: “El Shaddai.” This title appears numerous times in the Old Testament, but pre-eminently in the book of Job. Combining the Semitic word El (“God”) with the Hebrew Shaddai, it means “God the Almighty One,” or simply “the Almighty.”
The origins of this title are difficult to trace. Some say it derives from an ancient Semitic word for a female deity who was seen as the mother of the earth. However, it later became associated with the idea of God’s overwhelming, terrifying power. The two most frequent translations of the word are “the Thunderer” and “the Overpowerer.” Pagan gods, of course, were often associated with storms. The Norse god Thor is an example —he was the personification of thunder. However, in Jewish religion, though nature was understood to reveal something of God, God was understood to be above nature. So when the Old Testament speaks of “the Thunderer,” it is merely borrowing from nature to communicate something about God. It is attempting to communicate the fierce power God displays in His reign. We also see hints of God as “the Overpowerer” in the Old Testament. For instance, God on one occasion comes to Abraham and announces, “I am Almighty God” (Gen. 17:1; this is the first use of El Shaddai in Scripture). In response, Abraham falls on his face, overwhelmed by the power and presence of God.
Job, of course, was similarly “overpowered” by God, who allowed Satan to buffet him in many ways. As he struggled to understand his afflictions, Job cried out to God, begging to be heard and coming perilously close to questioning God’s righteousness. Finally, God came to him—but He delivered an overwhelming interrogation designed to show Job that he didn’t know what he was talking about. Again and again, God asked whether Job had power to do the things that God had done and was doing. Then God asked the crucial question: ” ‘Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?’ ” At that, Job fell silent. He had been given a presentation on the almighty power of the Almighty One, and he was truly overwhelmed. Thus, he declared himself “vile” and questioned God no more.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Do you think about the awesome power of God when you watch a storm or gaze upon the stars? More important, do you feel overwhelmed as you read in Scripture of the mighty works of God in redeeming His people? Praise and thank Almighty God today that His overwhelming power is at work for you.
For Further Study
- Job 8:5; 22:25
- Ps. 91:1
- Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 15:3