Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 38.

We have finished all the debates in Sefer Iyov. In these last few perakim we will hear from God Himself, as He speaks to Iyov in a storm. This is similar to Eliyahu Hanavi, who also heard God’s words emanate from a storm. Hashem will answer all the questions, and this will take us to the end of the sefer

The Ramban explains that Hashem’s main point here is to verify His Divine Providence, reminding us that we are incapable of understanding how He runs the world. Additionally, the Ramban notes, by accepting Elihu’s words, Iyov merited this prophecy.

The Gemarah in Bava Basra 15b lists Iyov as one of the 7 prophets who prophesied for the nations of the world. The 7 prophets are Bilaam, Bilaam’s father, Iyov, Elifaz HaTemoni, Bildad HaShuchi, Tsofar Hanamasi and Elihu ben Berachiel HaBuzzi. This reiterates the universal nature of the story of Iyov and his suffering.

The Malbim also notes that Hashem finally removed Iyov’s suffering in order for him to receive this prophesy.

Verse 1 says, “V’ya’an Hashem es Iyov min has’ara v’yomar –Then God spoke to Iyov out of a storm and said:”

The Malbim explains that the fact of Hashem revealing Himself to Iyov in and of itself answers all of Iyov’s questions.

1) It shows that Divine providence exists! Hashem does oversee all areas of the creation and is involved with it. Hashem showed Iyov that He was listening to his every word, refuting the contention that there is no Hashgacha Pratis.

2) It’s understood from the very fact that Iyov received this nevuah that man’s soul comes directly from God. Our neshamos are directly bound up with Him and are therefore immortal. When our soul is released from our body, it automatically yearns to cling to God.

So now, for the first time, Iyov can see how the soul can separate from the body. This answers all his doubts regarding reward, punishment, and the afterlife because now he can see that the body is merely clothing for the soul while it’s here on earth.

This is Iyov’s answer to the riddle of Tzaddik v’ra lo – the suffering of the righteous. Now that Iyov understands the true nature of the soul, he can realize that it will detach itself from the body which suffers, and connect to God as its eternal reward.

In verses 2 through 11, Hashem questions Iyov in a rhetorical manner. Where were you at the time of creation? Where were you when I founded the earth? Do you know how I formed the earth? Were you there when the angels began to sing? Where were you when I created clouds, mists and the ocean?

In verses 12 through 15, Hashem shows Iyov his mortal limitations. Has Iyov ever directed the sun to rise and set?

In verse 13 Hashem asks, “Have you ever commanded that the earth be grasped by its corners and the wicked shaken from it?”

Rashi explains that in the future Hashem will shake the world to punish the reshaim. Metsudos says that this refers to the Dor Hamabul, the Generation of the Flood, that Hashem wiped out.

In pesukim 16 through 21, Hashem shows Iyov that he cannot even begin to fathom the creation. Have you seen the depths of the sea? Have you ever seen the entire earth? Do you know which road leads to light and which one to darkness? Did you know that you would be born? Iyov, if so, please tell Me!

From pessukim 21 through 35, Hashem shows Iyov that He is in control of all the weather and meteorological events. The Malbim explains that Hashem is showing Iyov how all of existence is really tailor-made for man.

From pessukim 36 until 41, Hashem shows how He directs even the human body and gives man His soul and spirit. They, in return, allow the body to function.

Hashem is the One who makes our hearts beat. Hashem shows His Hashgacha Pratis over the animal kingdom as well as over man.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily, when we continue hearing directly from God.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.