16. Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, &c.] The clouds remain suspended, so long as their pressure is exactly balanced by the counter pressure of the air, which is underneath them. When the equipoise is destroyed, they often precipitate in rain. But the law of the equilibrium, and the causes which destroy the balance, are so mysterious in their operation, that our knowledge of these matters is extremely superficial. Scott. 17. But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked:] Thou hast fully pleaded the cause of the wicked, and justified their hard and reproachful speeches, uttered in rage against God, condemning Him, and justifying themselves. The just indignation of God hath already seized upon thee. Clark. 17. How thy garments are warm, &c.] How comes it to pass, that the air is so hot, as that thou canst not bear thy clothes, when in a calm season, the south sun shines upon thee, and the warm southern winds blow in thy face? Bp. Hall. He describes an Arabian noonday in the height of summer, when the sun is in his full strength, and not a breath of wind stirring to cool the sultry air. The word "wind" is not in the original. "The south" means the south quarter of the heavens, when the sun is in the meridian. Before CHRIST about 1320. God's wisdom is unsearchable. in his works. Before CHRIST about 1530. the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? 19. — not gold, nor all the forces of strength.] These words would be more intelligible, if they were rendered, as they might be, "not gold, nor all the powers of wealth." Dr. Durell. 19. Teach us what we shall say &c.] These concluding verses are the peroration; wherein he represents to Job the rashness and danger of disputing with God; sets forth the incomprehensibility of the schemes of Providence; insists that they are planned and executed with most perfect equity and justice; and exhorts him and all mankind, to annihilate themselves before their Maker, in profound reverence of His adorable majesty. Scott. 20. Desire not the night,] Do not thou wish for the night, as thinking that that silent and quiet time might give thee ease from thy thoughts, while thou hast to do with a God, who can in an instant cut off whole nations, much more thee, who art but a weak and frail man. Bp. Hall. 20. — if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.] If a man will be opposing Him in his speech, and questioning His justice, surely he shall be confounded. Bp. Hall. 21. Take heed, regard not iniquity: &c.] Thou hast rather chosen to tax the proceedings of God in thy weak impatience, than meekly to suffer His infliction. Bp. Hall. 21. And now men see not the bright light &c.] Rather, And now men see not the light, which is bright above (or within) the clouds, till the wind passeth and cleanseth them. Dr. Durell. 21, 22. — men see not] Or, men cannot look at the bright light which is in the sky, when the wind hath passed and cleansed it. That is, when the sky is in such a clear and dazzling state as he had described, ver. 18. He beautifully applies that resplendent image to the purpose of shewing the insufferable splendour of the Divine majesty. Scott. If men be not able with their weak eyes to behold the brightness of the sun, which shineth in the light clouds when the wind passes through and disperses them, and when the air is cleared by the north winds; how shall they be able to stand before God, and to hold contention with Him, whose majesty is terrible beyond the powers of our apprehension? Bp. Hall. 22, 23. Behold, God exalteth by his power: &c.] Elihu, by this commendation of the power and wisdom of God, seems to comfort Job in the hope of better things if he would hearken to his counsel: for as God had greatly afflicted and broken him, so He was as mighty to heal those breaches and deliver him: He only waited to see Him in a better frame of mind, that he might be gracious; see Isa. xxx. 18. Caryl. 22. — said God is terrible majesty.] Rather, Above is God of tremendous majesty. Dr. Durell. 23. Who hath enjoined him his way?] This passage ought to be rendered, "Who can charge Him with His way, or, animadvert upon Him for His way?" Dr. Durell. 23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out:] This great and worthy sentiment is the sum of his whole speech in justification of God. The incomprehensibility and infinite perfection of God silence all objections to His government. This is a sufficient answer even to the north: with God is terrible majesty.