Job 28:26

Next he speaks about the very generation of the rains when he says, "when he made a law for the rains," to come down at certain times and in certain places. Third he speaks about their effect, especially in the sea which is disturbed by …

Some make Job to speak of wisdom here as a person, and translate it, Then he saw her and showed her, &c., and then it is parallel with that of Solomon concerning the essential wisdom of the Father, the eternal Word, Prov. viii. Before the earth was, then was I by him, John i.

When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder.

When he made a decree for the rain - When he determined how that should be generated, viz., By the heat of the sun evaporation is produced: the particles of vapor being lighter than the air on the surface, ascend into the atmosphere, till they come to a region where the air is of their own density; there they are formed into thin clouds, and become suspended.

When he made a decree for the rain - A statute or law (חק chôq) by which the rain is regulated. It is not sent by chance or hap-hazard. It is under the operation of regular and settled laws. We cannot suppose that those laws were understood in the time of Job, but the fact might be understood that the rain was regulated by laws, and that fact would show that God was qualified to impart wisdom. His kingdom was a kingdom of settled law and not of chance or caprice, and if the rain was regulated by statute, it was fair to presume that he did not deal with his people by chance, and that afflictions were not sent without rule; compare the notes at Job 5:6. And a way - A path through which the rapid lightning should pass - referring, perhaps, to the apparent “opening” in the clouds in which the lightning seems to move along. The lightning of the thunder - The word “lightning” here (חזיז chăzı̂yz) properly means “an arrow,” from הזז hāzaz, obsolete, to pierce through, to transfix, to performate; and hence, the lightning - from the rapidity with which it passes - like an arrow. The word “thunder” (קולות qôlôt) means voices, and hence, “thunder,” as being by way of eminence the voice of God; compare Psa 29:3-5. The whole expression here means “the thunder-flash.” Coverdale renders this, “when he gave the mighty floods a law;” but it undoubtedly refers to the thunderstorm, and the idea is, that he who controls the rapid lightning, regulating its laws and directing its path through the heavens, is qualified to communicate truth to people, and can explain the great principles on which his government is administered.