Job 36:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, the same clouds that evoke this fear also provide abundant sustenance: people confidently seek out preachers to humble arrogant spirits and to receive comforting words amidst suffering; thus, they are both cautioned about eternal condemnation and encouraged by the joyous news of the heavenly kingdom. This divine order is evident in the words of Elihu: first, God assesses humanity, and afterward, He provides sustenance. Indeed, the Almighty first disciplines us and rouses us from our sinful ways through His messengers, subsequently offering us gentle consolation and hope. For if, by God's providence, these clouds were incapable of judging, He would never have commanded them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whosever sins you forgive, they are forgiven; and whosever sins you retain, they are retained" (Jn 20:22-23). Moreover, had He not fed the needy hearts through them, the Lord would not have told His disciples, "Do not send them away; you give them something to eat." We trust that what was accomplished then through their hands continues to be realized daily through their words (Matthew 14:16).

What does Peter reveal through his epistles, if not that our spiritually famished hearts may be nourished with the sustenance of the Word? Both Paul and John, through their written labors, demonstrate that our spirits can obtain divine nourishment to quell the insatiable yearning that afflicts them. Let them declare, "If He spreads out the clouds like a canopy and illuminates from on high, He will cover the very ends of the sea; through this, He judges the nations and provides sustenance for many." It implies that when He sends His saints to proclaim His message and supports their words with miraculous signs, He calls the far reaches of the earth to faith; through these methods, He first assesses the proud and then gently fortifies the humble with words of reassurance.

Yet, when it is stated that He provides sustenance to mortals, we must observe the distinction made: it is not said ‘to all,’ but rather ‘to many.’ Indeed, it is written, "Not all have faith" (2 Thessalonians 3:2), and concerning some, it is noted, "Therefore you do not hear; because you are not of God" (Jn 8:47). Additionally, "No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me" (Jn 6:44), and "The Lord knows those who are His" (2 Timothy 2:19). Thus, many individuals, even within the Holy Church, maintain faith yet do not embody a life of faith; they receive communion from the Lord's humility while refusing to lower themselves in imitation of Him. They partake in the humble message of God’s Word, yet continue to swell with pride. Hence, after it is spoken of the entire Church, which is symbolized by the farthest shores of the sea, it is aptly joined:

Every aspect of nature serves as evidence of God's concern for humanity, as well as His just distribution of blessings and trials among people. Rain and lightning, thunder and storms, can serve as either instruments of discipline or tools of grace, crafted by His hand. Since humanity cannot comprehend the reasons behind these wondrous occurrences, and is even less capable of imitating them, it is essential to relinquish the desire to contend with God and instead submit to His will in humble reverence.