“At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.”
Elihu declares 'At this my heart trembles and leaps out of its place,' initiating his seventh and final discourse with a visceral reaction to contemplating divine power. This verse shifts from argument to emotional and spiritual response, suggesting that reflection on divine majesty produces fear and awe in Elihu himself. The trembling of Elihu's heart and leaping out of place suggests a profound emotional and physical response to divine reality. Elihu uses his own emotional reaction as exemplary, implying that Job should similarly respond to contemplation of divine power with awe rather than complaint. Yet the verse also raises questions: is emotional awe an appropriate response to divine power when that power allows innocent suffering? Should not concern for justice accompany or even supersede awe at power?
Church Fathers on Job 37:1
At this my heart trembled, and was moved from its place. Because, while fear strikes the mind, it estranges it from itself, the Latin translations sometimes call an ecstasy fear, as is said by the Psalmist, I said in my fear, I am cast out from the sight of Thine eyes; Where, namely, it could have been called not fear, but a transport. But fear is in that place used for transport, because the mind is estranged from itself in fear, as it is a transport. Whence also, in this…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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