Here we have the unequal and unforeseen distribution of thunder-storms, beyond the knowledge and power of man, but under the absolute control of God, and designed by him for beneficent purposes. Equally fine are some of the following lines: "Dost thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, That abundance of waters may cover thee? Dost thou send forth the lightnings, and they go, And say unto thee, Here are we? Who can number the clouds by wisdom, Or cause the bottles of heaven to empty themselves? When the dust groweth into mire, And the clods cleave fast together?" In the 36th and 37th chapters of the same book we have a grand description of atmospheric changes in their relation to man and his works. The speaker is Elihu, who in this ancient book most favorably represents the knowledge of nature that existed at a time probably anterior to the age of Moses--a knowledge far superior to that which we find in the works of many modern poets and expositors, and accompanied by an intense appreciation of the grandeur and beauty of natural objects: "For he draweth up the drops of water, Rain is condensed[73] from his vapor, Which the clouds do drop, And distill upon man abundantly. Yea, can any understand the distribution of the clouds Or the thundering of his tabernacle.[74] Behold he spreadeth his lightning upon it, He covereth it as with the depths of the sea.[75] By these he executes judgment on the people, By these also he giveth food in abundance; His hands he covers with the lightning, And commands it (against the enemy) in its striking; He uttereth to it his decree,[76] Concerning the herd as well as proud man. At this also my heart trembles, And bounds out of its place; Hear attentively the thunder of his voice, And the loud sound that goes from his mouth. He directs it under the whole heavens, And his lightning to the ends of the earth. After it his voice roareth, He thundereth with the voice of his majesty; And delays not (the tempest) when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice, He doeth wonders which we can not comprehend; For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth. Also to the pouring rain, even the great rain of his might. He sealeth up the hand of every man, That all men may know his work. Then the beasts go to their dens, And remain in their caverns. Out of the south cometh the whirlwind And cold out of the north, By the breath of God the frost is produced And the breadth of waters becomes bound; With moisture he loads the thick cloud, He spreads the cloud of his lightning, And it is turned about by his direction, To execute his pleasure on the face of the world; Whether for correction, for his land, or for mercy, He causeth it to come. Hearken unto this, O Job, Stand still and consider the wonderful works of God. Dost thou know when God disposes these things, And the lightning of his cloud flashes forth?