For thirty-seven chapters we have heard the cries of Job to God and the “advice and encouragement” from his friends, and now finally Job gets his answer. A very long and complex answer and not exactly the answer Job had hoped for, but an answer nonetheless. To fully understand the answer God gives we must keep in mind the context of the question and God’s answer. The context is the relationship between God and Job as well as the character of God and the character of Job.First let’s look at Job. Remember, God has stated that Job was a man who was “…blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” He was a man with a VERY close relationship with the God of the universe. He was focused on this relationship and held it in GREAT honor and respect. Throughout his suffering, he never accused God of wrongdoing; he simply had been asking the reason for the dramatic change in circumstances. Yes, the change in circumstances had made him feel lonely, crushed, and frustrated, but never did he feel God was not in control. In fact, he KNEW God was in control and that is why he continued asking the question.Now remember the character of God. Throughout scripture, we are given many chances to see the character of God. We see His passion, His love, and His grace, as well as His care and concern. In the next few chapters we will see His power and might and ABSOLUTE authority and control. We will see His dominion of the universe and everything in it. One of the most difficult things for the human mind to do is to both separate and combine the characteristics of God. We are so one-dimensional that it becomes impossible at times for us to understand the power or justice of God in the same sentence as His forgiveness or mercy. To see His majesty while at the same time understand His passion and grace are difficult concepts for us. We see people in one dimension, while God is far more complex than the human mind can comprehend. Over the next four weeks we will see the absolute dominion of God over: the universe; the creatures of the earth; mankind; and finally, over even the domain He has given mankind.