Job had repeatedly wished for an opportunity to speak with God and to hear from him directly (Job 9:33–35; Job 9:10; Job 13:3; Job 13:23; Job 31:37). Now God finally grants Job his wish. He speaks from the storm that Elihu had seen approaching. He is not simply the fifth speaker in the debate. He is high and exalted.

God’s kindness and favour toward Job is shown by the very fact that he answers Job. Rather than condemning Job, as the three friends had predicted (Job 11:5), or ignoring Job, as Elihu had said he would (Job 35:12–14), God speaks to Job.