Ayub 37:18-20

37:18 will you, with him, spread out ¹  the clouds,

solid as a mirror of molten metal?

37:19 Tell us what we should ²  say to him.

We cannot prepare a case ³ 

because of the darkness.

37:20 Should he be informed that I want ⁴  to speak?

If a man speaks, surely he would be swallowed up!

[37:18]  ¹ tn The verb means “to beat out; to flatten,” and the analogy in the next line will use molten metal. From this verb is derived the word for the “firmament” in Gen 1:6-8, that canopy-like pressure area separating water above and water below.

[37:19]  ² tn The imperfect verb here carries the obligatory nuance, “what we should say?”

[37:19]  ³ tn The verb means “to arrange; to set in order.” From the context the idea of a legal case is included.

[37:20]  ⁴ tn This imperfect works well as a desiderative imperfect.