Groundhog Day

Did you know that Groundhog Day is in the Bible?

Okay, so it isn't really, but Elihu did explain why the woodchuck went into his burrow in the first place.
Let's revisit Job 37:

⁶ For to the snow he (God) says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
⁸ Then the beasts go into their lairs,
and remain in their dens.
⁹ From its chamber comes the whirlwind,
and cold from the scattering winds.
¹⁰ By the breath of God ice is given,
and the broad waters are frozen fast.
¹¹ He loads the thick cloud with moisture;
the clouds scatter his lightning.
¹² They turn around and around by his guidance,
to accomplish all that he commands them
on the face of the habitable world.
¹³ Whether for correction or for his land
or for love, he causes it to happen.

This passage shares both a purpose and a wildness about God. The snow, wind and cold had driven the animals into their burrows. Some hibernate, and even those that do not will still seek shelter from the elements.

Verse 7 was left out when the rest of the passage was quoted. Here it is:

⁷ He seals up the hand of every man,
that all men whom he made may know it.

This is a literal translation and some assistance with the terms might be helpful. The verb translated seals means to lock up or fasten with a seal. The noun hand can refer to the work of the hand or production. For most people living in the agrarian world of Job and Elihu, God has shut down the agriculture for a season. God stops men's work so that men may gain an understanding of His work.