Elihu also proceeded, and said,
Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.
I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.
He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;
Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.
They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.
He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.
Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.
Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.
Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.
Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?
Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
Job 36 marks a crucial point in the book of Job, featuring Elihu's continued discourse. Unlike Job's other friends, Elihu offers a fresh perspective, attempting to bridge the gap between Job's suffering and God's justice. He passionately defends God's character, emphasizing His might, justice, and ultimate sovereignty. Let's delve into the nuances of this chapter to glean valuable insights.
Elihu's Defense of God (Job 36:1-4)
Elihu, who had previously expressed his frustration with both Job and his friends (Job 32:2-3, 5), steps forward to offer his wisdom. He is portrayed as a younger man, initially hesitant to speak due to his age (Job 32:6-7), but ultimately compelled by the Spirit to share his understanding (Job 32:8-10). He claims that his words are based on sound knowledge (Job 36:4), indicating his confidence in the truth he is about to convey. While he may come across as assertive, it's important to remember that even Job's comforters spoke truth regarding God's attributes. The full picture, however, requires God's own intervention, which is soon to come.
God's Justice and Impartiality (Job 36:5-7)
Elihu emphasizes that God is both mighty and just, showing no contempt for anyone (Job 36:5). He doesn't disregard the lowly. This is a powerful statement against the idea that God only favors the powerful or wealthy. Instead, He upholds the cause of the afflicted and ensures justice for the poor (Job 36:6). He does not turn away from the righteous. God's eyes are always on those who are righteous. This highlights God’s active involvement in the world, ensuring that justice prevails.
Affliction as Divine Discipline (Job 36:8-15)
Elihu introduces the idea that suffering can be a form of divine discipline, a concept also found in Hebrews 12:5-11. He suggests that God may use affliction to open people's ears to instruction and turn them from evil (Job 36:10). If they listen and obey, they will prosper; if not, they will perish (Job 36:11-12). This doesn't mean all suffering is a direct punishment for sin, but that God can use it to refine and teach us. He rescues the afflicted by their affliction (Job 36:15), meaning that through hardship, God can bring about transformation and deliverance.
A Warning Against Iniquity (Job 36:16-23)
Elihu warns Job against turning to iniquity, suggesting that Job's trials are meant to test him (Job 36:21). He points out that God's power is supreme and that no one can instruct Him (Job 36:22). It is foolish to choose iniquity rather than affliction. The author of Hebrews encourages his readers that discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Heb 12:11).
God's Unsearchable Greatness (Job 36:24-33)
Elihu concludes by pointing to God's magnificent creation as evidence of His power and wisdom. He describes how God controls the weather, the clouds, and the lightning (Job 36:27-33). These natural phenomena are beyond human comprehension, illustrating the vastness of God's knowledge and ability. These descriptions foreshadow the Lord's own coming questions in chapters 38-41.
Application
Job 36 offers several key takeaways:
- God is Just and Sovereign: Even in the face of suffering, we must trust in God's justice and sovereignty. He is not arbitrary or capricious but acts according to His perfect will.
- Suffering Can Be Redemptive: While not all suffering is a direct result of sin, God can use it to refine us, teach us, and draw us closer to Himself.
- Consider God's Wonders: We should take time to contemplate God's creation and His mighty works, which reveal His power and wisdom.
- Our Actions Matter: How we live and respond to adversity influences others.
Elihu's words, though not the final answer to Job's questions, offer a valuable perspective on God's character and His purposes in suffering. They prepare the way for God's own revelation, which will ultimately bring clarity and healing to Job.
Elihu also proceeded, and said,
Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.
I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.
He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;
Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.
They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.
He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.
Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.
Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.
Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.
Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?
Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
Job 36 marks a crucial point in the book of Job, featuring Elihu's continued discourse. Unlike Job's other friends, Elihu offers a fresh perspective, attempting to bridge the gap between Job's suffering and God's justice. He passionately defends God's character, emphasizing His might, justice, and ultimate sovereignty. Let's delve into the nuances of this chapter to glean valuable insights.
Elihu's Defense of God (Job 36:1-4)
Elihu, who had previously expressed his frustration with both Job and his friends (Job 32:2-3, 5), steps forward to offer his wisdom. He is portrayed as a younger man, initially hesitant to speak due to his age (Job 32:6-7), but ultimately compelled by the Spirit to share his understanding (Job 32:8-10). He claims that his words are based on sound knowledge (Job 36:4), indicating his confidence in the truth he is about to convey. While he may come across as assertive, it's important to remember that even Job's comforters spoke truth regarding God's attributes. The full picture, however, requires God's own intervention, which is soon to come.
God's Justice and Impartiality (Job 36:5-7)
Elihu emphasizes that God is both mighty and just, showing no contempt for anyone (Job 36:5). He doesn't disregard the lowly. This is a powerful statement against the idea that God only favors the powerful or wealthy. Instead, He upholds the cause of the afflicted and ensures justice for the poor (Job 36:6). He does not turn away from the righteous. God's eyes are always on those who are righteous. This highlights God’s active involvement in the world, ensuring that justice prevails.
Affliction as Divine Discipline (Job 36:8-15)
Elihu introduces the idea that suffering can be a form of divine discipline, a concept also found in Hebrews 12:5-11. He suggests that God may use affliction to open people's ears to instruction and turn them from evil (Job 36:10). If they listen and obey, they will prosper; if not, they will perish (Job 36:11-12). This doesn't mean all suffering is a direct punishment for sin, but that God can use it to refine and teach us. He rescues the afflicted by their affliction (Job 36:15), meaning that through hardship, God can bring about transformation and deliverance.
A Warning Against Iniquity (Job 36:16-23)
Elihu warns Job against turning to iniquity, suggesting that Job's trials are meant to test him (Job 36:21). He points out that God's power is supreme and that no one can instruct Him (Job 36:22). It is foolish to choose iniquity rather than affliction. The author of Hebrews encourages his readers that discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Heb 12:11).
God's Unsearchable Greatness (Job 36:24-33)
Elihu concludes by pointing to God's magnificent creation as evidence of His power and wisdom. He describes how God controls the weather, the clouds, and the lightning (Job 36:27-33). These natural phenomena are beyond human comprehension, illustrating the vastness of God's knowledge and ability. These descriptions foreshadow the Lord's own coming questions in chapters 38-41.
Application
Job 36 offers several key takeaways:
- God is Just and Sovereign: Even in the face of suffering, we must trust in God's justice and sovereignty. He is not arbitrary or capricious but acts according to His perfect will.
- Suffering Can Be Redemptive: While not all suffering is a direct result of sin, God can use it to refine us, teach us, and draw us closer to Himself.
- Consider God's Wonders: We should take time to contemplate God's creation and His mighty works, which reveal His power and wisdom.
- Our Actions Matter: How we live and respond to adversity influences others.
Elihu's words, though not the final answer to Job's questions, offer a valuable perspective on God's character and His purposes in suffering. They prepare the way for God's own revelation, which will ultimately bring clarity and healing to Job.