Job 36
Job 36 is part of “Elihu's Speeches” (32–37) in the outline of Job.
Job 36 summary
Elihu, having largely reproved Job for some of his unadvised speeches, which Job had nothing to say in the vindication of, here comes more generally to set him to rights in his notions of God's dealings with him. His other friends had stood to it that, because he was a wicked man, therefore his afflictions were so great and so long. But Elihu only maintained that the affliction was sent for his trial, and that therefore it was lengthened out because Job was not, as yet, thoroughly humbled under it, nor had duly accommodated himself to it. He urges many reasons, taken from the wisdom and righteousness of God, his care of his people, and…
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Elihu, having largely reproved Job for some of his unadvised speeches, which Job had nothing to say in the vindication of, here comes more generally to set him to rights in his notions of God's dealings with him. His other friends had stood to it that, because he was a wicked man, therefore his afflictions were so great and so long. But Elihu only maintained that the affliction was sent for his trial, and that therefore it was lengthened out because Job was not, as yet, thoroughly humbled under it, nor had duly accommodated himself to it. He urges many reasons, taken from the wisdom and righteousness of God, his care of his people, and especially his greatness and almighty power, with which, in this and the following chapter, he persuades him to submit to the hand of God. Here we have, I. His preface, (Job 36:2-4). II. The account he gives of the methods of God's providence towards the children of men, according as they conduct themselves (Job 36:5-15). III. The fair warning and good counsel he gives to Job thereupon (Job 36:16-21). IV. His demonstration of God's sovereignty and omnipotence, which he gives instances of in the operations of common providence, and which is a reason why we should all submit to him in his dealings with us (Job 36:22-33). This he prosecutes and enlarges upon in the following chapter.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Job 36 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Elihu's Fourth Speech: God Is Great and Just
1Elihu also proceeded, and said, 2Suffer me a little, and I will show thee; For I have yet somewhat to say on God’s behalf. 3I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4For truly my words are not false: One that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. 5Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding. 6He preserveth not the life of the wicked, But giveth to the afflicted [their] right. 7He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: But with kings upon the throne He setteth them for ever, and they are exalted. 8And if they be bound in fetters, And be taken in the cords of affliction; 9Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly. 10He openeth also their ear to instruction, And commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11If they hearken and serve [him], They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures. 12But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge. 13But they that are godless in heart lay up anger: They cry not for help when he bindeth them. 14They die in youth, And their life [perisheth] among the unclean. 15He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression. 16Yea, he would have allured thee out of distress Into a broad place, where there is no straitness; And that which is set on thy table would be full of fatness. 17But thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: Judgment and justice take hold [on thee]. 18For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside. 19Will thy cry avail, [that thou be] not in distress, Or all the forces of [thy] strength? 20Desire not the night, When peoples are cut off in their place. 21Take heed, regard not iniquity: For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
God's Majesty Is Beyond Understanding
22Behold, God doeth loftily in his power: Who is a teacher like unto him? 23Who hath enjoined him his way? Or who can say, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness? 24Remember that thou magnify his work, Whereof men have sung. 25All men have looked thereon; Man beholdeth it afar off. 26Behold, God is great, and we know him not; The number of his years is unsearchable. 27For he draweth up the drops of water, Which distil in rain from his vapor, 28Which the skies pour down And drop upon man abundantly. 29Yea, can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, The thunderings of his pavilion? 30Behold, he spreadeth his light around him; And he covereth the bottom of the sea. 31For by these he judgeth the peoples; He giveth food in abundance. 32He covereth his hands with the lightning, And giveth it a charge that it strike the mark. 33The noise thereof telleth concerning him, The cattle also concerning [the storm] that cometh up.