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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Elihu's Fourth Speech: God Is Great and Just
1Elihu also proceeded and sayde, 2Suffer me a litle, and I will instruct thee: for I haue yet to speake on Gods behalfe. 3I will fetche my knowledge afarre off, and will attribute righteousnes vnto my Maker. 4For truely my wordes shall not be false, and he that is perfect in knowledge, speaketh with thee. 5Behold, the mighty God casteth away none that is mighty and valiant of courage. 6He mainteineth not the wicked, but he giueth iudgement to the afflicted. 7He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous, but they are with Kings in ye throne, where he placeth them for euer: thus they are exalted. 8And if they bee bound in fetters and tyed with the cordes of affliction, 9Then will he shewe them their worke and their sinnes, because they haue bene proude. 10He openeth also their eare to discipline, and commandeth them that they returne from iniquity. 11If they obey and serue him, they shall end their dayes in prosperity, and their yeres in pleasures. 12But if they wil not obey, they shall passe by the sworde, and perish without knowledge. 13But the hypocrites of heart increase the wrath: for they call not when he bindeth them. 14Their soule dyeth in youth, and their life among the whoremongers. 15He deliuereth the poore in his affliction, and openeth their eare in trouble. 16Euen so woulde he haue taken thee out of the streight place into a broade place and not shut vp beneath: and that which resteth vpon thy table, had bene full of fat. 17But thou art ful of the iudgement of the wicked, though iudgement and equitie maintaine all things. 18For Gods wrath is, least hee should take that away in thine abundance: for no multitude of giftes can deliuer thee. 19Wil he regard thy riches? he regardeth not golde, nor all them that excel in strength. 20Be not carefull in the night, howe he destroyeth the people out of their place. 21Take thou heede: looke not to iniquitie: for thou hast chosen it rather then affliction.
God's Majesty Is Beyond Understanding
22Beholde, God exalteth by his power: what teacher is like him? 23Who hath appointed to him his way? or who can say, Thou hast done wickedly? 24Remember that thou magnifie his worke, which men behold. 25All men see it, and men beholde it afarre off. 26Beholde, God is excellent, and we knowe him not, neither can the nomber of his yeres bee searched out. 27When he restraineth the droppes of water, the rayne powreth down by the vapour thereof, 28Which raine the cloudes do droppe and let fall abundantly vpon man. 29Who can know the diuisions of ye clouds and the thunders of his tabernacle? 30Beholde, he spreadeth his light vpon it, and couereth the bottome of the sea. 31For thereby hee iudgeth the people, and giueth meate abundantly. 32He couereth the light with the clouds, and commandeth them to go against it. 33His companion sheweth him thereof, and there is anger in rising vp.