1 Elihu also proceeded, and said,
2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that [I have] yet to speak on God’s behalf.
3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words [shall] not [be] false: he that is perfect in knowledge [is] with thee.
5 Behold, God [is] mighty, and despiseth not [any: he is] mighty in strength [and] wisdom.
6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.
7 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.
8 And if [they be] bound in fetters, [and] be holden in cords of affliction;
9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
11 If they obey and serve [him], they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.
14 They die in youth, and their life [is] among the unclean.
15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
16 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.
17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [on thee].
18 Because [there is] wrath, [beware] lest he take thee away with [his] stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
19 Will he esteem thy riches? [no], not gold, nor all the forces of strength.
20 Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.
21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
25 Every man may see it; man may behold [it] afar off.
26 Behold, God [is] great, and we know [him] not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28 Which the clouds do drop [and] distil upon man abundantly.
29 Also can [any] understand the spreadings of the clouds, [or] the noise of his tabernacle?
30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it [not to shine] by [the cloud] that cometh betwixt.
33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
Overview of Job Chapter 36
Job Chapter 36 is a part of the discourse given by Elihu, a younger friend of Job. In this chapter, Elihu continues to address Job’s situation, emphasizing God’s greatness and justice. He aims to provide a different perspective on suffering and divine retribution, highlighting God’s sovereignty and the purpose behind human suffering.
Key Themes
- God’s Sovereignty: Elihu emphasizes that God is in control of all things and that His actions are just and purposeful.
- Divine Justice: The chapter stresses that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, reinforcing the idea of moral order in the universe.
- Purpose in Suffering: Elihu suggests that suffering can serve as a means of instruction and correction, leading individuals to a deeper understanding of God.
- God’s Communication: The chapter highlights the various ways God communicates with humanity, including through dreams and afflictions.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: Elihu asserts his intention to speak and shares his belief in the righteousness of his words.
- Verses 5-10: Elihu describes God’s power and justice, stating that God does not overlook the plight of the righteous.
- Verses 11-15: He discusses the blessings that come from following God and the lessons learned through suffering.
- Verses 16-21: Elihu emphasizes that God uses suffering as a means to guide and teach, urging Job to consider the purpose behind his afflictions.
- Verses 22-25: He concludes by praising God’s greatness and encouraging Job to recognize God’s majesty and wisdom.
Analysis of Key Verses
Throughout the chapter, Elihu’s speech is characterized by a tone of reverence and awe towards God. Below are some notable verses and their implications:
- Verse 5: “God is mighty, but despises no one; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.”
- This verse underscores the duality of God’s nature: His might and His care for humanity.
- Elihu suggests that God’s justice is not arbitrary; rather, it is rooted in His purpose.
- Verse 10: “He makes them listen to correction and tells them to repent of their evil.”
- This highlights the idea that suffering can be a form of divine correction, intended to lead individuals back to righteousness.
- Elihu frames God’s discipline as a loving act aimed at restoring the sinner.
- Verse 15: “But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.”
- This verse reinforces the concept that God is present in times of trouble, offering hope and guidance.
- Elihu encourages Job to see his suffering as an opportunity for divine communication and growth.
- Verse 22: “God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?”
- This rhetorical question emphasizes God’s unmatched wisdom and authority, positioning Him as the ultimate source of knowledge.
- Elihu calls for humility in recognizing God’s supremacy over human understanding.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 36 serves as a critical part of Elihu’s argument, reinforcing the themes of divine justice, the purpose of suffering, and the greatness of God. Elihu’s perspective offers a theological framework that seeks to explain Job’s suffering while encouraging him to trust in God’s wisdom and purpose. The chapter ultimately invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of suffering and the nature of God’s justice.
