Job 36
Job 36 is where Elihu continues speaking to Job. Elihu reveals that he is wise and emphasizes the greatness and righteousness of God. He intends to explain the causes and meaning of suffering, as well as the lessons God gives humans through suffering. The entire chapter focuses less on suffering itself and more on God’s purpose within it and the attitude humans should adopt.
1verseElihu also continued, and said,
2verse“Bear with me a little, and I will show you; for I still have something to say on God’s behalf.
3verseI will get my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4verseFor truly my words are not false. One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.
5verse“Behold, God is mighty, and doesn’t despise anyone. He is mighty in strength of understanding.
6verseHe doesn’t preserve the life of the wicked, but gives justice to the afflicted.
7verseHe doesn’t withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne, he sets them forever, and they are exalted.
8verseIf they are bound in fetters, and are taken in the cords of afflictions,
9versethen he shows them their work, and their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.
10verseHe also opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity.
11verseIf they listen and serve him, they will spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
12verseBut if they don’t listen, they will perish by the sword; they will die without knowledge.
13verse“But those who are godless in heart lay up anger. They don’t cry for help when he binds them.
14verseThey die in youth. Their life perishes among the unclean.
15verseHe delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear in oppression.
16verseYes, he would have allured you out of distress, into a wide place, where there is no restriction. That which is set on your table would be full of fatness.
17verse“But you are full of the judgment of the wicked. Judgment and justice take hold of you.
18verseDon’t let riches entice you to wrath, neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.
19verseWould your wealth sustain you in distress, or all the might of your strength?
20verseDon’t desire the night, when people are cut off in their place.
21verseTake heed, don’t regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction.
22verseBehold, God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?
23verseWho has prescribed his way for him? Or who can say, ‘You have committed unrighteousness’?
24verse“Remember that you magnify his work, about which men have sung.
25verseAll men have looked on it. Man sees it afar off.
26verseBehold, God is great, and we don’t know him. The number of his years is unsearchable.
27verseFor he draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from his vapor,
28versewhich the skies pour down and which drop on man abundantly.
29verseIndeed, can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunderings of his pavilion?
30verseBehold, he spreads his light around him. He covers the bottom of the sea.
31verseFor by these he judges the people. He gives food in abundance.
32verseHe covers his hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark.
33verseIts noise tells about him, and the livestock also, concerning the storm that comes up.
Structure of the Main Text
- Verses 1-4: Elihu declares that his words are truthful and that he conveys God’s will correctly.
- Verses 5-12: He explains that God is all-powerful and righteous, and does not act unjustly toward anyone. He also says that the purpose of suffering and discipline is to make people humble and bring them to repentance.
- Verses 13-21: He warns that if the heart becomes stubborn and refuses God’s instruction, suffering may increase, and he emphasizes that it is a blessing to humbly follow God’s will.
- Verses 22-33: Using examples of natural phenomena (clouds, rain, lightning, etc.), he praises God’s greatness and His power that surpasses human understanding.
Key Themes and Message
The key message of Job 36 is God’s sovereignty and justice, and the deep providence accomplished through suffering. By contrasting human limitations with God’s greatness, it reminds us that from our perspective, it is difficult to conclude what suffering means. Elihu encourages Job to trust and obey God even in suffering.
Points to Ponder
- When you are facing suffering, are you asking what God’s will is?
- Do you have a mindset that acknowledges and trusts God beyond your own thoughts?
- Do you remember again—within the natural world—the limits of yourself and the greatness of God?
Apply It to Yourself
- In difficult circumstances, I also ask God many questions like Job does, but I should reflect on whether I have an attitude of humbly seeking God’s will.
- I must acknowledge that there are areas I do not know, and carry faith to trust God within them and move forward one step at a time.
