Job 34

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:12

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment . Elihu is fond of rhetorical amplification, like most young speakers. Job 34:11 , Job 34:12 contain nothing that is really additional to the statement in Job 34:10 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:13

Who hath given him a charge over the earth? The argument seems to be that if God had "received a charge," and were in possession of a mere delegated authority, like the subordinate gods of heathen nations, he might have an interest apart from that of those whom he governs, and so be tempted to be unjust; but as he is the Author of all and the sole Ruler of all, his interest must be bound up with the true interests of his creatures, and cannot clash with them. He can thus never be unjust,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:14

If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath . Two renderings are proposed, both supported By about equal authority: The difference is not great. God could, either by withdrawing from man the breath and spirit which he has given him, or simply by withholding from man the quickening and sustaining influences which he is perpetually putting forth, reduce all humankind to nothingness. Being so completely master of man, he would surely not condescend to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:15

All flesh shall perish together (comp. Psalms 104:29 ). Without God's sustaining hand, all creatures would fall back into nothingness. And man shall turn again unto dust. Either Elihu refers here to Genesis 3:19 , or else he has a traditional knowledge of man's origin, handed down from a remote antiquity, which is in entire conformity with the Hebrew belief. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:16

If now thou hast understanding, hear this . The appeal is not to Job, but to any wise and intelligent man among the many hearers who were present (see the comment on verses 1, 2). Hearken to the voice of my words (comp. verses 2, 10). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:17

Shall even he that hateth right govern? Is it conceivable that there can be at the head of the universe, its Ruler and Guide, One who hates justice? The appeal is to the instinctive feeling that in the one God perfect goodness and omnipotence are united. Its spirit is exactly that of Abraham's question, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (see Genesis 18:5 ). And wilt thou condemn him that is most just? rather, him that is both just and strong (see the Revised Version). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:18

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? Would any subject of an earthly king deem it fitting to accuse his sovereign of wicked and unjust conduct? Would he even tax those who stood next to the king—the princes and great officers of the court—with ungodliness? If a sense of what is becoming and seemly would restrain a man from the use of language of this sort towards his earthly ruler, can it be right that he should allow himself in such liberty or speech... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:19

How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes! How much less becomingly is such language used of One so far above princes that he regards them as on a level with all other men, and pays them no special respect! Worldly rank is, of course, nothing with God. All mankind are his subjects and servants, whom he differentiates one from another solely by their moral and spiritual qualities. Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor . If earthly rank is of no account with God,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:20

In a moment shall they die . All lie under the same law of death— " Pallida Mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas Regumque turres ." (Horace,'Od.,' 1.4, 11. 13, 14.) "In a moment," whenever God wills, they pass from life and disappear, the rich equally with the needy, the powerful prince as much as the outcast and the beggar. And the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away. (comp. Exodus 12:29 ; 2 Kings 19:35 ). Such sudden catastrophes are infrequent; but it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:21

For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. Elihu proceeds to a fresh argument. The omniscience of God is a security against his acting unjustly. He knows exactly each man's powers, capacities, temperament, temptations, circumstances He can exactly me, sure each man's due, and will assuredly mete it out to each without partiality or prejudice. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:14

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:21

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