36. Margin, not so well, "My father," Elihu addressing God. This title does not elsewhere occur in Job. tried—by calamities. answers for wicked men—(See on Job 34:3). Trials of the godly are not removed until they produce the effect designed. read more
3. Elihu’s second speech ch. 34Elihu, in this speech, sought to refute Job’s charge that God was unjust. He tried to answer Job’s question, "Why doesn’t God have mercy on me?" He first addressed the three friends (Job 34:10-15, plural "you" in Hebrew) and then spoke to Job (Job 34:16-27, singular "you"). In his first speech Elihu had alluded to Eliphaz’s arguments. In this one he took up Bildad’s (Job 34:2; Job 34:34). read more
Elihu’s defense of God’s justice 34:10-37As the three friends, Elihu believed God was acting perfectly justly in allowing Job to suffer, and that Job was insolent to accuse God of being unjust (Job 34:10). He then reviewed God’s character to illustrate His justice (Job 34:11-30)."Elihu [in Job 34:10-15] repeats the self-evident truth that God can do no wrong. He attaches three thoughts to this proposition. First, he infers from God’s supremacy as Creator that He is not accountable to anyone... read more
The Speeches of Elihu (continued)1-9. Elihu appeals to his hearers to judge the matter. He protests against the complaints of Job that he was treated unjustly by God, and that it was no profit to be righteous.3. Cp. Job 12:11. 4. Judgment] RV ’that which is right.’5. My judgment] i.e. my right.6. RV ’Notwithstanding my right I am accounted a liar: My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ Right = innocence. 7, 8. Elihu implies that, in indulging in such reckless remarks, Job... read more
(36) My desire is that Job may be tried.—There seems to be reason to prefer the marginal rendering, and consider the words as addressed to God: “Oh my Father, let Job be tried, &c.” “Pater mi probetur Job,” Vulg. Elihu’s words cannot have fallen upon Job with more acceptance or with lighter weight than those of his other friends. He must have felt, however, that his cause was safe with God, whatever the misunderstanding of men.Because of his answers for wicked men. Rather, his answering... read more
XXV.POST-EXILIC WISDOMJob 32:1-22; Job 33:1-33; Job 34:1-37A PERSONAGE hitherto unnamed in the course of the drama now assumes the place of critic and judge between Job and his friends. Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, appears suddenly and as suddenly disappears. The implication is that he has been present during the whole of the colloquies, and that, having patiently waited his time, he expresses the judgment he has slowly formed on arguments to which he has given close... read more
CHAPTER 34 1. Hear my words ye wise men (Job 34:1-4 ) 2. The refutation of Job’s accusation of God (Job 34:5-30 ) 3. Job needs testing to the end (Job 34:31-37 ) Job 34:1-4 . In beginning this part of the address, in which Elihu vindicates God’s character against Job’s insinuations, he addresses the friends of Job, and perhaps others who were gathered there. He wants them to pay the closest attention to what he will say. Job 34:5-30 . This is the main burden of his address; it is taken... read more
34:36 My desire [is that] Job may be {d} tried unto the end because of [his] answers for wicked men.(d) That he may speak as much as he can, that we may answer him and all the wicked that will use such arguments. read more
HIS APPEAL AS TO WISE MEN (vv.1-4) Since Job had wisely refrained from speaking, Elihu makes an appeal to all his hearers, as to wise men (v.2). This reminds us of1 Corinthians 10:15; 1 Corinthians 10:15, "I speak as to wise men: judge for yourselves what I say." Having heard Elihu's first words, Job and his friends were wise to listen rather than to speak. They had knowledge enough to know that their knowledge was deficient. But in listening they could test the words of Elihu, a test that... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 34:1-37
The justice of God (34:1-35:16)When Job does not reply to Elihu’s challenge, Elihu turns to the onlookers and repeats some of Job’s rash statements about the injustice of God (34:1-6). Let them judge for themselves. Surely such words prove Job’s wickedness (7-9).God is not unjust, says Elihu, and no one can tell him what to do. He is the governor of the universe (10-13). He is the source of all life and, if he wished, he could bring all life to an end (14-15). God governs perfectly and shows no... read more