21. regard—literally, "turn thyself to." iniquity—namely, presumptuous speaking against God ( :-, and above, see on :-). rather than—to bear "affliction" with pious patience. Men think it an alleviation to complain against God, but this is adding sin to sorrow; it is sin, not sorrow, which can really hurt us (contrast :-). read more
22-25. God is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be praised for His might, shown in His works. exalteth—rather, doeth lofty things, shows His exalted power [UMBREIT] (Psalms 21:13). teacheth— (Psalms 21:13- :, c.). The connection is, returning to Psalms 21:13- :, God's "might" is shown in His "wisdom" He alone can teach; yet, because He, as a sovereign, explains not all His dealings, forsooth Job must presume to teach Him (Isaiah 40:13; Isaiah 40:14; Romans 11:34; 1 Corinthians 2:16). So the... read more
23. Job dared to prescribe to God what He should do (Job 34:10; Job 34:13). read more
24. Instead of arraigning, let it be thy fixed principle to magnify God in His works (Psalms 111:2-8; Revelation 15:3); these, which all may "see," may convince us that what we do not see is altogether wise and good (Romans 1:20). behold—As "see" (Job 36:25), shows; not, as MAURER, "sing," laud (see on Job 36:3). read more
25. See—namely, with wondering admiration [MAURER]. man may behold—rather, "(yet) mortals (a different Hebrew word from 'man') behold it (only) from afar off," see but a small "part" (Job 26:14). read more
26. ( :-). God's greatness in heaven and earth: a reason why Job should bow under His afflicting hand. know him not—only in part (Job 36:25; 1 Corinthians 13:12). his years— (Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:24; Psalms 102:27); applied to Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:12). read more
27, 28. The marvellous formation of rain (so Job 5:9; Job 5:10). maketh small—Rather, "He draweth (up) to Him, He attracts (from the earth below) the drops of water; they (the drops of water) pour down rain, (which is) His vapor." "Vapor" is in apposition with "rain," marking the way in which rain is formed; namely, from the vapor drawn up by God into the air and then condensed into drops, which fall (Job 5:10- :). The suspension of such a mass of water, and its descent not in a deluge, but in... read more
28. abundantly—literally, "upon many men." read more
29. ( :-). God's marvels in thunder and lightnings. spreadings, c.—the canopy of thick clouds, which covers the heavens in a storm ( :-). the noise—"crashing" namely, thunder. of his tabernacle—God being poetically said to have His pavilion amid dark clouds (Psalms 18:11; Isaiah 40:22). read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Job 36:20
20. Desire—pant for. Job had wished for death ( :-, c.). night— ( :-). when—rather, "whereby." cut off—literally, "ascend," as the corn cut and lifted upon the wagon or stack (Job 36:26) so "cut off," "disappear." in their place—literally, "under themselves"; so, without moving from their place, on the spot, suddenly (Job 40:12) [MAURER]. UMBREIT'S translation: "To ascend (which is really, as thou wilt find to thy cost, to descend) to the people below" (literally, "under themselves"), answers... read more