31. These (rain and lightnings) are marvellous and not to be understood ( :-), yet necessary. "For by them He judgeth (chastiseth on the one hand), c. (and on the other, by them) He giveth meat" (food), &c. (Job 37:13 Job 38:23; Job 38:27; Acts 14:17). read more
32. Rather, "He covereth (both) His hands with light (lightning, :-, Margin), and giveth it a command against his adversary" (literally, the one "assailing" Him, Psalms 8:2; Psalms 139:20; Job 21:19). Thus, as in Job 21:19- :, the twofold effects of His waters are set forth, so here, of His light; in the one hand, destructive lightning against the wicked; in the other, the genial light for good to His friends, &c. (Job 36:33) [UMBREIT]. read more
33. noise—rather, He revealeth it (literally, "announceth concerning it") to His friend (antithesis to adversary, :-, so the Hebrew is translated, :-); also to cattle and plants (literally, "that which shooteth up"; Genesis 40:10; Genesis 41:22). As the genial effect of "water" in the growth of food, is mentioned, Genesis 41:22- :, so here that of "light" in cherishing cattle and plants [UMBREIT]. If English Version, "noise" be retained, translate, "His noise (thunder) announces concerning... read more
God’s dealings with nature 36:27-37:24Elihu focused next on God’s activities in nature. There may be references to autumn conditions in Job 36:27-33, winter in Job 37:1-13, and summer in Job 37:17-18. [Note: Zuck, Job, p. 158.] Elihu’s third "Behold" (Job 36:26) draws attention to the infinite wisdom of God. No one can understand how or why He deals with nature as He does (Job 36:29).The fourth "Behold" (Job 36:30) affirms a similar point. God uses rain to bring both blessings and curses on... read more
5. Elihu’s fourth speech chs. 36-37Of all Elihu’s discourses, this one is the most impressive because of his lofty descriptions of God."This concluding statement contains Elihu’s best and most distinctive ideas. Up until now he has been treading on familiar and conventional ground, repeating largely the ideas which Job and his friends have already expressed. The harsh tone that Elihu had adopted in his second and third speeches is here softened. Job 36:1-21 is a more mature and engaging... read more
God’s dealings with man 36:1-26The first four verses of chapter 36 introduce this speech. In them, Elihu again urged Job to pay attention to what he would say. He claimed that his words were true and that he himself was "perfect in knowledge" (Job 36:4)."In his defence [sic] of the righteousness of God, Elihu now develops his thought on the disciplinary meaning of suffering. God is great, but he does not despise men. The incorrigibly wicked he does not preserve, but in mercy he afflicts the... read more
The Speeches of Elihu (continued)1-15. Elihu maintains the wisdom and impartial justice of the rule of God. His purpose is to discipline and improve men, even by their afflictions.3. From afar] from a review of the whole universe. 4. He] RV ’one’; i.e. Elihu.7b. RV ’But with kings upon the throne he setteth them for ever.’9. Their work] i.e. their faults. Exceeded] RV ’behaved themselves proudly.’12. Without knowledge] without learning God’s lessons.13. Hypocrites] RV ’godless.’ Heap up wrath]... read more
XXXVI.(1) Elihu also proceeded.—It is not easy to acquit Elihu of some of the “arrogance” he was so ready to ascribe to Job. He professes very great zeal for God, but it is hard to see that some of his great professions are warranted. For instance, he says— read more
(3) I will fetch my knowledge from afar.—But is not this what Bildad had said before him? (Job 8:8, &c.); and yet the teaching of Job 36:6 is not very different from his. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Job 36:30
30. light—lightning. it—His tabernacle ( :-). The light, in an instant spread over the vast mass of dark clouds, forms a striking picture. spread—is repeated from Job 36:29 to form an antithesis. "He spreads not only clouds, but light." covereth the bottom—roots. of the sea—namely, with the light. In the storm the depths of ocean are laid bare; and the light "covers" them, at the same moment that it "spreads" across the dark sky. So in Psalms 18:14; Psalms 18:15, the discovering of "the... read more