(9) Then he sheweth them their work.—The true nature of their conduct and their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly. This is Elihu’s special doctrine, that God’s chastisements are by way of discipline, to reform the future rather than to chastise the past. read more
Job 36:3 To gain a true view we must take into account all varied forms of contemporary experience, and all the experiences of different ages. He will best see the whole, and each part in relation to the whole most truly, who has the widest and best proportioned knowledge founded on the experience of others, and at the same time controls all by his own experience. Dr. Hort, Hulsean Lectures, pp. 172,173. Job 36:5 'It struck me,' says Carlyle, 'that Sterling's was not intrinsically, nor had... read more
XXVI.THE DIVINE PREROGATIVEJob 35:1-16; Job 36:1-33; Job 37:1-24AFTER a long digression Elihu returns to consider the statement ascribed to Job, "It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God." {Job 34:9} This he laid hold of as meaning that the Almighty is unjust, and the accusation has been dealt with. Now he resumes the question of the profitableness of religion."Thinkest thou this to be in thy right, And callest thou it ‘My just cause before God,’ That thou dost ask... read more
CHAPTER 36:1-21 1. God’s care over the godly (Job 36:1-7 ) 2. The purposes of affliction (Job 36:8-18 ) 3. Job to consider this (Job 36:19-21 ) Job 36:1-7 . Elihu had told Job in the last verse of the preceding chapter that he had opened his mouth in vanity and had multiplied words without knowledge. That should have explained to Job the reason why God did not answer. There could be no reply from Job and so Elihu continues. He is not through yet with speaking in behalf of God. Sublimely... read more
36:9 Then he sheweth them their {f} work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.(f) He will move their hearts to feel their sins that they may come to him by repentance as he did Manasseh. read more
SPEAKING ON GOD'S BEHALF (vv.1-4) Elihu continues in the same strain, for as he says, there is much more to be said on God's behalf. Where did Elihu find his knowledge? He fetched it "from afar" (v.3), which would remind us that the Lord Jesus brought the knowledge of God from heaven itself, far above man's ability to produce wisdom. He would ascribe righteousness to his Maker. Job had not done this. Elihu insists that his words are not false, and that One who is perfect in knowledge was... read more
WORDS OF ELIHU ; WORDS OF GOD Elihu now comes forward with apparent modesty, and yet great pretensions. Young and inexperienced, he is nevertheless indignant at the manner in which the friends of Job have sought to reply to him. Professing that his views have been revealed from above, he undertakes to clear up all the difficulties in the case. Afflictions are for the good of the sufferer is his dictum, a thought which he exhibits in various lights. He, too, reflects upon Job for his... read more
The Speech of Elihu. IV. Job 35-37 Elihu says many beautiful things. There is some difficulty in tracing the uniting line of his numerous remarks, but the remarks themselves often glitter with a really beautiful light. Many of the independent sayings are like single jewels. We need not always look for the thread upon which the pearls are strung: sometimes it is enough to see the separate pearls themselves, to admire, to value, and spiritually to appropriate all their helpful suggestion.... read more
(4) For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. (5) ¶ Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. (6) He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. (7) He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them forever, and they are exalted. (8) And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; (9) Then he sheweth... read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:1-33
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