21. God's omniscience and omnipotence enable Him to execute immediate justice. He needs not to be long on the "watch," as Job thought (Job 7:12; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 32:19). read more
22. shadow of death—thick darkness (Amos 9:2; Amos 9:3; Psalms 139:12). read more
23. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Lamentations 3:32; Isaiah 27:8). Better, as UMBREIT, "He does not (needs not to) regard (as in Job 34:14; Isaiah 41:20) man long (so Hebrew, Genesis 46:29) in order that he may go (be brought by God) into judgment." Literally, "lest his (attention) upon men" (Job 11:10; Job 11:11). So Job 11:11- :, "without number" ought to be translated, "without [needing any] searching out," such as has to be made in human judgments. read more
24. break in pieces— (Psalms 2:9; Job 12:18; Daniel 2:21). read more
25. Therefore—because He knows all things (Job 34:21). He knows their works, without a formal investigation (Job 34:21- :). in the night—suddenly, unexpectedly (Job 34:20). Fitly in the night, as it was in it that the godless hid themselves (Job 34:22). UMBREIT, less simply, for "overturneth," translates, "walketh"; that is, God is ever on the alert, discovering all wickedness. 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
(21) His eyes are upon the ways of man.—He is not only just and mighty, but He is also all-wise; He cannot therefore err. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 34:22
Job 34:22. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death— i.e. "Not death itself shall conceal the workers of iniquity from the eye of God, or withdraw them from his justice: Men may flatter themselves with the hope of annihilation, if they please; but they will find themselves sadly disappointed when they come to make trial of the other state." Peters. Instead of that he should enter, in the latter clause of the next verse, Heath reads, When he shall enter. read more