Job 36

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:11

If they obey and serve him - There may appear in the course of Providence to be some exceptions to this general rule; but it is most true, that this is literally or spiritually fulfilled to all the genuine followers of God. Every man is happy, in whatsoever circumstances, whose heart is unreservedly dedicated to his Maker. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:12

But if they obey not - This also is a general rule, from which, in the course of Providence, there are only few, and those only apparent, deviations. Instead of they shall perish by the sword, the meaning of the Hebrew יעברו בשלח beshelach yaaboru , is, "By a dart they shall pass by." They shall be in continual dangers, and often fall before they have lived out half their days. Mr. Good translates: They pass by as an arrow. The Vulgate: Transibunt per gladium . "They shall pass away by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:13

But the hypocrites in heart - חנפי chanphey , the profligates, the impious, those who have neither the form nor the power of godliness. The hypocrite is he who has the form but not the power, though he wishes to be thought as inwardly righteous as he is outwardly correct; and he takes up the profession of religion only to serve secular ends. This is not the meaning of the word in the book of Job, where it frequently occurs. They cry not - " Though he binds them, yet they cry not."... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:14

They die in youth - Exactly what the psalmist says, "Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days," Psalm 55:23 . Literally, the words of Elihu are, "They shall die in the youth of their soul." Their life is among the unclean - בקדשים bakedeshim , among the whores, harlots, prostitutes, and sodomites. In this sense the word is used, though it also signifies consecrated persons; but we know that in idolatry characters of this kind were consecrated to Baal and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:15

And openeth their ears in oppression - He will let them know for what end they are afflicted, and why he permits them to be oppressed. The word יגל yigel might be translated he shall make them exult, or sing with joy, in oppression; like the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:16

Even so would he have removed thee - If thou hadst turned to, obeyed, and served him, thy present state would have been widely different from what it is. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:17

But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked - As thou art acting like the wicked, so God deals with thee as he deals with them. Elihu is not a whit behind Job's other friends. None of them seems to have known any thing of the permission given by God to Satan to afflict and torment an innocent man. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:18

Because there is wrath - This is a time in which God is punishing the wicked; take heed lest thou be cut off in a moment. Redeem the time; the days are evil. Then a great ransom - When he determines to destroy, who can save? read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:20

Desire not the night - Thou hast wished for death; (here called night); desire it not; leave that with God. If he hear thee, and send death, thou mayest be cut off in a way at which thy soul would shudder. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:21

Regard not iniquity - It is sinful to entertain such wishes; it is an insult to the providence of God. He sends affliction; he knows this to be best for thee: but thou hast preferred death to affliction, thereby setting thy wisdom against the wisdom of God. Many in affliction, long for death; and yet they are not prepared to appear before God! What madness is this! If he takes them at their wish, they are ruined for ever. Affliction may be the means of their salvation; the wished-for death,... read more

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