Job 36

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:5

Behold, God is mighty . The preface over, the argument to prove God's justice begins. First, he "is mighty." How unlikely that any one who is mighty—nay, almighty—should be unjust! Next, he despiseth not any. Job has wrongly charged him with "despising the work of his own hands." In truth, he despises nothing that he has made. "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered" ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:5

The might and mercy of God. The remarkable thought here brought before us is the juxtaposition of God's might and mercy. He is both powerful and pitiful, majestic and condescending, infinite and sympathetic. I. GOD 'S MIGHT DOES NOT DESTROY HIS MERCY , It is only a very low and earthly view that could lead us to suppose that it might do so. When small men are lifted up they begin to display their littleness by despising those who are beneath them. But no such conduct can be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:5-17

The perfectness of the Divine ways. Elihu continues to speak on God's behalf. He defends the Divine ways from what he esteems to be Job's reflections upon them. He will fain "ascribe righteousness ' to his "Maker." The perfectness and justness of the ways of him who is "mighty in strength and wisdom" is traced by Elihu in many instances. Though greatly exalted, God does not look disdainfully upon man; nor doth he despise the work of his own hands. His perfect work is seen— I. IN HIS ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:6

He preserveth not the life of the wicked . There is no special providence over the life of the wicked, as Job had supposed, or pretended to suppose ( Job 21:7 ; comp. Job 12:6 ). On the contrary, God "overturneth" wicked men "in the night, so that they are destroyed; he striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others" ( Job 34:25 , Job 34:26 ). But giveth right to the poor . The poor and afflicted, the meek and humble, God vindicates. They are his special charge. So far is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:7

He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous . Under no circumstances does God cease to keep an eye upon the righteous, as Job had seemed to imply when he exclaimed, "Oh that I were as in months of old, in the days when God preserved me!" or "watched me!" ( Job 29:2 ). "The eyes of the Lord are" always "upon the righteous, as his ears are open unto their cry " ( Psalms 34:15 ). With kings are they on the throne . In some cases, God shows his care of the righteous by "setting them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:7

The kingship of righteousness. Elihu assures Job that the righteous are to be with kings on the throne. In the New Testament we learn that Christians are "kings and priests unto God." Let us, then, inquire as to what the kingship of righteousness consists in. I. ITS SOURCE . How does this kingly state come to be conferred on men? 1 . By Divine favour. God favours righteousness. This is not apparent on earth, or, at all events, under circumstances of trouble and disappointment.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:8

And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction. On the other hand, there are doubtless eases where the righteous suffer adversity—are even "bound in fetters," and "holden in cords of affliction" ( Genesis 39:20 ; Jeremiah 40:1 : Daniel 3:21 ; Matthew 14:3 ; Acts 12:6 ; Acts 16:24 ; Acts 24:27 , etc.). But even here God's vigilance is not relaxed. On the contrary, he watches with the utmost care over their afflictions, apportioning them according to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:9

Then he sheweth them their work . God, by his chastisements, makes men see what has been faulty in their life's work, in what respects they have been negligent, where they have lapsed into actual sin. Signal afflictions are a call to men to "consider their ways," and search out the nature of their offences. Some afflictions, as sickness and imprisonment, by depriving men of active employment, almost force them to engage in such a retrospect. And their transgressions that they have exceeded ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:10

He openeth also their ear to discipline . It is the especial merit of Elihu's theory of suffering that he views it as far less penal than disciplinary and restorative. Job's sufferings especially he views in this light. Instead of looking upon Job, like his other friends, as a heinous sinner, upon whom Go, I is taking vengeance, he regards him as a person who is being chastised, in love , for some fault or faults that he has committed, to his ultimate advantage and improvement. This,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 36:10

The ear that is open to discipline. I. SUFFERING IS FOR DISCIPLINE . This is Elihu's great thought, and he returns to it again and again. It is familiar to us, but it seems to have been a new idea in the days of Job, and a fresh revelation for him and his friends. It is not the less important to us because we are well acquainted with it. Still, we have to enter into the meaning of it, and employ it as the key for unlocking the mysteries of our experience. Discipline is very different... read more

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