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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 34:16-30

Elihu here addresses himself more directly to Job. He had spoken to the rest (Job 34:10) as men of understanding; now, speaking to Job; he puts an if upon his understanding: If thou hast understanding, hear this and observe it, Job 34:16. I. Hear this, That God is not to be quarrelled with for any thing that he does. It is daring presumption to arraign and condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. It was, 1. As absurd as it would be to advance one to power that is a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 34:26

He striketh them as wicked men ,.... Such is the strict justice of God, that he never strikes men, or inflicts punishment on them, or brings down his judgments upon them, but as wicked men, and because of their wickedness; the casting of man out of Eden was for his sin, as well as the casting down the angels from heaven that sinned; the drowning of the old world, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the ruin of Pharaoh and his host, the driving the Canaanites out of their land, the various... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 34:27

Because they turned back from him ,.... Became apostates from the ways and worship of God, as the posterity of Cain before the flood, and the posterity of Ham after it; who had been educated and trained up therein, and turned from the law of God, as the Septuagint version, from the light and law of nature: and would not consider any of his ways ; either of providence, whether in a way of mercy which might lead to repentance, or in a way of judgment which might be a caution and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 34:28

So that they cause the cry of the poor to come to him ,.... To God; through their oppressions of the poor they are made to cry by reason of them, and who come to God with their cries, and tears, and supplications, and which enter into the ears of the Lord of hosts; and he heareth the cry of the afflicted ; as he did the cry of the Israelites under Egyptian bondage; he is a God hearing and answering prayer, and he particularly attends to the cry of the humble and of the afflicted, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 34:29

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble ?.... Quietness or peace is of God; external peace to bodies of men, to communities, civil and religious, and to particular persons; quietness and contentment in outward enjoyments, peace and safety at home, and from enemies abroad; inward spiritual peace, this is of God, is in Christ, and from him; is the fruit of his righteousness, spoke by his blood, comes through faith in Christ, and is enjoyed in his ordinances, and continues as long... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 34:30

That the hypocrite reign not ,.... These words seem to be connected with Job 34:24 , "he breaketh in pieces mighty men", &c.; the whole of Job 34:29 being read in a parenthesis; or with the phrase "he hideth his face"; as God is said to be in the destruction of mighty wicked men, who oppress the poor, and cause their cry to come to God, to prevent the reign of an hypocrite, or however to shorten it. By "an hypocrite" is not meant a common hypocrite in religion, but an hypocrite in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 34:26

He striketh them as wicked men - At other times he executes his judgments more openly; and they are suddenly destroyed in the sight of the people. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 34:27

Because they turned back - This is the reason why he has dealt with them in judgment. They had departed from him in their hearts, their moral conduct, and their civil government. He is speaking of corrupt and tyrannical rulers. And they did not, would not, understand any of his ways. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 34:28

So that they cause the cry of the poor - They were cruel and oppressive: the poor cried through their distresses, and against their oppressors; and God heard the cry of the poor. Nothing so dreadful appears in the court of heaven against an unfeeling, hardhearted, and cruel man of power, as the prayers, tears, and groans of the poor. In times of little liberality, when some men thought they did God service by persecuting those who did not exactly receive their creed, nor worship God in their... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 34:29

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? - How beautiful is this sentiment, and how true! He ever acts as a sovereign, but his actions are all wise and just. If he give quietness, who dares to give trouble? And if he give to every human being the right to worship himself according to their conscience, for the director of which he gives both his word and his Spirit, who shall dare to say to another, "Thou shalt worship God in my way, or not at all;" or, through a pretended... read more

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