Job 34:18-19

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 34:18

Is it fit to say to a king, thou art wicked ?.... Not even to a bad king; for though he may be reproved for his sins, yet not by any or everyone, but by a fit and proper person: and generally speaking, if not always, the Scriptural instances of reproving such kings are of men that were prophets, and sent in the name of the Lord to do it; and when done by them, was done with decency: and much less should this be said to a good king; as to say to him, Belial, the word here used; or thou... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 34:19

How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes ,.... And indeed God is not the respecter of the persons of any, no, not of the greatest men on earth, kings and princes, Acts 10:34 ; these are alike dealt with by him as others in the dispensations of his providence; nor do they escape the marks of his displeasure, wrath and vengeance, when they sin against him: nor regardeth the rich more than the poor ? by showing favour to them, or conniving at them, for they are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 34:18

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? - The sentence is very short, and is thus translated by the Vulgate : Qui dicit regi, Apostata? Qui vocat duces impios ? "Who says to a king, Apostate? Who calls leaders impious?" Literally, Who calls a king Belial? Who calls princes wicked? Civil governors should be treated with respect; no man should speak evil of the ruler of the people. This should never be permitted. Even where the man cannot be respected, because his moral conduct is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 34:19

That accepteth not - If it be utterly improper to speak against a king or civil governor, how much more so to speak disrespectfully of God, who is not influenced by human caprices or considerations, and who regards the rich and the poor alike, being equally his creatures, and equally dependent on his providence and mercy for their support and salvation. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:1-37

In this chapter Elihu turns from Job to those whom he addresses as "wise men" (verse 2), or "men of understanding" (verse 10). Whether these are Job's three special friends, or others among the company which had perhaps gathered to hear the debate, is uncertain. He makes the subject of his address to them Job's conduct—scarcely a polite thing to do in Job's presence. Job, he says, has scorned God and charged him with injustice (verses 5-9). He will vindicate him. This he proceeds to do in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:1-37

Elihu to the bystanders: the case of Job tried. I. THE COURT CONSTITUTED . 1 . The panel . Job, a good man, a great sufferer, sorely calumniated deeply perplexed, involved in doubt and darkness, and guilty of much presumption. 2 . The judges . Either the three friends ironically addressed as "wise men," or the bystanders, among whom were doubtless many possessed of sound wisdom and discretions" wise" and "knowing ones" (verse 2), "men of understanding," literally,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:1-37

Elihu's second discourse: man has no right to doubt of God's fustier. I. CENSURE OF JOB 'S DOUBTS . ( Job 34:1-9 .) In silence Job has listened to the reproof of his friend, and has apparently taken to heart the lesson that in justifiable self-defence we may carry our protests beyond the true boundary, and exaggerate our innocence while rejecting false imputations. Elihu therefore rises again, and proceeds with his second reproof. Job has represented God as a cruel, unjust... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:18

Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? Would any subject of an earthly king deem it fitting to accuse his sovereign of wicked and unjust conduct? Would he even tax those who stood next to the king—the princes and great officers of the court—with ungodliness? If a sense of what is becoming and seemly would restrain a man from the use of language of this sort towards his earthly ruler, can it be right that he should allow himself in such liberty or speech... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 34:19

How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes! How much less becomingly is such language used of One so far above princes that he regards them as on a level with all other men, and pays them no special respect! Worldly rank is, of course, nothing with God. All mankind are his subjects and servants, whom he differentiates one from another solely by their moral and spiritual qualities. Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor . If earthly rank is of no account with God,... read more

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