Job34

Elihu begins by addressing wise men, refuting Job's claims of righteousness and God's injustice. He asserts God's absolute righteousness and power, stating that the Almighty never acts wickedly or perverts judgment. Elihu emphasizes that God renders to each person according to their ways and sees all their actions, punishing the wicked without partiality.

Elihu Appeals to the Wise

1
Moreover Elihu answered,
2
“Hear my words, you wise men. Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.
3
For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food. ​
4
Let us choose for us that which is right. Let us know among ourselves what is good.

Job's Words Are Condemned

5
For Job has said, ‘I am righteous, God has taken away my right: ​
6
Notwithstanding my right I am considered a liar. My wound is incurable, though I am without disobedience.’
7
What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water,
8
Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men?
9
For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.’ ​

God Is Absolutely Righteous

10
“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. ​
11
For the work of a man he will render to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. ​
12
Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.
13
Who put him in charge of the earth? or who has appointed him over the whole world?
14
If he set his heart on himself, If he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath, ​
15
all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to dust.

God's Impartial Rule and Justice

16
“If now you have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words.
17
Shall even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty?— ​
18
Who says to a king, ‘Vile!’ or to nobles, ‘Wicked!’?
19
Who doesn’t respect the persons of princes, nor respects the rich more than the poor; for they all are the work of his hands. ​
20
In a moment they die, even at midnight. The people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are taken away without a hand.
21
“For his eyes are on the ways of a man. He sees all his goings.
22
There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. ​
23
For he doesn’t need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment.
24
He breaks in pieces mighty men in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.
25
Therefore he takes knowledge of their works. He overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
26
He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
27
because they turned aside from following him, and wouldn’t pay attention to any of his ways,
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so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him. He heard the cry of the afflicted.
29
When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? Alike whether to a nation, or to a man, ​
30
that the godless man may not reign, that there be no one to ensnare the people. ​

A Call for Repentance

31
“For has any said to God, ‘I am guilty, but I will not offend any more. ​
32
Teach me that which I don’t see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more’?
33
Shall his recompense be as you desire, that you refuse it? For you must choose, and not I. Therefore speak what you know. ​
34
Men of understanding will tell me, yes, every wise man who hears me:
35
‘Job speaks without knowledge. His words are without wisdom.’ ​
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I wish that Job were tried to the end, because of his answering like wicked men. ​
37
For he adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God.”

Study Notes for Job 34

Verse 3

This verse uses a common poetic metaphor to encourage discernment, suggesting that just as the mouth tests food for quality, the mind must carefully evaluate the truth of the statements being made.

Verse 5

Elihu begins his critique by summarizing Job’s statements, accusing Job of claiming absolute righteousness while simultaneously charging God with injustice (cf. Job 9:20; 27:2).

Verse 9

Elihu interprets Job's despair as a statement that serving God or delighting in Him is ultimately futile since piety does not guarantee protection from suffering.

Verse 10

This is a fundamental theological assertion: God’s nature precludes Him from acting wickedly or committing iniquity. This serves as the bedrock for Elihu's entire defense of divine justice.

Verse 11

Elihu affirms the principle of divine retribution, arguing that God rewards or punishes human beings according to their actions. This directly challenges Job’s experience of innocent suffering.

Verse 14

This passage stresses God’s absolute sovereignty over creation. If God were to withdraw His life-giving Spirit and breath, all humanity would instantly perish and return to dust (cf. Ps. 104:29).

Verse 17

A rhetorical question asserting the necessity of justice in governance. If a ruler did not uphold right, they could not govern; therefore, God, the most just, must rule justly.

Verse 19

Elihu emphasizes God’s impartiality. Unlike corrupt earthly rulers who favor the rich or powerful, God judges all people equally, recognizing that all are equally His creation.

Verse 22

This verse affirms God's omniscience. No place, whether physical darkness or the 'shadow of death' (a poetic phrase for deep obscurity or despair), can hide the wicked from God’s sight.

Verse 29

This highlights God's absolute control over circumstances. Whether God grants peace or hides His face (a sign of displeasure), no human or national power can alter the divine decree.

Verse 30

The ultimate purpose of God’s intervention, even against nations, is often to prevent the reign of tyrannical or godless rulers ('hypocrites') who would corrupt the people.

Verse 31

Elihu suggests the proper response Job should have adopted: immediate submission, acceptance of chastisement, and a promise to cease offending God.

Verse 33

Elihu challenges Job directly: Job cannot dictate the terms of justice or compensation to God. God will judge according to His own wisdom, regardless of Job’s refusal or choice.

Verse 35

This is Elihu's central conclusion regarding Job’s arguments: they lack theological wisdom and are rooted in ignorance of God’s just character.

Verse 36

Elihu wishes for Job to continue being tested until he repents. He views Job’s defense of his own innocence as akin to taking the side of the wicked.

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