Job35

Elihu continues his discourse, challenging Job's assertion that his righteousness surpasses God's and that there is no profit in being cleansed from sin. He argues that human actions do not directly affect God, who is transcendent, but rather impact other men. Elihu criticizes those who cry out under oppression but fail to seek God, their Maker, concluding that Job speaks ignorantly and without true understanding.

Elihu Challenges Job's Claims

1
Moreover Elihu answered,
2
“Do you think this to be your right, or do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s,’ ​
3
That you ask, ‘What advantage will it be to you? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?’
4
I will answer you, and your companions with you.

Human Actions Do Not Affect God

5
Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you. ​
6
If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? ​
7
If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand? ​
8
Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are, and your righteousness may profit a son of man.

Why Cries Go Unanswered

9
“By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.
10
But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, ​
11
who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’
12
There they cry, but no one gives answer, because of the pride of evil men.
13
Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it. ​
14
How much less when you say you don’t see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him! ​
15
But now, because he has not visited in his anger, neither does he greatly regard arrogance. ​
16
Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.” ​

Study Notes for Job 35

Verse 2

Elihu believes Job has implied that his moral integrity is superior to God’s concern, a dangerous theological claim that elevates the creature above the Creator.

Verse 5

Elihu employs the vast distance of the heavens as a metaphor for God’s transcendence and immutability, arguing that human actions cannot truly reach or alter the divine nature.

Verse 6

This rhetorical question establishes God's aseity (self-existence). Human sin harms fellow humans and the sinner, but it does not diminish God’s glory or power.

Verse 7

Just as sin cannot harm God, human righteousness cannot profit Him; God is already complete. Therefore, rewards for righteousness are given by grace, not necessity.

Verse 10

Elihu critiques the afflicted: they cry out against oppressors (v. 9) but fail to seek God as the source of true comfort and hope, who sustains the faithful even in suffering.

Verse 13

Elihu asserts that God ignores 'vanity'—prayers offered out of pride, resentment, or empty complaint. Only genuine, humble pleas are appropriate before the Almighty.

Verse 14

This verse advises Job to trust God’s timing. Even if Job cannot perceive God’s presence, divine judgment is certain and will be executed when appropriate.

Verse 15

A notoriously difficult verse, often interpreted as Elihu criticizing Job for impatience, suggesting that Job assumes God has overlooked his suffering because immediate retribution has not occurred.

Verse 16

Elihu concludes his second speech by condemning Job for multiplying words without knowledge, implying that Job's self-justification is rooted in ignorance of God’s transcendent nature.

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