Job 34:36

Job 34:36 (KJV) records a pivotal statement from Elihu, the youngest of Job's three friends, who steps into the debate after the others have failed to persuade Job. This verse encapsulates Elihu's stern assessment of Job's spiritual state and his belief that Job's trials should continue.

Context of Job 34:36

Elihu enters the narrative in Job chapter 32, expressing his frustration with both Job and his older friends. He believes Job has been self-righteous and has questioned God's justice, equating Job's words to those of wicked men. In chapter 34, Elihu continues his lengthy discourse, arguing for God's unquestionable righteousness and sovereignty. He asserts that God is too great to be unjust and that suffering often serves a corrective purpose. This verse, therefore, is Elihu's firm declaration that Job deserves further testing due to what Elihu perceives as Job's defiant and ungodly responses to his suffering.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Justice and Sovereignty: Elihu firmly believes in God's absolute justice and that Job's suffering is a deserved consequence of his words. He sees God as perfectly just in all His dealings, even when they involve intense trials.
• Suffering as Discipline and Refinement: From Elihu's perspective, Job's continued affliction is not random but a necessary process to expose and purge his perceived wickedness and self-righteousness. It is a trial meant to bring about spiritual purification. This idea resonates with the broader biblical theme of God's discipline for our good.
• The Danger of Ungodly Speech: Elihu highlights the seriousness of Job's "answers for wicked men," implying that Job's complaints and self-defense align him with those who rebel against God. This underscores the biblical emphasis on the power and responsibility of our words.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "My desire [is that] Job may be tried unto the end" uses the Hebrew word bachan (בָּחַן), which means to test, prove, or examine. It often implies a process of purification or scrutiny, much like refining metal. Elihu wishes for Job's trial to continue until his character is fully exposed and purified, or until he fully acknowledges his fault. The phrase "answers for wicked men" (תְּשֻׁבֹת לְאַנְשֵׁי אָוֶן, teshuvot le'anshei aven) suggests that Job's responses are akin to or characteristic of those who practice iniquity or wickedness, highlighting Elihu's strong condemnation of Job's words.

Practical Application

While Elihu's perspective is not entirely aligned with God's later vindication of Job, his words offer valuable insights for believers today:

• Examine Our Responses in Suffering: When we face trials, it's crucial to examine our words and attitudes. Do we accuse God, or do we seek to understand His purposes? Trials can be opportunities for spiritual growth if we respond with humility and faith, rather than bitterness or self-righteousness.
• Trust God's Sovereignty: Elihu's unwavering belief in God's justice reminds us that even when we don't understand the reasons for our suffering, God remains just and sovereign. Our limited perspective cannot fully grasp His infinite wisdom.
• The Weight of Our Words: The commentary on Job's "answers for wicked men" serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of our speech. Our words can either honor God or align us with perspectives that are contrary to His truth. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.