Job 34:4

Job 34:4 is part of Elihu's discourse, where he steps in to offer his perspective on Job's suffering and God's justice. After observing the lengthy and ultimately unsatisfying debate between Job and his three friends, Elihu, the youngest of the group, presents himself as a voice of reason and divine insight. In this verse, he invites a collective and rational assessment of what is right and good, setting the stage for his elaborate defense of God's ways.

Context

This verse opens a section of Elihu's speech (Job 34:1-37), where he directly addresses Job and, implicitly, the other friends. Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, claims to speak with a fresh perspective, guided by the inspiration of the Almighty (Job 32:8). Frustrated by the lack of resolution and the perceived misrepresentation of God by both Job and his friends, Elihu proposes a new approach: a shared, deliberate effort to discern truth. He seeks to move beyond personal grievances and flawed assumptions to a clearer understanding of divine justice.

Key Themes

• The Pursuit of Discernment: Elihu's opening statement is an invitation to actively "choose judgment" and "know what is good." This highlights the importance of intellectual and spiritual discernment, urging the listeners to engage their minds in understanding moral and divine principles rather than simply accepting or rejecting them.
• Collective Reasoning: The phrase "let us know among ourselves" suggests a call for shared deliberation. Elihu proposes that by pooling their understanding and reasoning together, they might arrive at a more accurate perception of truth, especially concerning God's actions and character. This implies a belief that truth can be collaboratively sought, though Elihu ultimately believes he holds the correct answers.
• The Nature of Justice and Goodness: At its core, the verse poses fundamental questions about justice (mishpat, in Hebrew) and goodness (tov). Elihu believes that Job and his friends have misunderstood these concepts in relation to God's governance of the world, and he aims to clarify them. Ultimately, Elihu aims to defend God's character and unquestionable justice in the face of human suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "judgment" is mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), which encompasses concepts of justice, right ruling, legal decision, and even the established order of things. It's not merely a personal opinion but a standard of rectitude. "Good" is from the Hebrew tov (טוֹב), referring to what is morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, or proper. Elihu is not suggesting they invent these standards, but rather that they actively discern and align themselves with what is inherently just and good, particularly in light of God's character.

Practical Application

Job 34:4 offers timeless wisdom for how we approach complex issues, especially those involving faith, suffering, and God's character. It encourages us to:

• Seek Understanding: Instead of making hasty judgments or clinging to preconceived notions, we are called to thoughtfully consider and discern what is truly just and good. This applies to our personal lives, communal decisions, and theological reflections.
• Engage in Humble Dialogue: The call to "know among ourselves" underscores the value of open, respectful discussion, even when facing profound disagreements. By listening to diverse perspectives and reasoning together, we can collectively grow in wisdom and understanding, always seeking divine guidance. This call resonates with other biblical injunctions to understand justice, judgment, and equity.
• Uphold Divine Standards: Ultimately, for believers, discerning what is "good" and "just" means aligning with God's revealed character and principles. Elihu's discourse, though flawed in its application to Job, rightly points to God as the ultimate standard of goodness and justice.