Job 35:10

KJV

But none saith, Where [is] God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

KJV (with Strong's)

But none saith {H559}, Where is God {H433} my maker {H6213}, who giveth {H5414} songs {H2158} in the night {H3915};

Complete Jewish Bible

But no one asks, 'Where is God my maker, who causes glad songs to ring out at night,

Berean Standard Bible

But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night,

American Standard Version

But none saith, Where is God my Maker, Who giveth songs in the night,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Elihu, in his final discourse to Job, challenges the common human tendency to cry out under oppression without truly seeking God, their Maker. Job 35:10 highlights this profound oversight, asserting that "none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night." This verse powerfully underscores God's unique ability to provide deep comfort, peace, and even joy amidst the most profound darkness and suffering, contrasting human complaint with divine solace and calling humanity to recognize and actively seek the true source of their strength and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 35:10 is embedded within Elihu's fourth and final speech, spanning [Job 35:1-16](/job/35-1-16 "Elihu's Fourth Speech"). This discourse immediately precedes God's climactic appearance and address to Job from the whirlwind, serving as a theological bridge. Elihu, presented as a younger, more perceptive observer than Job's three friends, positions himself as a mediator, aiming to correct what he perceives as Job's self-righteousness and the friends' flawed, overly simplistic theology of retribution. In this chapter, Elihu argues vehemently for God's transcendence and absolute sovereignty, asserting that human actions, whether righteous or wicked, do not fundamentally impact God's being or diminish His glory ([Job 35:6-8](/job/35-6-8 "Human Actions and God's Sovereignty")). He criticizes Job for implying that God ignores the cries of the afflicted or that there is no inherent benefit in seeking Him. Elihu contends that while people may cry out from oppression, their lamentations often lack a genuine inquiry into God's presence and purpose. This verse serves as a direct indictment of humanity's failure to look beyond their immediate pain to the divine source of solace, setting the stage for God's subsequent revelation of His incomprehensible wisdom and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in an ancient Near Eastern context, reflecting the prevailing cultural and theological understandings of divine justice, human suffering, and the intricate relationship between God and humanity. In this cultural milieu, suffering was frequently, though often erroneously, linked directly to sin, a premise Job's three friends adamantly uphold. Elihu, while also affirming God's justice, introduces a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that suffering can serve disciplinary or revelatory purposes, rather than being solely punitive. The concept of "night" (Hebrew: _laylah_) universally symbolizes periods of trouble, despair, sorrow, or spiritual darkness, a pervasive motif found throughout ancient literature and the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night") and [Psalm 130:6](/psalms/130-6 "Psalm 130:6 - Waiting for the Lord More Than Watchmen for the Morning")). The idea of "songs in the night" would have been particularly counter-intuitive and striking, as night was typically a time for fear, vulnerability, and lament, not for joy or praise. This phrase, therefore, challenges conventional expectations, pointing to a supernatural source of comfort and strength that transcends the natural order of things, a solace not dependent on external circumstances but solely on the divine presence.
* **Key Themes:** Job 35:10 significantly contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Comfort in Adversity**, emphasizing God's unique and sovereign ability to provide profound solace and unexpected joy ("songs") even amidst the deepest suffering ("the night"). This speaks to a spiritual comfort that is not contingent on the absence of trouble but is available within the very heart of it, a theme beautifully echoed in [Psalm 42:8](/psalms/42-8 "Psalm 42:8 - God's Song in the Night") and [Psalm 77:6](/psalms/77-6 "Psalm 77:6 - Remembering Songs in the Night"). Secondly, Elihu points to **Human Forgetfulness and Failure to Seek God**. He delivers a sharp critique of the common human failing to focus on pain, complaint, and perceived injustice rather than actively seeking God, who alone can provide true relief, perspective, and transformation of spirit. This aligns with the biblical call to "call upon me in the day of trouble" found in [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in Trouble"). Lastly, the phrase "God my maker" underscores **God as Creator and Sustainer**, serving as a powerful reminder of His foundational role as the one who brought humanity into existence. This truth implies His inherent right, power, and benevolent will to sustain, comfort, and guide His creation through even the most challenging experiences, a foundational theological truth seen in passages like [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God as Creator and Redeemer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say," but is used with great latitude, encompassing concepts like answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, demanding, or even thinking and uttering speech. In Job 35:10, its use highlights a profound lack of inquiry or utterance. Elihu observes that despite their distress, people do not *say* or *ask* the crucial question about God's presence and provision, indicating a spiritual oversight or a failure to direct their thoughts and words toward God in a meaningful way.
* **maker (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to do or make," this term carries the broadest sense of creation, accomplishment, and fashioning. When applied to God as "my maker," it emphasizes His role as the sovereign Creator who brought humanity into existence. This implies not only the act of creation but also ongoing care, ownership, and an intimate, foundational relationship with His creation. Elihu appeals to this truth, reminding listeners that God, as their fashioner, possesses the inherent right and ability to provide for those He has made and to understand their deepest needs.
* **songs (Hebrew, _zâmîyr'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to sing," refers to a song, melody, or psalm, often intended to be accompanied by instrumental music. It conveys an idea of joyful expression, praise, or celebration. The juxtaposition of "songs" with "night" is particularly striking and paradoxical, as night typically symbolizes sorrow and distress. The presence of "songs" in such a context signifies a supernatural, divinely-imparted joy, peace, or praise that is independent of, and even triumphant over, external circumstances. It suggests a deep, inner spiritual comfort that can transform lament into genuine praise.
* **night (Hebrew, _layil'_):** This term, also appearing as _lêyl_ or _laylāh_, properly refers to a "twist" or "turning away of the light," signifying the period of darkness. Figuratively, it universally symbolizes adversity, trouble, sorrow, despair, or spiritual darkness. The phrase "in the night" powerfully conveys circumstances that are devoid of natural light, comfort, or hope. It sets the stage for the miraculous nature of God's provision of "songs," implying that His comfort and transformative power are most evident precisely when human resources and natural light fail, and when despair seems most overwhelming.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But none saith":** Elihu's opening phrase serves as a sharp and critical observation of human behavior. It highlights a widespread spiritual myopia, forgetfulness, or even stubbornness. Despite their cries of pain, oppression, or perceived injustice, people fail to direct their inquiry or their hearts toward the ultimate source of help and understanding. This is not merely a statement of fact but an indictment of humanity's failure to seek God actively in their distress, instead often focusing solely on their suffering or complaining about their circumstances.
* **"Where [is] God my maker":** This is the crucial, penetrating question that Elihu contends no one truly asks. It points to a profound spiritual oversight and a misdirection of focus. Instead of questioning God's justice or merely lamenting their lot, Elihu suggests that the proper, indeed essential, response to suffering should be to seek the presence, purpose, and comfort of God. By invoking "my maker," Elihu reminds humanity of God's foundational relationship with them as their Creator, implying His inherent knowledge of their needs and His vested interest in their well-being. It's a call to remember God's sovereignty, His intimate involvement in human life, and His unique ability to provide.
* **"who giveth songs in the night":** This clause reveals God's unique, benevolent, and transformative character. Even in the deepest "night" of human suffering, despair, or spiritual darkness, God possesses the power and willingness to provide "songs"—meaning profound joy, inner peace, supernatural comfort, or the ability to offer praise. This is not a superficial cheerfulness or a denial of pain, but a deep, divinely-imparted solace that transcends and even defies external circumstances. It speaks to God's miraculous power to transform sorrow into joy, lament into praise, and to provide inner strength and hope precisely when all human resources and natural conditions are bleak.

#### Literary Devices
Job 35:10 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "night" serves as a powerful and universally understood symbol for periods of intense suffering, despair, adversity, or spiritual darkness. This symbol immediately evokes a sense of vulnerability, isolation, and hopelessness. In stark **Contrast** to this is the **Symbolism** of "songs," which represents joy, praise, comfort, and an inner peace that transcends external circumstances. The **Juxtaposition** of "songs" and "night" creates a striking paradox, highlighting God's supernatural ability to bring forth joy and solace in the most unlikely and desolate circumstances. This unexpected combination underscores the divine nature of the comfort offered, as it defies natural human experience and expectation. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("Where is God my maker...?") to implicitly criticize humanity's spiritual blindness and call for a deeper, more intentional seeking of God during times of distress, compelling the listener to self-reflection rather than providing a direct answer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to God's character as the ultimate Comforter and Sustainer, capable of imparting joy and peace even in the most desolate circumstances. It challenges the human tendency to lament external circumstances without turning inward to seek the divine presence, reminding us that true solace comes from recognizing God as our Creator and trusting in His benevolent provision. The "songs in the night" represent a spiritual reality where God's presence transforms despair into hope, demonstrating that His comfort is not contingent on the absence of trouble but is a supernatural gift available within the very heart of adversity. This theological truth assures believers that God is not distant or indifferent to their suffering but actively involved, offering a profound inner peace that the world cannot give or take away. It redirects our focus from the problem to the Provider, inviting a deeper, more intimate relationship with the One who holds all things in His hands.

* [Psalm 42:8](/psalms/42-8 "Psalm 42:8 - God's Steadfast Love and Song in the Night")
* [Acts 16:25](/acts/16-25 "Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas Singing Praises in Prison")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God as Creator and Redeemer of His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 35:10 serves as a profound challenge and comfort for believers navigating the complexities of suffering. In our moments of deepest distress, our natural inclination might be to focus on the pain, to question God's perceived silence, or to lament our circumstances. However, Elihu's words call us to a different, more redemptive posture: instead of merely crying out *about* our trouble, we are invited to cry out *to* God, actively asking, "Where is God my maker in this?" It encourages a vital shift from a complaint-centric perspective to a God-seeking one, reminding us that our Creator is intimately involved in our lives and possesses the unique ability to infuse our darkest hours with unexpected "songs"—moments of peace, understanding, or even joy that transcend our immediate pain. This verse compels us to cultivate a habit of seeking God's presence and trusting in His sovereign comfort, transforming our lamentations into opportunities for deeper reliance on Him, knowing that He can turn our night into a melody of hope and steadfast faith. It is a call to remember that even when the world offers no light, God remains the source of an enduring inner song.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing personal "nights" of suffering, what is your immediate inclination: to complain about the darkness or to seek God's presence within it?**
* **How can remembering God as your "Maker" and the One who formed you change your perspective on His involvement and care during times of trial?**
* **What does it mean practically to receive "songs in the night" from God, and how might you cultivate a heart open to such divine comfort and peace?**
* **Can you recall a specific time when God provided unexpected peace, strength, or even joy in the midst of a particularly difficult situation? How did that experience affirm His character as the Giver of "songs in the night"?**

### FAQ

**What does "songs in the night" truly mean, and how is it possible to have them during suffering?**

Answer: "Songs in the night" is a profound and beautiful metaphor for the divinely-imparted comfort, peace, and even joy that God can provide to His people even in the midst of their deepest suffering, despair, or spiritual darkness. The "night" symbolizes a time of trouble, sorrow, adversity, or spiritual barrenness, where natural light and comfort are absent. The "songs" represent an inner spiritual melody, a sense of hope, praise, or contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances but flows directly from God's presence and His work within the believer. It is possible to have such "songs" during suffering because God, as our "Maker," is sovereign over all circumstances and is the ultimate, inexhaustible source of all comfort and strength. This is not about denying pain or forcing superficial happiness, but about experiencing a supernatural peace that transcends human understanding ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God")) and finding profound strength and even praise in God's presence, even when circumstances remains bleak. It is the assurance that God is intimately with us, actively working even in the darkness, and can transform our lament into a melody of trust, hope, and praise, as famously demonstrated by Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison ([Acts 16:25](/acts/16-25 "Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas in Prison")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 35:10, with its poignant question about finding God who "giveth songs in the night," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Elihu's words highlight humanity's failure to seek God in their suffering, Christ perfectly embodies the "song in the night" for a fallen world. He willingly entered humanity's deepest "night" of sin, brokenness, and death, experiencing unimaginable suffering and even the cry of abandonment on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Yet, through His glorious resurrection, He conquered the ultimate night of death and the grave, bringing the dawn of new life, eternal hope, and the promise of ultimate deliverance. For believers, Christ is the very source of true and lasting joy, peace, and comfort, even amidst life's most severe trials. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent as the Comforter ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Comforter")), enables us to have "songs in the night"—a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and the ability to find joy even in tribulation ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Joy in Suffering Through Hope")). Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "My peace I give you... Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")), a peace that endures through the darkest nights of earthly existence. Thus, the longing for God who gives "songs in the night" is fully realized in Christ, who not only provides comfort but is the very embodiment of God's redemptive presence in our suffering, leading us to an eternal day where there will be no more night, sorrow, or crying ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears and No More Night")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 42:8

[Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

Psalms 149:5

Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Psalms 77:6

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

Isaiah 51:13

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

Ecclesiastes 12:1

¶ Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Job 36:13

But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.