Job 35:11

Commentary on Job 35:11 (KJV)

Job 35:11 is part of Elihu's discourse to Job and his friends, where he defends God's justice and sovereignty. Elihu, younger than Job's three companions, asserts that God is greater than man and does not need to answer to human complaints. In this particular verse, Elihu highlights the profound distinction between humanity and the animal kingdom, emphasizing God's unique relationship with and instruction of mankind.

Context

Elihu's speeches (chapters 32-37) serve as an interlude before God Himself speaks to Job. He argues that Job's suffering is not necessarily a sign of God's injustice or indifference, but perhaps a means of instruction or discipline. Elihu aims to correct Job's perception that God is silent or uninterested in human affairs. He points out that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, and that God's greatness is evident in His creation and His dealings with humanity. This verse specifically addresses Job's complaints about God's perceived lack of attention, suggesting that humans, unlike animals, are endowed with a unique capacity to receive divine wisdom and understanding.

Key Themes

• Human Uniqueness and Superiority: The verse underlines the exceptional position of humanity in creation. While animals are guided by instinct, humans possess a higher faculty—the ability to receive instruction and wisdom from God. This echoes the biblical concept of humanity being created in God's image, distinct from all other creatures.
• Divine Instruction and Wisdom: Elihu asserts that God actively "teacheth us" and "maketh us wiser." This points to God as the ultimate source of true wisdom and understanding, which goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge or natural instinct. It implies a moral and spiritual capacity unique to humans.
• God's Sovereignty and Justice: Underlying Elihu's entire argument is the conviction that God is just and sovereign, even when His ways are inscrutable to humans. The capacity for divine instruction implies that God is not distant but engages with humanity on a level far beyond His interaction with the animal kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "teacheth us" is ya'alləp̄ēnū (יַאְלְּפֵנוּ), derived from the root 'ālap̄, which means "to teach" or "to instruct." This is not merely about natural learning or instinct, but points to a deliberate impartation of knowledge or understanding. Similarly, "maketh us wiser" comes from the root ḥākam (חָכַם), meaning "to be wise." This highlights the intellectual and spiritual capacity given to humans that elevates them above creatures driven solely by instinct. The contrast drawn between "beasts of the earth" (bəhēmōt 'āreṣ) and "fowls of heaven" (ʿôp haššāmayim) vividly illustrates the vast difference between humanity and the rest of the animal kingdom.

Practical Application

Job 35:11 serves as a profound reminder of the unique dignity and responsibility of humanity. Unlike animals, we are not merely creatures of instinct; we are endowed with the capacity to seek, receive, and apply divine wisdom. This verse encourages us to:

• Appreciate Our Unique Standing: Recognize that our ability to reason, discern, and connect with the divine is a gift from God, setting us apart from the rest of creation. This echoes the idea of humanity being created in God's image.
• Actively Seek Divine Wisdom: If God teaches us more than animals, then we should actively pursue His instruction. This involves studying His Word, prayer, and seeking spiritual insight. As Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD giveth wisdom."
• Live Beyond Mere Instinct: Our lives should not be governed solely by basic needs or desires, but by the higher wisdom and moral guidance that God provides. This calls for a life of purpose and spiritual discernment.
• Trust God's Higher Ways: Elihu's point ultimately challenges Job, and us, to trust that God's plans and methods are superior to our own understanding, even when they involve suffering or silence. God is always teaching, even through difficult circumstances.