Job 36:31

For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.

For by them judgeth {H1777} he the people {H5971}; he giveth {H5414} meat {H400} in abundance {H4342}.

By these things he judges the people and also gives food in plenty.

For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance.

For by these he judgeth the peoples; He giveth food in abundance.

Commentary

Job 36:31 (KJV), spoken by Elihu, is a powerful declaration about God's absolute control over the natural world and His use of it for both governance and sustenance. This verse encapsulates the dual nature of God's interaction with humanity through creation: judgment and abundant provision.

Context

This verse is part of Elihu's lengthy discourse to Job and his friends (Job chapters 32-37). Elihu argues that God is just and powerful, and that His ways are often beyond human comprehension. The phrase "by them" in Job 36:31 directly refers to the natural phenomena described in the preceding verses, specifically Job 36:27-30, which detail God's command over rain, mist, lightning, and thunder. Elihu posits that these powerful displays of nature are not random but are instruments in God's hand, used for specific divine purposes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nature: The verse emphasizes God's supreme authority over all aspects of creation. He is not merely an observer but an active controller of weather patterns, using them for His purposes. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of God's absolute power and mastery over the universe.
  • God as Judge and Governor: "For by them judgeth he the people" indicates that natural events can serve as expressions of divine judgment or discipline. This can manifest as blessings (e.g., life-giving rain for crops) or as curses (e.g., drought, storms) depending on the people's actions or God's sovereign will. Elihu believes God uses these means to correct or demonstrate His righteousness, as highlighted in Job 37:13.
  • God as Abundant Provider: Despite the aspect of judgment, the verse also highlights God's generous nature: "he giveth meat in abundance." "Meat" here means food or sustenance. God uses the very same natural systems that can bring judgment to also provide lavishly for all living things. This underscores His role as the ultimate sustainer, reflecting His care for creation, as seen in Psalm 145:15-16, where He opens His hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "judgeth" is din (Χ“Φ΄ΦΌΧ™ΧŸ), which carries a broad meaning of governing, vindicating, or punishing. It implies God's active administration of justice and order through His creation, not just a passive evaluation.
  • "Meat" is from the Hebrew okel (ΧΦΉΧ›ΦΆΧœ), a general term for food or sustenance, emphasizing God's provision for all physical needs, not just animal flesh.
  • "Abundance" comes from larov (ΧœΦΈΧ¨ΦΉΧ‘), signifying plenty, a great quantity, or lavishness, reinforcing the idea of God's generous and overflowing supply, beyond mere sufficiency.

Practical Application

Job 36:31 calls us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's intricate involvement in our world. It reminds us that:

  • We should acknowledge God's sovereignty in all circumstances, recognizing His hand in both favorable and challenging natural events. His control extends to every drop of rain and every flash of lightning.
  • Gratitude for daily sustenance should be a constant posture, knowing that our "meat in abundance" comes from His generous provision. Consider the birds of the air, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:26, that God feeds them, and we are of more value.
  • Even in what we perceive as natural disasters, there is a divine purpose, whether it is for correction, revelation of His power, or to draw people back to Him. This perspective encourages trust in God's ultimate plan, even when it is not fully understood.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 136:25

    Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Acts 14:17

    Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

  • Job 37:13

    He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.

  • Psalms 65:9

    Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

  • Psalms 65:13

    The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

  • Psalms 104:27

    These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give [them] their meat in due season.

  • Psalms 104:28

    [That] thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
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