Job 36:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Elihu's declaration in Job 36:31 articulates God's absolute sovereignty over the natural world, asserting that divine power orchestrates meteorological phenomena not only as instruments for the administration of justice and governance over humanity but also as the means for lavishly providing sustenance. This verse encapsulates a profound biblical truth: the same divine hand that directs the elements to bring forth consequences also orchestrates creation to yield abundant resources for all living things, thereby revealing God's multifaceted and comprehensive interaction with both humanity and His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Elihu's extensive and climactic discourse, spanning from [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's First Speech") to [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Final Speech"), which serves as a crucial theological bridge between the protracted debates of Job and his three friends and God's eventual, direct intervention. Elihu, presented as a younger, more discerning voice, steps forward to correct what he perceives as the theological shortcomings of all previous speakers. Chapters 36 and 37 specifically magnify God's immense power and majestic wisdom as vividly displayed in the natural world, particularly through meteorological phenomena. [Job 36:31](/job/36-31 "Job 36:31 - God's Judgment and Provision through Nature") directly refers to the "them" of the preceding verses, specifically [Job 36:27-30](/job/36-27-30 "Job 36:27-30 - God's Control Over Clouds and Rain"), which meticulously describe God's process of drawing up water, distilling it as rain, and spreading His clouds, from which He thunders. Elihu's central argument is that these natural processes are far from random; rather, they are purposeful instruments in God's sovereign hand, employed to achieve specific divine ends, whether for judgment, discipline, or blessing. This profound emphasis on God's active, intentional control over nature is a recurring motif throughout Elihu's speeches, culminating in the dramatic whirlwind from which God finally speaks in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job"), validating Elihu's focus on divine power in creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, human existence was inextricably linked to the rhythms of nature, with survival critically dependent on agricultural success, which in turn relied entirely on weather patterns, especially rainfall. Societies were predominantly agrarian, and the prosperity or failure of crops directly determined the well-being of communities. Consequently, destructive storms, prolonged droughts, or devastating floods were frequently interpreted as manifestations of divine displeasure or judgment, while timely, life-giving rains and fertile seasons were celebrated as divine blessings. This pervasive worldview is profoundly embedded in the Old Testament, where covenant promises, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"), explicitly connect obedience to abundant rain and prosperity, and disobedience to drought and famine. Elihu's statements in [Job 36:31](/job/36-31 "Job 36:31 - God's Judgment and Provision through Nature") resonate deeply with this cultural understanding, portraying God not as a distant, detached deity but as an active, immanent ruler who directly intervenes in the natural order to achieve His purposes for humanity. The concept of a divine judge who utilizes natural phenomena to execute justice was common, but Elihu expands this by emphasizing that this same omnipotent power also provides sustenance, thereby demonstrating a comprehensive and benevolent divine oversight.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 36:31](/job/36-31 "Job 36:31 - God's Judgment and Provision through Nature") significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute and meticulous control over all creation, from the smallest atmospheric mist to the most powerful storm. This aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer, a truth beautifully articulated in passages like [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - God's Majesty in Creation"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Justice and Governance**, portraying natural events as purposeful instruments through which God judges, disciplines, or vindicates people. Elihu's argument posits that God's ways are inherently just, even when they appear inscrutable to human understanding, and that His strategic use of nature serves His righteous administration of the world, a concept further elaborated in [Job 37:13](/job/37-13 "Job 37:13 - God's Purposes for Nature"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Abundant Provision**. Despite the potential for judgment, the very same natural systems are employed by God to generously supply "meat in abundance," symbolizing all necessary sustenance. This theme of God as the benevolent Provider is central to the biblical witness, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 145:15-16](/psalms/145-15-16 "Psalm 145:15-16 - God's Open Hand of Provision"), where God is depicted as opening His hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgeth (Hebrew, _dîyn'_):** While commonly understood as "to judge" in a judicial sense, the provided ground-truth Strong's definition for H1777 (`dîyn`) describes it as "a primitive root; a straight course, i.e. sail direct; (come) with a straight course." In the context of "judgeth he the people," this implies God's active role in directing or governing humanity along a specific, "straight course." This can be interpreted as God's guidance, administration, or even correction, ensuring that people adhere to His intended path. Thus, His "judging" involves setting and maintaining the proper trajectory for human affairs, using natural phenomena as instruments to guide or correct their course.
* **Meat (Hebrew, _ʼôkel'_):** This term, H400, is a general word for "food" or "sustenance," encompassing anything consumable that provides nourishment. The KJV's "meat" should not be limited to animal flesh but understood broadly as provisions necessary for life. This highlights God's comprehensive provision for all living creatures, not exclusively human beings, emphasizing the fundamental physical needs that God generously meets through the natural world.
* **Abundance (Hebrew, _makbîyr'_):** Derived from H4342, this word signifies "plenty" or "great quantity." It underscores the generosity and overflowing nature of God's provision. It implies more than mere sufficiency, pointing to a superabundance that demonstrates God's boundless care, His inherent goodness, and His capacity to provide beyond what is strictly necessary for survival, reflecting His bounteous character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For by them judgeth he the people;":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between the natural phenomena described in the preceding verses (clouds, rain, mist, thunder, lightning) and God's active governance and administration of humanity. "By them" explicitly indicates that these elements are not random occurrences but are divine instruments. God utilizes the weather and natural forces as a means to interact with people, whether to bring about consequences for their actions (judgment, discipline, correction) or to demonstrate His sovereign power and righteous rule. This suggests a direct, purposeful connection between the natural world and the moral and spiritual state of humanity, as understood within ancient Israelite theology.
* **"he giveth meat in abundance.":** This second clause presents a complementary, yet contrasting, aspect of God's interaction with creation through the very same natural elements. The same systems that can bring judgment (e.g., destructive storms, drought, or directing a "straight course") are also the means through which God provides lavishly for all living things. "Meat in abundance" signifies a generous, overflowing supply of food and comprehensive sustenance. This highlights God's role as the ultimate Sustainer, demonstrating His benevolent care and abundant provision for His creation, ensuring life and well-being even amidst His sovereign rule and righteous governance.

#### Literary Devices
Job 36:31 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Personification** is subtly present in the way natural phenomena are presented as active agents, implicitly "judging" and "giving" under God's command, as if they are His direct servants carrying out divine decrees. This elevates the elements beyond mere physical occurrences to instruments of divine will. There is also a clear **Parallelism** or **Antithesis** between the two clauses: "judgeth he the people" and "he giveth meat in abundance." While not a strict synonymous or antithetical parallelism, it presents two distinct, yet equally powerful, aspects of God's interaction with humanity through nature – one involving accountability and governance, and the other involving sustenance and benevolence. This highlights the comprehensive and dual nature of God's sovereignty. Furthermore, the phrase "meat in abundance" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the overflowing generosity of God's provision beyond mere sufficiency, underscoring His boundless care and omnipotent power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:31 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's comprehensive sovereignty over all creation, demonstrating His active involvement in the world's affairs through both judgment and benevolent provision. This dual function of nature as an instrument of divine will is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, challenging humanity to recognize God's hand in all circumstances. It reminds us that the same God who brings forth life-giving rain can also withhold it, and that His purposes, though often inscrutable to human understanding, are always rooted in His perfect justice and unwavering faithfulness. This verse calls us to a posture of profound awe and reverence, acknowledging that our very sustenance and the intricate order of the world are entirely dependent on His sovereign decree and benevolent hand.

* [Deuteronomy 11:14](/deuteronomy/11-14 "God's Provision of Rain for Obedience")
* [Psalm 65:9-13](/psalms/65-9-13 "God's Provision Through Nature")
* [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "God's Rain on the Just and Unjust")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:31 invites us to cultivate a profound awareness of God's active presence and omnipotent power in the world around us. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate physical manifestations of weather and natural cycles and to perceive the sovereign hand of God orchestrating all things for His purposes. This perspective encourages a posture of deep trust, even when circumstances are difficult or seemingly chaotic, reminding us that God's overarching purposes are always at play, whether in moments of abundant provision or in times of hardship that may serve as a form of divine discipline, correction, or simply a revelation of His majesty. Recognizing God as the ultimate source of all sustenance should foster a spirit of profound gratitude for every meal, every breath, and every blessing. It also calls us to humility, acknowledging our complete dependence on Him, and to a renewed commitment to living in alignment with His righteous ways, knowing that He governs the earth with both perfect justice and boundless generosity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over natural phenomena (like weather) impact your trust in Him during times of both blessing and adversity?**
* **In what specific ways do you see God providing "meat in abundance" in your own life, beyond just physical food?**
* **How might understanding nature as an instrument of God's judgment and provision shape your prayers and your response to global events?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's daily provision and His governance of all creation?**

### FAQ

**Who is Elihu, and what is the significance of his speech in the book of Job?**

Answer: Elihu is a younger man who emerges towards the end of the debates between Job and his three friends. He is introduced in [Job 32:1-5](/job/32-1-5 "Elihu's Anger and Introduction") as someone who has patiently waited to speak, feeling that both Job and his companions have erred in their arguments. Elihu's significance lies in his attempt to offer a more nuanced theological perspective than the friends, arguing that suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin but can also be a means of divine discipline, instruction, and purification, intended to draw a person closer to God ([Job 33:14-30](/job/33-14-30 "Elihu on God's Discipline")). He emphasizes God's justice, omnipotence, and profound wisdom, especially as revealed in His control over creation, thereby preparing the way for God's direct and awe-inspiring intervention in [Job 38](/job/38 "God Speaks from the Whirlwind").

**Does "judgeth he the people" imply that all natural disasters are direct punishments for sin?**

Answer: While Elihu and other biblical texts sometimes link natural phenomena to divine judgment for sin (e.g., the Flood in [Genesis 6-9](/genesis/6-9 "The Great Flood")), it is a theological oversimplification to conclude that *all* natural disasters are direct, specific punishments for individual or corporate sin. The book of Job itself, particularly God's speeches from the whirlwind, challenges this simplistic cause-and-effect understanding of suffering. Elihu's point here is more about God's sovereign governance and administration of justice through nature, which can include discipline, but also revelation of His power, or even simply the natural consequences of a fallen world. As [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "Jesus on Suffering") illustrates, Jesus explicitly refutes the idea that all suffering is due to personal sin. God's purposes are multifaceted and often beyond human comprehension, encompassing His righteous rule, His educational discipline, and His ultimate redemptive plan.

**What does "meat in abundance" signify for us today?**

Answer: "Meat in abundance" (Hebrew: *ʾôkhel larōv*) signifies God's generous and overflowing provision of all necessary sustenance for life. For us today, it means recognizing that God is the ultimate source of all our physical needs – food, water, shelter, health, and the resources that enable them. It calls us to cultivate profound gratitude for daily blessings, to trust in His continued and faithful provision, and to be mindful of how we steward the resources He provides. It also encourages us to share from our abundance with those in need, reflecting God's own generous and compassionate character. This concept extends beyond mere physical food to encompass all the good things God provides to sustain our lives and well-being, both physically and spiritually.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 36:31, with its declaration of God's dual use of nature for both judgment and abundant provision, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest revelation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Word through whom all things were made and by whom all things hold together ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "All Things Made Through Him"); [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ Upholds All Things")), Christ is the active agent of God's sovereignty over creation. He powerfully demonstrated this control by calming raging storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), walking miraculously on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Jesus Walks on Water")), and miraculously multiplying loaves and fish to feed thousands ([Matthew 14:19-21](/matthew/14-19-21 "Feeding the Five Thousand")), thereby embodying God's abundant provision in a tangible way. More profoundly, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the ultimate judgment for humanity's sin on the cross ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "God Sent His Son to Bear Sin")), thereby fulfilling the "judgeth he the people" aspect not through natural calamity but through His own perfect, substitutionary sacrifice. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He became the true "meat in abundance," the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and Living Water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus, the Living Water")), offering eternal spiritual sustenance that infinitely surpasses any physical provision. Thus, Christ is both the one through whom God executes ultimate justice against sin and the one who provides ultimate, eternal abundance for all who believe.

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 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.