Job 36:7

KJV

He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings [are they] on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.

KJV (with Strong's)

He withdraweth {H1639} not his eyes {H5869} from the righteous {H6662}: but with kings {H4428} are they on the throne {H3678}; yea, he doth establish {H3427} them for ever {H5331}, and they are exalted {H1361}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous; but when he sets kings on their throne forever, they may become proud;

Berean Standard Bible

He does not take His eyes off the righteous, but He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.

American Standard Version

He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: But with kings upon the throne He setteth them for ever, and they are exalted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:7, part of Elihu's final discourse, articulates God's unwavering and intimate attention to the righteous. It declares that God does not abandon those who walk in integrity but rather elevates them to positions of honor and stability, securing their standing eternally. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of divine justice and providence, asserting that even amidst suffering, God's watchful eye ensures the ultimate vindication and lasting establishment of His faithful servants, placing them in a position of dignity akin to earthly kings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Elihu's fourth and final speech (Job 36:1-37:24), which serves as a theological bridge between the debates of Job and his three friends and God's ultimate intervention from the whirlwind. Elihu presents himself as a younger, wiser mediator, aiming to correct the flawed perspectives of both Job (who felt unjustly afflicted) and his friends (who rigidly attributed suffering solely to sin). In chapters 36 and 37, Elihu emphasizes God's omnipotence, perfect justice, and inscrutable wisdom, arguing that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and always righteous. Job 36:7 specifically shifts Elihu's focus from God's disciplinary actions (Job 36:5-6) to His benevolent care for the righteous, asserting that God's attention is constant and that He ultimately elevates and establishes those who remain faithful, even through trials. This sets the stage for God's own revelation, which further underscores divine sovereignty and wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era, likely reflecting ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. In this cultural milieu, kingship was often seen as a divinely ordained institution, and being "on the throne" signified ultimate authority, security, and honor. The concept of divine favor was paramount, with prosperity and social standing often interpreted as signs of God's blessing, while suffering was frequently linked to divine displeasure. Elihu's assertion that the righteous are "with kings...on the throne" would have resonated deeply, implying a status of unparalleled dignity and security, protected and established by the ultimate Sovereign. This imagery contrasts sharply with Job's initial plight, where he was stripped of all honor and reduced to ashes, thereby offering a counter-narrative of God's ultimate restoration and vindication for the faithful, even if delayed.
* **Key Themes:** Job 36:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, asserting God's absolute control and active involvement in human affairs, particularly His meticulous care for the righteous. This challenges Job's perception of an indifferent or absent God. Secondly, it speaks to the theme of **Justice and Vindication**, suggesting that God's justice is not merely punitive but also restorative and exalting, ensuring that the righteous are ultimately honored and secured, even if their path includes suffering. This aligns with broader biblical promises of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, as seen in passages like [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - God Loves Justice") where the Lord does not forsake His saints. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Exaltation and Eternal Security** for the righteous, portraying a future where their integrity is rewarded with lasting honor and stability, a concept echoed in the New Testament's promises of believers reigning with Christ, as mentioned in [2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If We Endure, We Will Also Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Withdraweth (Hebrew, _yigra`_):** From the root גָּרַע (gara`), meaning "to diminish, to hold back, to withdraw." The negative construction, לֹא־יִגְרַע (`lo-yigra` - "He will not withdraw"), emphasizes the absolute and continuous nature of God's attention. It implies an active, unwavering, and protective gaze, not merely passive observation. God's eyes are perpetually fixed on the righteous, signifying His constant awareness, care, and intervention on their behalf.
* **Establish (Hebrew, _vayyoshivem_):** From the root יָשַׁב (yashav), meaning "to sit, to dwell, to settle, to cause to sit or dwell." The Hiphil imperfect form here, וַיֹּשִׁיבֵם (`vayyoshivem`), means "He causes them to sit" or "He establishes them." This denotes a divine act of securing a position, providing stability, and granting a permanent dwelling or status. It implies more than just temporary elevation; it speaks to a foundational and enduring security provided by God Himself.
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _vayyirōmû_):** From the root רוּם (rum), meaning "to be high, to be exalted, to be lifted up." The Niphal imperfect form, וַיִּרֹמוּ (`vayyirōmû`), means "they are lifted up" or "they are exalted." This signifies a state of honor, dignity, and prominence. In the context of the verse, it suggests a divine elevation from a lower, perhaps suffering, state to one of honor and recognition, not necessarily in an earthly sense but in God's ultimate plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous":** This opening clause establishes God's perpetual and focused attention on those who live righteously. It signifies His intimate knowledge of their lives, their struggles, and their faithfulness. It implies a providential oversight that is unwavering and comprehensive, assuring the righteous that they are never out of God's sight or care, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
* **"but with kings [are they] on the throne":** This clause describes the elevated status and honor bestowed upon the righteous by God. It uses the powerful imagery of sharing a throne with kings, symbolizing a position of dignity, authority, and security. This can be interpreted both literally (God raising individuals to prominence) and metaphorically (implying a divine favor that elevates them above common suffering, granting them a spiritual or future kingly status). It contrasts sharply with Job's initial state of destitution.
* **"yea, he doth establish them for ever":** This part emphasizes the permanence and security of the position God grants the righteous. The act of "establishing" signifies a firm, unshakeable foundation and a lasting tenure. The phrase "for ever" underscores the eternal nature of this divine provision, ensuring their enduring honor and stability, which transcends temporal circumstances and earthly fortunes.
* **"and they are exalted":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the theme of elevation and honor. It serves as a concluding affirmation of the righteous's ultimate destiny. This exaltation is not self-achieved but is a divine act, a testament to God's faithfulness in vindicating and honoring those who remain steadfast in their integrity, regardless of their present trials.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's discourse in Job 36:7 is rich with poetic language and employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "He withdraweth not his eyes" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human physical characteristics (eyes, the act of withdrawing) to God to convey His active and personal involvement. This is not meant to be taken literally but to emphasize God's constant and vigilant watchfulness. The imagery of the righteous being "with kings...on the throne" is a powerful **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**. It is a metaphor for ultimate honor, security, and divine favor, suggesting a status of unparalleled dignity. It is hyperbole in that it doesn't necessarily mean every righteous person will literally sit on a physical throne, but rather that their standing before God is one of profound honor and stability, surpassing earthly power. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism** in its structure, particularly in the latter half ("he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted"), where the two clauses reinforce and amplify the same idea of divine elevation and security for the righteous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 36:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's character and His dealings with humanity: His unwavering commitment to justice and His providential care for the righteous. It speaks to God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful, assuring them that their struggles are seen and that their ultimate vindication and establishment are guaranteed by His sovereign hand. This verse challenges the simplistic retribution theology of Job's friends, suggesting that suffering is not always a sign of divine abandonment but can precede a greater exaltation. It underscores the biblical theme of divine faithfulness, where God never forsakes those who trust in Him, ultimately securing their position and honor in His eternal plan. This divine watchfulness and eventual exaltation serve as a powerful encouragement for perseverance in righteousness, trusting that God's timing and methods are perfect, leading to a glorious outcome that transcends earthly understanding.

* [Psalm 34:15](/psalms/34-15 "Psalm 34:15 - The Lord's Eyes Are on the Righteous")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Upholds the Righteous")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves, That He May Exalt You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 36:7 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers. In times of adversity, when God's presence feels distant or His justice seems delayed, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that His eyes are never withdrawn from the righteous. It encourages us to persevere in integrity, trusting that God's providential care is constant, even when circumstances are bewildering. Our ultimate establishment and exaltation do not depend on earthly success or recognition, but on God's unchanging favor and His sovereign plan. This calls us to cultivate a life of righteousness, not out of a desire for immediate reward, but out of a deep trust in God's character and His promise to ultimately honor those who walk uprightly. It reminds us that true honor comes from God, and His establishment is eternal, far surpassing any fleeting earthly throne.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's unceasing watchfulness impact your perspective on personal suffering or perceived injustice?**
* **In what ways might God be "exalting" or "establishing" you, even if it doesn't look like an earthly throne?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more righteously, trusting in God's ultimate vindication rather than immediate gratification?**
* **How does the "eternal" aspect of God's establishment provide hope in the face of temporary setbacks or failures?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 36:7 promise that all righteous people will be wealthy or powerful in this life?**

Answer: No, Job 36:7 does not guarantee earthly wealth or power for all righteous individuals. The imagery of being "with kings...on the throne" is best understood metaphorically, signifying a position of divine favor, honor, and security that transcends earthly circumstances. Elihu's point is that God ultimately vindicates and establishes the righteous, even if their path includes suffering, as Job's own story powerfully demonstrates. While God can and does bless people materially, the primary promise here is of spiritual and ultimate exaltation, a secure standing before God that is eternal and not subject to the fleeting nature of worldly fortunes. This divine establishment provides a lasting dignity that is far more valuable than any temporal throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 36:7 finds its most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His work. Jesus is the perfectly righteous One, upon whom God's eyes were always fixed, even unto the cross. His life of perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death, established the path to righteousness for all who believe. Through Christ, believers are not merely observed by God, but are declared righteous in Him, as seen in [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ"). The promise that the righteous are "with kings...on the throne" is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's own exaltation to the right hand of the Father, as described in [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand"). Furthermore, believers, united with Christ, are promised a share in His kingly reign. Paul speaks of believers being "seated with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus" ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Realms")), and Revelation declares that God has made us "a kingdom and priests to our God, and we shall reign on the earth" ([Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - Believers Made Kings and Priests")). Thus, the establishment "for ever" and the exaltation promised in Job 36:7 are fully realized in the eternal security and co-reigning status granted to believers through their union with the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

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 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

Psalms 33:18

Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

Psalms 113:8

That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

1 Peter 3:12

For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.