Job 36:9

In Job 36:9, Elihu continues his discourse, explaining God's ways with humanity, particularly concerning affliction. He asserts that God, in His wisdom and justice, actively reveals to people their actions and the extent of their wrongdoings. This verse highlights God's intent to bring about awareness and, ultimately, repentance by exposing the hidden or ignored transgressions that have become pervasive in their lives.

Context

This verse is part of Elihu's lengthy argument (chapters 32-37), where he attempts to offer a more nuanced understanding of suffering than either Job or his three friends. Elihu posits that God is not merely punitive but often uses affliction as a means of instruction, correction, and purification. He argues that suffering can serve to humble individuals, draw their attention to their sins, and prompt them toward repentance and a deeper relationship with God. Here, Elihu explains the mechanism: God sheweth (reveals) their "work" (their deeds) and "transgressions" (their rebellious acts) that have "exceeded" (become numerous or overwhelming), aiming for their spiritual benefit rather than just condemnation. This contrasts with the friends' rigid view that suffering is solely a direct punishment for specific, known sins, and Job's lament of being unjustly afflicted.

Key Themes

• Divine Revelation of Sin: God actively brings awareness of sin to individuals, not leaving them in ignorance of their spiritual state. This is a purposeful act of divine intervention.
• Discipline as Instruction: Affliction and the exposure of sin are presented as tools for spiritual growth and a call to repentance, rather than merely condemnation. God's discipline aims to refine and restore.
• Accountability for Transgression: The verse emphasizes that individuals are responsible for their "work" and "transgressions," which God brings to light. The phrase "that they have exceeded" underscores the magnitude or prevalence of their wrongdoing.
• God's Justice and Wisdom: Elihu portrays God as just and wise in His dealings, using all circumstances—even suffering—to achieve righteous ends and foster a relationship with humanity.

Linguistic Insights

• The word for "sheweth" (Hebrew: yagid) implies "to declare," "to make known," or "to reveal." It's an active disclosure on God's part, making something hidden or ignored evident.
• "Transgressions" (Hebrew: pesha) is a strong term, meaning "rebellion," "revolt," or "trespass." It signifies a deliberate breaking of a covenant or a defiant crossing of a boundary, rather than just a mistake. This highlights the seriousness of the revealed sin.
• "Exceeded" (Hebrew: hitgaberu) comes from a root meaning "to be strong," "to prevail," or "to be mighty." In this context, it suggests that their transgressions have become strong, abundant, or overwhelming, indicating a significant and perhaps prolonged pattern of wrongdoing.

Practical Application

Job 36:9 offers a profound insight into God's character and His method of dealing with humanity. For believers today, this verse reminds us that God often uses life's challenges, including difficult circumstances or a sense of spiritual unrest, to reveal areas in our lives that are not aligned with His will. This divine exposure is not meant to shame or condemn, but to guide us toward confession and genuine repentance. It underscores the importance of self-examination and openness to God's correction. Just as the Lord disciplines those He loves, His revelation of our "work" and "transgressions" is an act of grace, designed to draw us closer to Him and facilitate spiritual growth, much like Elihu explains God's instruction in Job 33:16. We are called to respond to His revealing light with humility and a willingness to change, trusting in His ultimate good purpose.