Job 36
BSB1 And Elihu continued: 2 “Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said on God’s behalf. 3 I get my knowledge from afar, and I will ascribe justice to my Maker. 4 For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you. 5 Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding. 6 He does not keep the wicked alive, but He grants justice to the afflicted. 7 He does not take His eyes off the righteous, but He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever. 8 And if men are bound with chains, caught in cords of affliction, 9 then He tells them their deeds and how arrogantly they have transgressed. 10 He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve Him, then they end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. 12 But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. 13 The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He binds them, they do not cry for help. 14 They die in their youth, among the male shrine prostitutes. 15 God rescues the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression. 16 Indeed, He drew you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and broad place, to a table full of richness. 17 But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have seized you. 18 Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. 19 Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress? 20 Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes. 21 Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction. 22 Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? 23 Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’? 24 Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song. 25 All mankind has seen it; men behold it from afar. 26 Indeed, God is great—beyond our knowledge; the number of His years is unsearchable. 27 For He draws up drops of water which distill the rain from the mist, 28 which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind. 29 Furthermore, who can understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion? 30 See how He scatters His lightning around Him and covers the depths of the sea. 31 For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance. 32 He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. 33 The thunder declares His presence; even the cattle regard the rising storm.
Study Notes — Job 36
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Job 36
- Themes from Job 36
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Job 36
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Job 36, Elihu continues his speech to Job, emphasizing God's power and wisdom. He describes God's control over the weather and the natural world, and encourages Job to trust in Him. Elihu also defends God's justice, saying that He will ultimately punish the wicked and reward the righteous. The chapter concludes with Elihu's final words to Job, urging him to repent and trust in God's goodness. Key verses include Job 36:5, where Elihu says that God is powerful and wise, and Job 36:22, where he encourages Job to trust in God's power and wisdom.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the book of Job, which is a wisdom literature book that explores the themes of suffering, justice, and God's sovereignty. The chapter is also part of a larger section of the book where Elihu speaks to Job, defending God's justice and encouraging Job to trust in Him. The book of Job is closely related to other wisdom literature books, such as Psalms and Proverbs, which also explore the themes of God's power and wisdom.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and wisdom, even in difficult circumstances. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and by trusting in His goodness and justice. We can also encourage others to trust in God's power and wisdom, just as Elihu encourages Job.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about Elihu's final speech to Job, where he defends God's justice and wisdom. Elihu encourages Job to trust in God's power and goodness, despite his difficult circumstances. In Job 36:5, Elihu says that God is powerful and wise, and that He will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and control over the natural world.
Voices from the Church
“The book of Job is a mine of rich treasure, and this chapter is a particularly precious gem. It reminds us of God's power and wisdom, and encourages us to trust in Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Elihu's speech is a powerful defense of God's justice and sovereignty. It reminds us that God is not only powerful, but also wise and just.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Elihu's Speech (36:1-4) — Elihu introduces his speech, emphasizing God's power and wisdom.
- God's Power and Wisdom (36:5-12) — Elihu describes God's control over the weather and the natural world, emphasizing His power and wisdom.
- God's Justice and Goodness (36:13-23) — Elihu defends God's justice and goodness, encouraging Job to trust in Him.
- Conclusion to Elihu's Speech (36:24-33) — Elihu concludes his speech, urging Job to repent and trust in God's goodness.
- Final Encouragement to Job (36:22-23) — Elihu encourages Job to trust in God's power and wisdom, and to seek to understand His sovereignty and control over the natural world.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign and in control of all things, including the natural world. Elihu's speech emphasizes God's power and wisdom, and encourages Job to trust in Him.
- Justice of God
- The chapter defends God's justice and fairness, emphasizing that He will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. Elihu's speech encourages Job to trust in God's goodness and justice.
- Wisdom of God
- The chapter highlights God's wisdom and intelligence, which is beyond human comprehension. Elihu's speech encourages Job to seek to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world.
- Redemption and Salvation
- The gospel message of redemption and salvation is implied in Elihu's speech, as he urges Job to repent and trust in God's goodness. The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and wisdom, and to seek to understand His sovereignty and control over the natural world.
Lessons from Job 36
- Trust in God's Power and Wisdom — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and wisdom, even in difficult circumstances. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and by trusting in His goodness and justice.
- Seek to Understand God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages us to seek to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world. We can apply this to our own lives by studying God's word and seeking to understand His character.
- Defend God's Justice and Fairness — The chapter defends God's justice and fairness, emphasizing that He will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's goodness and justice, and by seeking to understand His character.
- Encourage Others to Trust in God — The chapter encourages us to encourage others to trust in God's power and wisdom, just as Elihu encourages Job. We can apply this to our own lives by sharing the gospel message with others and encouraging them to trust in God's goodness and justice.
- Repent and Trust in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages us to repent and trust in God's goodness, just as Elihu urges Job to do. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and by trusting in His goodness and justice.
Themes from Job 36
- God's Power and Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes God's power and wisdom, and encourages Job to trust in Him. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and by trusting in His goodness and justice.
- God's Justice and Fairness — The chapter defends God's justice and fairness, emphasizing that He will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's goodness and justice, and by seeking to understand His character.
- Trust in God's Goodness — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness, even in difficult circumstances. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and by trusting in His goodness and justice.
- Redemption and Salvation — The gospel message of redemption and salvation is implied in Elihu's speech, as he urges Job to repent and trust in God's goodness. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and by trusting in His goodness and justice.
- God's Sovereignty and Control — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the natural world, and encourages Job to trust in Him. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to understand God's character and by trusting in His goodness and justice.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Elihu mean by saying that God is powerful and wise? How does this relate to our understanding of God's sovereignty and control over the natural world?
- How does Elihu defend God's justice and fairness in this chapter? What implications does this have for our understanding of God's character?
- What encouragement does Elihu offer to Job in this chapter? How can we apply this encouragement to our own lives?
- What does the chapter teach us about God's wisdom and intelligence? How can we seek to understand God's sovereignty and control over the natural world?
- How does the chapter relate to the gospel message of redemption and salvation? What implications does this have for our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Elihu's Speech (36:1-4)
| 36:1 | Elihu introduces his speech, emphasizing God's power and wisdom. |
| 36:2 | Elihu says that he will show Job the power and wisdom of God. |
| 36:3 | Elihu says that he will speak from his heart and tell Job the truth. |
| 36:4 | Elihu says that he will not speak falsely, but will speak the truth and defend God's justice. |
2. God's Power and Wisdom (36:5-12)
| 36:5 | Elihu says that God is powerful and wise, and that He does not pervert justice. |
| 36:6 | Elihu says that God does not preserve the life of the wicked, but gives the afflicted their rights. |
| 36:7 | Elihu says that God does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous, but sets them on thrones forever. |
| 36:8 | Elihu says that if they are bound in fetters and caught in the cords of affliction, then He tells them their work and their transgressions, that they have acted arrogantly. |
3. God's Justice and Goodness (36:13-23)
| 36:13 | Elihu says that the godless in heart harbor resentment and do not cry for help when He binds them. |
| 36:14 | Elihu says that they die in youth, and their life perishes among the cult prostitutes. |
| 36:15 | Elihu says that He delivers the afflicted in their affliction, and opens their ear in time of oppression. |
| 36:16 | Elihu says that indeed, He would have allured you from the mouth of distress, while a broad place was at your right hand, and instead of it, a dish of rich food would be yours. |
4. Conclusion to Elihu's Speech (36:24-33)
| 36:24 | Elihu says that men should extol the works of the Lord, and His greatness should be told by the voice of those who sing His praise. |
| 36:25 | Elihu says that all men have seen Him, and every man has beheld Him from afar. |
| 36:26 | Elihu says that behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him; the number of His years is unsearchable. |
| 36:27 | Elihu says that for He draws up the drops of water, they distill rain from the mist, which the skies pour down and drop upon mankind abundantly. |
5. Final Encouragement to Job (36:22-23)
| 36:22 | Elihu says that behold, God is exalted in His power; who is a teacher like Him? |
| 36:23 | Elihu says that who has appointed Him His way, and who has said, 'You have done wrong'? |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Job 36?
The main theme of Job 36 is Elihu's defense of God's justice and wisdom, and his encouragement to Job to trust in Him. In Job 36:5, Elihu says that God is powerful and wise, and that He does not pervert justice. This verse is central to the chapter because it summarizes Elihu's main point: that God is both powerful and wise, and that He will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him.
What does Elihu mean by saying that God is powerful and wise?
Elihu means that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and that He is able to do all things. In Job 36:22, Elihu encourages Job to trust in God's power and wisdom, and to seek to understand His sovereignty and control over the natural world.
How does Elihu defend God's justice and fairness in this chapter?
Elihu defends God's justice and fairness by saying that God will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him, and that He will punish the wicked. In Job 36:6, Elihu says that God does not preserve the life of the wicked, but gives the afflicted their rights.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 36:5 → Psalm 104:24 | Both verses emphasize God's power and wisdom, and encourage trust in Him. |
| 2 | Job 36:22 → Isaiah 40:28 | Both verses encourage trust in God's power and wisdom, and emphasize His sovereignty and control over the natural world. |
| 3 | Job 36:10 → Psalm 107:9 | Both verses emphasize God's goodness and justice, and encourage trust in Him. |
| 4 | Job 36:11 → Proverbs 3:11-12 | Both verses encourage trust in God's wisdom and guidance, and emphasize the importance of seeking to understand His sovereignty and control over the natural world. |
| 5 | Job 36:15 → Psalm 34:19 | Both verses emphasize God's deliverance of the afflicted, and encourage trust in His goodness and justice. |
| 6 | Job 36:16 → Isaiah 48:10 | Both verses emphasize God's refining and testing of the righteous, and encourage trust in His sovereignty and control over the natural world. |
| 7 | Job 36:20 → Matthew 5:45 | Both verses emphasize God's goodness and justice, and encourage trust in Him. |
| 8 | Job 36:22 → Hebrews 11:1 | Both verses encourage trust in God's power and wisdom, and emphasize the importance of seeking to understand His sovereignty and control over the natural world. |
| 9 | Job 36:24 → Psalm 111:2 | Both verses emphasize God's greatness and wisdom, and encourage trust in Him. |
| 10 | Job 36:26 → Psalm 113:4-5 | Both verses emphasize God's exaltation and power, and encourage trust in His sovereignty and control over the natural world. |
Sermons on Job 36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omniscience of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a cracked piece of glass being transformed into a beautiful piece of art to illustrate how God can turn our brokenness into somethi |
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The Cup of Wrath by Andrew Bonar | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. He uses imagery of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials from the book of Revelation |
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(Through the Bible) Job 31-37 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an interesting individual who was obsessed with timing everything. It is later revealed that this person was a bank robber and had |
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Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicat |
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Fears Unlimited by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various fears that people may have in their lives. He mentions the fear of standing on God's promises and the fear of what lies ahead. The spe |
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(The Works of Faith) God Loves Us as He Loved Jesus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He encourages the audience to consider how they are spending their time and to make |
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The Attributes of God - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and His ability to behold and count the things in heaven and on earth. The preacher references Psalm 113:6, which state |
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Job #3: The Spirit's Interpretation by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Job in the book of Job, specifically focusing on chapters 29 to 31. The speaker highlights how Job's life was initially filled |
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There Is Wrath by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful service where people were deeply convicted about the consequences of God's absence. A little girl approached the preacher, pleadin |
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Studies in Job-01 Job-1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and the suffering that Job endures. He highlights the remarkable precision of the heavenly bodies and how they serve as a rem |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 36
In this chapter, Elihu continues his speech to Job, emphasizing God's power and wisdom. He describes God's control over the weather and the natural world, and encourages Job to trust in Him. The chapter concludes with Elihu's final words to Job, urging him to repent and trust in God's goodness. Matthew Henry notes that Elihu's speech is a powerful defense of God's justice and sovereignty, and encourages readers to trust in God's power and wisdom. Henry also emphasizes the importance of seeking to understand God's character and trusting in His goodness and justice. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Elihu's Use of Rhetorical Questions
Elihu uses rhetorical questions to emphasize God's power and wisdom, and to encourage Job to trust in Him. For example, in Job 36:22, he asks Job if he can send lightning and cause it to flash.
The Theme of God's Justice
The theme of God's justice is a central theme of the chapter, as Elihu defends God's fairness and righteousness. This theme is closely related to the gospel message of redemption and salvation.
Elihu's Encouragement to Job
Elihu encourages Job to trust in God's goodness and justice, despite his difficult circumstances. This encouragement is closely related to the theme of God's power and wisdom.