Job 36

To show how far God is above our comprehension, Elihu proceeds to take an extensive view of God’s providential dealings, especially in the protection and deliverance of the poor and afflicted (5-15). After applying this to Job (16-21), he celebrates the power, wisdom, supremacy, justice, and eternity of God (22-26). He then refers to various remarkable displays of Divine power and majesty in the natural world. And he concludes by asserting that God’s moral attributes are perfect, though we may be unable to understand His more mysterious dispensations (23, 24).

4 perfect. That is, correct. Elihu means himself. In knowledge. Rather, “in strength of heart” or “mind.”

7. But with kings are they on the throne, etc. Rather, “And He setteth them (i.e., the righteous) with kings upon the throne for ever,” etc.: figuratively expressing the honours and rewards of righteousness.

9 that they have exceeded. “That they have dealt proudly” (R.V.).

12 without knowledge. Or, “by want of knowledge.”

13. But the hypocrites in heart. “And the godless in heart” (R.V.).

heap up wrath. Cherishing anger against God. 15 oppression. Rather, “distress.”

17. But thou hast fulfilled, etc. The general meaning of this difficult passage (17, 18) probably is, Thou hast taken the part of the wicked, with which God has connected punishment. When His anger comes upon them, take care lest thou be cut off with the same stroke; for then there will be no redemption.

20. Desire not the night, etc. Or, “Long thou not for the night of death (see John ix. 4), when the peoples are cut off in their place” (i.e., suddenly). The thought of death is associated with that of sweeping, overwhelming destruction; and Job is warned not to invoke such calamity upon himself.

22. God exalteth. Rather, “God is exalted,” or, “doeth loftily” as R.V.

24. Which men behold. The Heb. means “sing”; i.e., praise (“whereof men have sung,” R.V.). See note on xxxiii. 27.

27. He maketh small. Rather, “draweth”; by evaporation.

29. The noise of His tabernacle. Literally, “the crash of His tent”; the thunder; the clouds being regarded as God’s tent or pavilion: see Psal. xviii. 11.

31 by them judgeth He the people (peoples). That is, by the rain, tempest, etc., He dispenses both punishment and blessing.

32. With clouds He covereth, etc. Rather, “He hiddeth the light in His hands (i.e., He graspeth the lightning as a concealed weapon), and giveth it charge against the enemy (or, as to hitting the mark).” His thunder-clap tells of Him; the cattle also of His approach. This and the following verses suggest a thunderstorm then in progress.