Job 36:1-7

Elihu Extols God's Greatness

1 And Elihu continued, and said:
2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God's behalf.
3 I will get my knowledge from 1afar and ascribe 2righteousness to my 3Maker.
4 For truly my words are not false; one who is 4perfect in knowledge is with you.
5 "Behold, God is mighty, and 5does not despise any; he is 6mighty in strength of understanding.
6 He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives 7the afflicted their right.
7 He does not withdraw his 8eyes from the righteous, but with 9kings on the throne he sets them forever, and they are 10exalted.

Job 36:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 36

This chapter, with the following, contains Elihu's fourth and last discourse, the principal view of which is to vindicate the righteousness of God; which is done by observing the dealings of God with men in his providence, according to their different characters, and from the wonderful works wrought by him in a sovereign manner, and for the benefit of his creatures. This chapter is introduced with a preface, the design of which is to gain attention, Job 36:1-4; the different dealings of God with men are observed, and the different issue of them, and the different ends answered thereby, Job 36:5-15; and it is suggested to Job, that had he attended to the design of the providence he was under, and had submitted to it patiently, things would have been otherwise with him; and therefore Elihu proceeds to give him some advice, which, if taken, would be for his own good, and the glory of God, Job 36:16-25; and closes the chapter by observing the unsearchable greatness of God, as appears by the works of nature wrought by him, Job 36:26-33.

Cross References 10

  • 1. [Psalms 78:2]
  • 2. [Revelation 15:3, 4; Revelation 16:5, 7; Revelation 19:1, 2]
  • 3. Job 35:10
  • 4. Job 37:16
  • 5. Job 8:20(Heb.); [Psalms 138:6]
  • 6. Job 9:4; Job 12:13, 16
  • 7. ver. 15; Job 34:28
  • 8. [Psalms 33:18; Psalms 34:15]
  • 9. Psalms 132:12; [Psalms 113:8]
  • 10. Psalms 75:10
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.