Job 36:1-8

1 Elihu continued:
2 “Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God’s behalf.
3 I get my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe justice to my Maker.
4 Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you.
5 “God is mighty, but despises no one; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.
6 He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their rights.
7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever.
8 But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction,

Job 36:1-8 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 15

  • 1. S Job 6:28
  • 2. S Job 4:17; Job 8:3; Job 37:23
  • 3. S Job 6:28; S Job 13:6; Job 33:3
  • 4. Job 37:5,16,23
  • 5. S Job 32:17
  • 6. S Job 9:4
  • 7. Psalms 5:2; Psalms 22:24; Psalms 31:22; Psalms 69:33; Psalms 102:17; Psalms 103:10
  • 8. S Numbers 23:19; Romans 11:29; Job 12:13
  • 9. S Job 34:26; Job 8:22
  • 10. S Job 4:10; Job 5:15
  • 11. S Job 11:11; Psalms 11:5; Psalms 33:18; Psalms 34:15; Matthew 6:18
  • 12. Psalms 113:8; Isaiah 22:23
  • 13. S 1 Samuel 2:7-8; S Job 4:7
  • 14. S 2 Samuel 3:34; 2 Kings 23:33; Psalms 107:10,14
  • 15. ver 10,15,21; Psalms 119:67,71
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