Job 36:8-12

8 But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction,
9 he tells them what they have done— that they have sinned arrogantly.
10 He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil.
11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.
12 But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword[a]and die without knowledge.

Job 36:8-12 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 11

  • 1. S 2 Samuel 3:34; 2 Kings 23:33; Psalms 107:10,14
  • 2. ver 10,15,21; Psalms 119:67,71
  • 3. S Job 15:25
  • 4. S Job 33:16
  • 5. S Job 5:17
  • 6. S ver 8; S Judges 6:8; S Job 34:33; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 2 Kings 17:13
  • 7. S Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 28:1; Isaiah 1:19; Haggai 1:12
  • 8. S Deuteronomy 30:15; S Job 8:7
  • 9. S Exodus 8:22; S Deuteronomy 8:1; John 14:21; 1 Timothy 4:8
  • 10. S Leviticus 26:38; S Job 15:22
  • 11. S Job 4:21; Ephesians 4:18

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "will cross the river"
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