Job 34:20-30

20 In a moment they die, even at midnight the people are convulsed and pass away; and the strong are taken away without hand.

21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his steps.

22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23 For he doth not long consider a man, to bring him before God in judgment.

24 He breaketh in pieces mighty men without inquiry, and setteth others in their stead;

25 Since he knoweth their actions; and he overthroweth [them] in the night, and they are crushed.

26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others,

27 Because they have turned back from him, and would consider none of his ways;

28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

29 When he giveth quietness, who then will disturb? and when he hideth [his] face, who shall behold him? and this towards a nation, or towards a man alike;

30 That the ungodly man reign not, that the people be not ensnared.

Job 34:20-30 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 34

In this chapter Elihu reassumes his discourse, and proceeds in his answer to Job, in which are first a preface exciting attention, Job 34:1-4; then a charge is brought against Job, expressed in or extracted from some words that dropped from his lips, not so well guarded, Job 34:5-9; a refutation of these expressions of his in a variety of arguments, Job 34:10-30; and the chapter is closed with some good advice to Job, Job 34:31-33; and with an earnest request of Elihu to men of understanding, to join with him in trying him to the uttermost, Job 34:34-37.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'that he should go.'
• [b]. Or 'condemn.'
• [c]. Or 'only.'