Job 36:1-10

1 Elihu also proceeded, and said,

2 Suffer me a little, and I will show thee; For I have yet somewhat to say on God's behalf.

3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

4 For truly my words are not false: One that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.

5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength of understanding.

6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked, But giveth to the afflicted [their] right.

7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: But with kings upon the throne He setteth them for ever, and they are exalted.

8 And if they be bound in fetters, And be taken in the cords of afflictions;

9 Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.

10 He openeth also their ear to instruction, And commandeth that they return from iniquity.

Job 36:1-10 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.