Job 36:1-8

1 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 bring my knowledge from far away, and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

4 For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

5 "Surely God is mighty and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.

6 He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right.

7 He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne he sets them forever, and they are exalted.

8 And if they are bound in fetters and caught in the 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.