Job 36:17-27

17 Thy cause hath been judged as that of the wicked, cause and judgment thou shalt recover.

18 Therefore let not anger overcome thee to oppress any man: neither let multitude of gifts turn thee aside.

19 Lay down thy greatness without tribulation, and all the mighty of strength.

20 Prolong not the night that people may come up for them.

21 Beware thou turn not aside to iniquity: for this thou hast begun to follow after misery.

22 Behold, God is high in his strength, and none is like him among the lawgivers.

23 Who can search out his ways? or who can say to him: Thou hast wrought iniquity?

24 Remember that thou knowest not his work, concerning which men have sung.

25 All men see him, every one beholdeth afar off.

26 Behold, God is great, exceeding our knowledge: the number of his years is inestimable.

27 He lifteth up the drops of rain, and poureth out showers like floods:

Job 36:17-27 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.