Job 36:9-19

9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions, because they have increased.

10 And he openeth their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

11 If they hearken and serve [him], they shall accomplish their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

12 But if they hearken not, they shall pass away by the sword, and expire without knowledge.

13 But the godless in heart heap up anger; they cry not when he bindeth them:

14 Their soul dieth in youth, and their life is among the unclean.

15 But he delivereth the afflicted in his affliction, and openeth their ear in [their] oppression.

16 Even so would he have allured thee out of the jaws of distress into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and the supply of thy table [would be] full of fatness.

17 But thou art full of the judgments of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [on thee].

18 Because there is wrath, [beware] lest it take thee away through chastisement: then a great ransom could not avail thee.

19 Will he esteem thy riches? Not gold, nor all the resources of strength!

Job 36:9-19 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'acted proudly.'
• [b]. Or 'dart.'
• [c]. Or 'hypocrites.'
• [d]. Or 'like to those devoted to infamy.'
• [e]. Some read 'thy table would be quiet and full of fatness.'
• [f]. Lit. 'judgment,' 'sentence.'