Job 34
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CHAPTER 34
Elihu Continues (34:1–37)
1–9 In this second speech Elihu addresses a group of wise men, which no doubt includes Job's three friends. Elihu's main purpose in this chapter is to defend God against Job's complaint that God has treated him unjustly. In verses 5–6, Elihu paraphrases some of Job's earlier statements to show that Job was talking like a wicked man (verse 8). Elihu quotes Job as saying there is no profit in pleasing God (verse 9), something Job never said; Job merely said that trouble comes to the righteous and wicked alike, but that he himself would continue to maintain his righteousness no matter what (Job 27:1–6).
10–15 Here Elihu introduces his main theme: God cannot possibly do wrong or ever be unjust (verses 10–12). God is sovereign; no one appointed Him, so He is accountable to no one (verse 13). If He wanted to, He could withdraw His spirit, and all mankind would perish together (verses 14–15). Mankind continues to exist only because of God's mercy.
16–20 Here Elihu addresses Job.72 Elihu points out that God shows no partiality; He treats rich and poor alike (verse 19). He rebukes kings (verse 18) and removes the mighty (verse 20). God is totally just; otherwise, how could He govern? (verse 17).
21–30 God has complete knowledge of every human being; He doesn't have to make special inquiries or hold court hearings.73 He has all the information He needs, and He is continually making judgments. He punishes the wicked (verses 24–27) and He hears the cry of the needy (verse 28). And if at times He chooses to remain silent, that is His prerogative, and no one—Job included—can condemn Him for it (verse 29).
31–37 Because Elihu believes that Job has condemned God for being unjust, Elihu now condemns Job for speaking without knowledge and answering like a wicked man (verses 35–36). In verses 31–32, Elihu imagines a sinner who has been punished and then repents of his sin. But Job has sinned and not repented. So Elihu asks him: “Should God then reward you on your terms—according to your own proclamation of innocence—when you refuse to repent?” (verse 33). Here Elihu is beginning to sound like Job's three judgmental friends. Elihu is calling on Job to repent—at least to repent of speaking like a wicked and rebellious man. Elihu would like Job to be tested to the utmost (verse 36), so that in the end he might be brought to repentance.