Job 34 Study Notes

34:21-23 Elihu built on Job’s earlier remarks that God watches everything that men do on earth (7:20; 31:4). There is no place, however dark, where evildoers can escape God’s view. Job had asked for a court appearance in order to present his case before God (9:32-35; 13:18; 21:3-7; 31:35-37). As the omniscient, all-seeing Judge, he does not need to come to court to examine a person’s ways.

34:24-25 Elihu cited the example of wicked rulers. God did not need to launch an investigation of their deeds. He already knew everything.

34:26-28 God sees the godless ways of wicked rulers and hears the outcry of those whom they have oppressed. He judges wicked rulers and punishes them as a public example.

34:29-30 Job felt that at times the unrighteous seem to have God’s provision (12:6), but Elihu declared that such instances are illusions. Although God appears to ignore cases where wickedness prevails, he does see them. God’s intervention may appear to be slow in coming, but he will rectify the situation in accordance with his wise and sovereign disposition of earthly affairs (2Pt 3:8-9).

34:31-33 Rather than repenting, Job had claimed his innocence and righteousness (27:2-6; 31:35-37). God’s terms for the sinner’s forgiveness and restoration to his favor are conditioned upon the sinner’s repentance (22:21-27; 1Jn 1:8). Elihu challenged Job to consider his remarks and reply.

34:34-35 Job refused to speak, so Elihu declared himself the victor in his exchange with Job.

34:36-37 Elihu alluded to Zophar’s initial declaration that God had not punished Job to the full limit for his sins (11:4-6). Because he had refused to acknowledge his sins, Job was rebelling against God. Elihu observed that Job had shown contempt for his friends (see Lm 2:15) while condemning God with his speaking (Jb 16:12-17; 30:18-19). This put Job on dangerous ground (Ezk 25:6-7).