Job 36 Study Notes

36:17-19 The prosperity of the wicked was distracting Job. Neither wealth nor personal effort could deliver Job from his distress. Only God’s chastisement could work its intended result.

36:20-21 Job should neither wish for death (7:13-16; 10:19-22) nor resign himself to it (17:13-18; 30:20-23). Elihu warned Job that by seeking some alternative method of ending his affliction, he was committing iniquity. Rather, Job should learn the reasons for God’s discipline in his life.

36:22-23 Elihu implied that Job should not accuse God of injustice in his case (10:6-7; 13:26-27; 19:11; 30:18-19; 33:8-11).

36:24-25 Rather than finding fault with God, Job should join all mankind in singing his praise (Ps 48:10; 100:1-2).

36:26-37:13 Elihu followed his own advice and launched into a long hymn-like praise of God. This prayer provides a setting for God’s subsequent declarations to Job.

36:26 Elihu began his praise by pointing out that full knowledge of God is beyond human comprehension (42:3; Is 40:13-14). Humanity cannot fully appreciate his infinity (Ps 102:27). Job was in no position to criticize such a one, because God’s power and wisdom defy human understanding (Is 40:28).

36:27-30 The complexities of the hydrologic cycle are under God’s control.

36:31-33 God’s control of the forces of nature involves both the sustenance and the judgment of the nations. Like a mighty cosmic warrior shooting his arrows (Hab 3:8-13), God propels the lightning across the sky (37:3) as an instrument of judgment, unerringly hitting its mark (see Ps 18:14; 144:6). God’s power and presence are felt by man and beast in the thunderstorm (Ps 77:18).