Job 36:3

3 I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

Job 36:3 Meaning and Commentary

Job 36:3

I will fetch my knowledge from afar
Not from himself; for it is but a small share of knowledge that a man gets of himself, or attains to by the light of nature, and especially concerning God and divine things; but from others, either from persons that lived in former ages, and in foreign countries; it being usual for men desirous of acquiring knowledge to travel into distant parts for it; and such were generally much esteemed of, and the knowledge they professed to have got and published; as the queen of Sheba came from the further parts of the earth to hear and learn the wisdom of Solomon, ( 1 Kings 10:1 ) : or rather the sense is, he would fetch the knowledge he should now communicate concerning God from God himself, from the nature and perfections of God, who, and his knowledge, are high as heaven; and from the works of God, which are far above men; or should treat of things deep and sublime, and not common; though perhaps it is best of all to read the words, "I will bring forth knowledge concerning", or "with respect to him that is afar off" F9; that is, God, who is in the highest heavens, and inhabits the high and holy place; a God both at hand and afar off; with which agrees what follows; though some interpret it of lifting it up, and causing it to be heard afar off so some, as Aben Ezra;

and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker:
God is the Maker of all men; Elihu considered him as his Maker with gratitude, while many have no regard of him, ( Job 35:10 ) ; and therefore thought himself obliged to speak for him, and on his behalf; and particularly in vindication of his righteousness; assert this to be an essential attribute and perfection of his nature; own, acknowledge, publish, and declare it; give him the glory of it, and demonstrate that he is righteous in all his ways and works; and clear him from all imputation of unrighteousness.


FOOTNOTES:

F9 (qwxrml) "ei, vel de eo qui est longinquus"; so Aben Ezra, Bar Tzemach.

Job 36:3 In-Context

1 Then Elihu continued, saying:
2 Be patient with me a little longer, and I will inform you, for there is still more to be said on God's behalf.
3 I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For my arguments are without flaw; one who has perfect knowledge is with you.
5 Yes, God is mighty, but He despises [no one]; He understands all things.
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