Job 34:22-32

22 There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.

23 God has no need to examine people further, that they should come before him for judgment.

24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.

25 Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

26 He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,

27 because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.

28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.

29 But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over individual and nation alike,

30 to keep the godless from ruling, from laying snares for the people.

31 “Suppose someone says to God, ‘I am guilty but will offend no more.

32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’

Job 34:22-32 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 34

In this chapter Elihu reassumes his discourse, and proceeds in his answer to Job, in which are first a preface exciting attention, Job 34:1-4; then a charge is brought against Job, expressed in or extracted from some words that dropped from his lips, not so well guarded, Job 34:5-9; a refutation of these expressions of his in a variety of arguments, Job 34:10-30; and the chapter is closed with some good advice to Job, Job 34:31-33; and with an earnest request of Elihu to men of understanding, to join with him in trying him to the uttermost, Job 34:34-37.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 74:20; Psalms 139:12
• 2. S Job 3:5; Amos 9:2-3
• 3. S Genesis 3:8; S Job 11:20
• 4. Psalms 11:4
• 5. Job 11:11
• 6. Isaiah 8:9; Isaiah 9:4; Jeremiah 51:20; Daniel 2:34
• 7. Job 12:19
• 8. Daniel 2:21
• 9. S Job 11:11
• 10. S ver 20
• 11. Proverbs 5:21-23
• 12. S Genesis 6:5; S Job 8:22; S Job 28:24; Psalms 9:5; Jeremiah 44:5
• 13. Psalms 14:3; Psalms 28:5; Isaiah 5:12
• 14. S 1 Samuel 15:11
• 15. S Exodus 22:23; S Job 5:15; S Job 12:19; Job 35:9; James 5:4
• 16. Psalms 28:1; Psalms 83:1; Psalms 109:1
• 17. S ver 17; Romans 8:34
• 18. Psalms 13:1
• 19. Psalms 83:18; Psalms 97:9
• 20. S Job 8:13
• 21. S ver 17
• 22. Psalms 25:15; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 91:3; Psalms 124:7; Psalms 140:5; Proverbs 29:2-12
• 23. Psalms 51:5; Luke 15:21; Romans 7:24; 1 John 1:8,10
• 24. Exodus 33:13; Job 35:11; Job 38:36; Psalms 15:2; Psalms 25:4; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 51:6; Psalms 86:11; Psalms 139:23-24; Psalms 143:8
• 25. Job 33:27; S Luke 19:8