Job 34:27-37

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.’

33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.

34 “Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

35 ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’

36 Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!

37 To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”

Job 34:27-37 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 14:3; Psalms 28:5; Isaiah 5:12
• 2. S 1 Samuel 15:11
• 3. S Exodus 22:23; S Job 5:15; S Job 12:19; Job 35:9; James 5:4
• 4. Psalms 28:1; Psalms 83:1; Psalms 109:1
• 5. S ver 17; Romans 8:34
• 6. Psalms 13:1
• 7. Psalms 83:18; Psalms 97:9
• 8. S Job 8:13
• 9. S ver 17
• 10. Psalms 25:15; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 91:3; Psalms 124:7; Psalms 140:5; Proverbs 29:2-12
• 11. Psalms 51:5; Luke 15:21; Romans 7:24; 1 John 1:8,10
• 12. 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
• 13. Job 33:27; S Luke 19:8
• 14. S 2 Kings 17:13; Job 33:23; Job 36:10,15,18,21; Job 41:11; Job 42:6; Proverbs 17:23; John 3:8
• 15. Job 35:16; Job 38:2; Job 42:3
• 16. Job 26:3
• 17. S Job 6:29; S Job 22:15
• 18. S Job 27:23
• 19. Job 35:16
• 20. Job 23:2