Job 35

1 Elihu lit into Job again:

2 "Does this kind of thing make any sense? First you say, 'I'm perfectly innocent before God.'

3 And then you say, 'It doesn't make a bit of difference whether I've sinned or not.'

4 "Well, I'm going to show you that you don't know what you're talking about, neither you nor your friends.

5 Look up at the sky. Take a long hard look. See those clouds towering above you?

6 If you sin, what difference could that make to God? No matter how much you sin, will it matter to him?

7 Even if you're good, what would God get out of that? Do you think he's dependent on your accomplishments?

8 The only ones who care whether you're good or bad are your family and friends and neighbors. God's not dependent on your behavior.

9 "When times get bad, people cry out for help. They cry for relief from being kicked around,

10 But never give God a thought when things go well, when God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts,

11 When God sets out the entire creation as a science classroom, using birds and beasts to teach wisdom.

12 People are arrogantly indifferent to God - until, of course, they're in trouble, and then God is indifferent to them.

13 There's nothing behind such prayers except panic; the Almighty pays them no mind.

14 So why would he notice you just because you say you're tired of waiting to be heard,

15 Or waiting for him to get good and angry and do something about the world's problems?

16 "Job, you talk sheer nonsense - nonstop nonsense!"

Job 35 Commentary

Chapter 35

Elihu speaks of man's conduct. (1-8) Why those who cry out under afflictions are not regarded. (9-13) Elihu reproves Job's impatience. (14-26)

Verses 1-8 Elihu reproves Job for justifying himself more than God, and called his attention to the heavens. They are far above us, and God is far above them; how much then is he out of the reach, either of our sins or of our services! We have no reason to complain if we have not what we expect, but should be thankful that we have better than we deserve.

Verses 9-13 Job complained that God did not regard the cries of the oppressed against their oppressors. This he knew not how to reconcile the justice of God and his government. Elihu solves the difficulty. Men do not notice the mercies they enjoy in and under their afflictions, nor are thankful for them, therefore they cannot expect that God should deliver them out of affliction. He gives songs in the night; when our condition is dark and melancholy, there is that in God's providence and promise, which is sufficient to support us, and to enable us even to rejoice in tribulation. When we only pore upon our afflictions, and neglect the consolations of God which are treasured up for us, it is just in God to reject our prayers. Even the things that will kill the body, cannot hurt the soul. If we cry to God for the removal of an affliction, and it is not removed, the reason is, not because the Lord's hand is shortened, or his ear heavy; but because we are not sufficiently humbled.

Verses 14-26 As in prosperity we are ready to think our mountain will never be brought low; so when in adversity, we are ready to think our valley will never be filled up. But to conclude that to-morrow must be as this day, is as absurd as to think that the weather, when either fair or foul, will be always so. When Job looked up to God, he had no reason to speak despairingly. There is a day of judgment, when all that seems amiss will be found to be right, and all that seems dark and difficult will be cleared up and set straight. And if there is Divine wrath in our troubles, it is because we quarrel with God, are fretful, and distrust Divine Providence. This was Job's case. Elihu was directed by God to humble Job, for as to some things he had both opened his mouth in vain, and had multiplied words without knowledge. Let us be admonished, in our afflictions, not so much to set forth the greatness of our suffering, as the greatness of the mercy of God.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 35

Is this chapter Elihu goes on to charge Job with other unbecoming speeches, which he undertakes to refute; as that he had represented his cause more just than God's, and religion and righteousness as things unprofitable to men, only to God; to which Elihu takes upon him to make answer, Job 35:1-8; and that the cries of the oppressed were not heard by the Lord, so as to give occasion to songs of praise and thankfulness, to which he replies, Job 35:9-13; and that Job had expressed diffidence and despair of ever seeing and enjoying the favour of God, which he endeavours to remove, Job 35:14-16.