Job 36:1-6

Elihu Speaks of God's Dealings with Men

1 Then Elihu continued and said,

2 "Wait for me a little, and I will show you That there is yet more to be said in God's behalf.

3 "I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And I will ascribe ¹righteousness to my Maker.

4 "For truly ²my words are not false; One who is ³perfect in knowledge is with you.

5 "Behold, God is mighty but does not ⁴despise any; He is ⁵mighty in strength of understanding.

6 "He does not ⁶keep the wicked alive, But gives justice to ⁷the afflicted.

Job 36:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 36

This chapter, with the following, contains Elihu's fourth and last discourse, the principal view of which is to vindicate the righteousness of God; which is done by observing the dealings of God with men in his providence, according to their different characters, and from the wonderful works wrought by him in a sovereign manner, and for the benefit of his creatures. This chapter is introduced with a preface, the design of which is to gain attention, Job 36:1-4; the different dealings of God with men are observed, and the different issue of them, and the different ends answered thereby, Job 36:5-15; and it is suggested to Job, that had he attended to the design of the providence he was under, and had submitted to it patiently, things would have been otherwise with him; and therefore Elihu proceeds to give him some advice, which, if taken, would be for his own good, and the glory of God, Job 36:16-25; and closes the chapter by observing the unsearchable greatness of God, as appears by the works of nature wrought by him, Job 36:26-33.

Cross References

• 1. Job 8:3; Job 37:23
• 2. Job 33:3
• 3. Job 37:16
• 4. Psalms 22:24; Psalms 69:33; Psalms 102:17
• 5. Job 12:13
• 6. Job 8:22; Job 34:26
• 7. Job 5:15

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "are yet words for God"