Job 35:1-11

1 Moreover Elihu answered,

2 "Do you think this to be your right, Or do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's,'

3 That you ask, 'What advantage will it be to you? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?'

4 I will answer you, And your companions with you.

5 Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.

6 If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?

7 If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?

8 Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are; And your righteousness may profit a son of man.

9 "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.

10 But none says, 'Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,

11 Who teaches us more than the animals of the eretz, And makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?'

Job 35:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

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.