Job 36:1-11

1 Elihu added:

2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you that there is more to say on God's behalf.

3 I may search far and wide for my arguments, but I will ascribe righteousness to God my maker.

4 For the fact is that my words are true; you have with you a man whose views are pure.

5 "Look, God is powerful and despises no one, powerful in his strength of understanding.

6 He does not preserve the lives of the wicked, but he gives justice to the poor.

7 He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous; but when he sets kings on their throne forever, they may become proud;

8 if, then, they are bound in chains, held in oppressive cords,

9 he shows them the results of their doings, the crimes caused by their pride.

10 He sounds a warning in their ears and orders them to repent of their evil.

11 "If they pay attention and obey him, they spend their days in prosperity; their years pass pleasantly.

Job 36:1-11 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.