Job 36:14-24

14 Their soul dieth in youth, And their life among the defiled.

15 He draweth out the afflicted in his affliction, And uncovereth in oppression their ear.

16 And also He moved thee from a strait place, [To] a broad place -- no straitness under it, And the sitting beyond of thy table Hath been full of fatness.

17 And the judgment of the wicked thou hast fulfilled, Judgment and justice are upheld -- because of fury,

18 Lest He move thee with a stroke, And the abundance of an atonement turn thee not aside.

19 Doth He value thy riches? He hath gold, and all the forces of power.

20 Desire not the night, For the going up of peoples in their stead.

21 Take heed -- do not turn unto iniquity, For on this thou hast fixed Rather than [on] affliction.

22 Lo, God doth sit on high by His power, Who [is] like Him -- a teacher?

23 Who hath appointed unto Him his way? And who said, `Thou hast done iniquity?'

24 Remember that thou magnify His work That men have beheld.

Job 36:14-24 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.