Job 36:15-25

15 But he delivereth the afflicted in his affliction, and openeth their ear in [their] oppression.

16 Even so would he have allured thee out of the jaws of distress into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and the supply of thy table [would be] full of fatness.

17 But thou art full of the judgments of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [on thee].

18 Because there is wrath, [beware] lest it take thee away through chastisement: then a great ransom could not avail thee.

19 Will he esteem thy riches? Not gold, nor all the resources of strength!

20 Desire not the night, when peoples are cut off from their place.

21 Take heed, turn not to iniquity; for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.

22 Lo, God is exalted in his power: who teacheth as he?

23 Who hath appointed him his way? or who hath said, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness?

24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men celebrate.

25 All men look at it; man beholdeth [it] afar off.

Job 36:15-25 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Some read 'thy table would be quiet and full of fatness.'
• [b]. Lit. 'judgment,' 'sentence.'
• [c]. Lit. 'taken up.'
• [d]. Enosh: Ps. 8.4.