Job 36:18-28

18 For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside.

19 Will thy cry avail, [that thou be] not in distress, Or all the forces of [thy] strength?

20 Desire not the night, When peoples are cut off in their place.

21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: For this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.

22 Behold, God doeth loftily in his power: Who is a teacher like unto him?

23 Who hath enjoined him his way? Or who can say, Thou hast wrought unrighteousness?

24 Remember that thou magnify his work, Whereof men have sung.

25 All men have looked thereon; Man beholdeth it afar off.

26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not; The number of his years is unsearchable.

27 For he draweth up the drops of water, Which distil in rain from his vapor,

28 Which the skies pour down And drop upon man abundantly.

Job 36:18-28 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.