Job 36:18-28

18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke; then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.

19 Will He esteem thy riches? No, not gold nor all the forces of strength.

20 Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.

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

22 Behold, God exalteth by His power. Who teacheth like Him?

23 Who hath enjoined Him His way? Or who can say, `Thou hast wrought iniquity'?

24 "Remember that thou magnify His work, which men behold.

25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.

26 Behold, God is great, and we know Him not; neither can the number of His years be searched out.

27 For He maketh small the drops of water; they pour down rain according to the vapor thereof,

28 which the clouds do drop and distill 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.