Job 36:2-12

2 Wait for me a little, and I will teach thee; for I yet speak on God’s behalf.
3 I will take my knowledge from afar and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4 For truly my words are not lies; for I share perfect knowledge with thee.
5 Behold, God is mighty and does not despise; he is mighty in virtue of heart.
6 He shall not give life to the wicked; but to the poor he shall give their right.
7 He shall not withdraw his eyes from the righteous; but with kings he shall place them on the throne for ever, and they shall be exalted.
8 And if they were bound in fetters and captive in cords of affliction,
9 then he shall show them their work and that their rebellions prevailed.
10 He opens their ear to instruction and commands that they turn from iniquity.
11 If they hearken and serve him, they shall spend their days in goodness and their years in delight.
12 But if they do not hearken, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

Job 36:2-12 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.

The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010