
Job 34
In Job 34, Elihu continues his response to Job, defending God’s justice and sovereignty. Elihu addresses Job's complaints and warns against questioning God’s righteousness. He emphasizes that God is just in all His ways and that He cannot do wrong. Elihu calls on others to listen and consider the consequences of accusing God of injustice. The chapter highlights the importance of humility and the recognition of God’s ultimate authority over all creation.
Job 34:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Elihu further answered and said:
2 “Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.
3 For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food.
4 Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job has said, ‘I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice.'
Elihu addresses the wise men, inviting them to carefully listen and discern what is right, just as the palate tastes food. He quotes Job’s claim of personal righteousness and his complaint that God has unjustly taken away his justice. Elihu implies that Job’s statement needs to be evaluated critically, with a proper understanding of God’s justice.
Job 34:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’
7 What man is like Job, Who drinks scorn like water,
8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men?
9 For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing That he should delight in God.’
Elihu criticizes Job’s insistence on his innocence and his claim that he suffers without reason. He expresses concern over Job’s words, likening him to someone who embraces scorn and walks in the company of the wicked. Elihu interprets Job’s argument as suggesting that there is no benefit in serving God, a statement that undermines the foundation of faith and trust in divine justice.
Job 34:10-12 (NKJV)
10 “Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.
11 For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way.
12 Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.
Elihu declares that God cannot commit wickedness or act unjustly, asserting the infallibility of God’s character. He emphasizes that God rewards each person according to their deeds, highlighting the principle of divine justice. Elihu makes it clear that accusing God of perverting justice is fundamentally wrong and inconsistent with His nature.
Job 34:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the whole world?
14 If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
15 All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.
Elihu points out that no one has authority over God or gave Him control over the world. He illustrates God’s sovereignty by stating that if God were to withdraw His Spirit and breath, all life would cease. This serves as a reminder of humanity’s dependence on God for existence and underscores His ultimate power over life and death.
Job 34:16-20 (NKJV)
16 “If you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words:
17 Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?
18 Is it fitting to say to a king, ‘You are worthless,’ And to nobles, ‘You are wicked’?
19 Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.
20 In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand.
Elihu challenges the idea of condemning God’s justice. He compares such an accusation to dishonoring a king or nobleman, noting that even human leaders deserve respect, though God is infinitely greater. Elihu stresses that God shows no favoritism and treats the rich and poor alike since all are His creation. He also emphasizes how quickly God can bring down the powerful, affirming His sovereignty.
Job 34:21-23 (NKJV)
21 “For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.
22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.
Elihu reassures that God sees everything humans do; nothing can be hidden from Him. Darkness and death cannot obscure evil deeds from God’s sight. Moreover, God’s perfect knowledge means He doesn’t need extended deliberation to judge a person—His judgment is always accurate and immediate.
Job 34:24-28 (NKJV)
24 He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.
25 Therefore He knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed.
26 He strikes them as wicked men In the open sight of others,
27 Because they turned back from Him, And would not consider any of His ways,
28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.
Elihu explains how God brings down the mighty without needing investigation, for He already knows their deeds. The wicked are punished publicly for turning away from God and ignoring His ways, especially in oppressing the poor and afflicted. God hears the cries of those who suffer injustice, and His justice ensures that the oppressors are dealt with accordingly.
Job 34:29-30 (NKJV)
29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?—
30 That the hypocrite should not reign, Lest the people be ensnared.
Elihu highlights God’s control over peace and distress. When God grants peace, no one can disrupt it, and when He hides His face, no one can perceive His presence. God’s actions are sovereign whether they concern a single person or an entire nation. Elihu suggests that God may intervene to prevent hypocritical rulers from leading the people astray.
Job 34:31-33 (NKJV)
31 “For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne chastening; I will offend no more;
32 Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more’?
33 Should He repay it according to your terms, Just because you disavow it? You must choose, and not I; Therefore speak what you know.
Elihu encourages Job to humbly admit his faults and seek God’s instruction. He suggests that Job should ask for God’s correction and commit to not repeating his mistakes. Elihu reminds Job that God’s justice is not subject to human terms, and Job must choose his response wisely instead of demanding his own terms of judgment.
Job 34:34-37 (NKJV)
34 “Men of understanding say to me, Wise men who listen to me:
35 ‘Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.’
36 Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of wicked men!
37 For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God.”
Elihu concludes by pointing out that wise men would agree that Job’s words lack understanding. He suggests that Job’s defense of his innocence is dangerously close to rebellion. Elihu believes Job is acting pridefully, multiplying accusations against God instead of humbly seeking His will. This reinforces Elihu’s call for Job to re-evaluate his stance and repent.