Job 36

Written on 12/15/2024

Verses 1-4

  • Elihu begins by declaring that he has more to say on God’s behalf and promises to deliver wisdom from his understanding. He insists that his words are truthful and rooted in knowledge, presenting himself as a reliable teacher of God’s ways.

    • Elihu righty expresses confidence in God's righteousness and His ability to work through human understanding to reveal truth. Do remember that God speaks through humans, and so respect others when they intend to give sound advice.

    • However, Elihu’s tone comes across as overly self-assured, as he elevates his understanding without acknowledging his own limitations. By doing so, he risks portraying himself as a greater authority than he truly is.

  • Be bold in speaking about God, but remain humble, acknowledging that human understanding is limited compared to God’s infinite wisdom. When you speak about matters of God and the Word, say, “In my current understanding,” before you begin to make your point. This keeps humility.

Verses 5-12

  • Elihu asserts that God is mighty yet just. He emphasizes that God does not overlook the righteous but allows suffering as discipline to draw people back to Him. As it is written, people often have their “ears opened” to correction after being afflicted (verses 8-9). Elihu also claims that if people obey and serve God, they will prosper, but if they disobey, they will perish in their pride (v.11-12).

    • Particularly in verse 11, Elihu teaches that obedience to God often leads to blessing and prosperity: “If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures.” This principle aligns with many biblical passages that highlight the rewards of obedience, one of them being Proverbs 3:9-10, for instance, which teaches that honoring the Lord with wealth leads to overflowing blessings.

    • Important Clarification: While obedience often results in prosperity, Scripture also acknowledges exceptions where the righteous suffer for a greater purpose (e.g., Job himself, Joseph in prison, or the trials of Paul). Thus, this principle must be understood within the broader context of God’s sovereignty and eternal purposes.

  • Elihu rightly emphasizes the general biblical principle that obedience brings blessings. This truth is a source of encouragement for those striving to live faithfully before God. However, Elihu oversimplifies this principle, failing to acknowledge that prosperity in this life is not unconditionally guaranteed. 

    • He oversimplifies the relationship between suffering and sin, implying that all hardship is a result of disobedience. He fails to consider the broader purposes of suffering, and that some righteous individuals face trials that serve a greater divine purpose. By seemingly framing Job’s suffering as a result of disobedience, Elihu misapplies this truth.

  • Strive for obedience to God, trusting that His ways lead to true blessing and prosperity, whether material, spiritual, or eternal. Let your ultimate hope rest not in earthly blessings but in eternal rewards (Job 31:25, 2 Corinthians 4:17).

  • However, hold a balanced perspective, recognizing God may allow trials for His glory and your growth. View hardships as opportunities for growth. And although you should remember that hardships help you repent from sin, avoid assuming and teaching that all suffering is a direct consequence of a certain sin. 

Verses 13-23

  • In this section, Elihu acknowledges that Job’s suffering mirrors circumstances often associated with the judgment of the wicked. However, rather than accuse Job outright, Elihu exhorts him to remain steadfast in his integrity and accept God's discipline. Elihu emphasizes that wealth, no matter how abundant, cannot deliver a person from divine correction or shield them from suffering (v.19). He reminds Job that no one can teach like God, for when God teaches through hardship, His lessons are unavoidable and demand submission.

    • Elihu’s reminder in verse 19 is especially poignant: riches and material success are powerless in the face of God’s discipline. While God may bless with wealth, it is not a substitute for faithfulness and dependence on Him. Hardships are often tools to teach this lesson, particularly humbling those accustomed to abundance.

    • His insight into the limitations of wealth as a means of deliverance offers a sobering yet vital perspective, especially for those tempted to rely on material success for security. 

  • Acknowledge that God’s lessons, though challenging, are unavoidable. We will not grow if we do not pass the tests before us. When facing hardship or challenging tasks, focus on maintaining integrity and trusting God’s purposes. As Elihu says, no one can say to God that He has done wrong (verse 23). Submit to God's teaching with humility, allowing trials to deepen your faith and character.

  • Remember that wealth or success cannot replace the importance of faith, nor prevent inevitable trials.

 

Verses 24-33

  • In these verses, Elihu shifts the focus from human suffering to the majesty of God’s work in creation. He exhorts Job to remember and magnify God’s deeds, which are seen and celebrated throughout the earth. Elihu describes God’s control over nature—He draws up water, forms clouds, commands thunderstorms, and sends lightning. These displays of power serve as constant reminders of God’s sovereignty and ability to act beyond human comprehension.

  • Elihu’s counsel provides an important lesson for those enduring suffering: instead of dwelling solely on hardship, pause to praise God for His works and power.

    • The wonders of creation remind us that God is both mighty and intimately involved in the world. The rain, the thunder, and the lightning all testify to His ongoing care and sovereignty, teaching us about His authority over all circumstances—including our trials. Elihu does right to encourage a posture of praise, even in the midst of suffering, by redirecting focus to God’s works and His mastery over creation. This perspective can inspire trust and gratitude, even during hardship. 

    • Job learned from God directly, soon after this, to acknowledge God in the incomprehensible wonders of creation.

  • When facing trials, take time to reflect on God’s works in creation and let them lead you to praise His power and faithfulness. Remember that the God who commands the thunder and rain is also actively involved in your life. Trust that He is using your circumstances to teach and grow you, just as He uses creation to reveal His might.