Commentary on Job Part 6 (No. F018vi)

Job Chapters 31-36 (RSV)

Chapter 31

¹“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look upon a virgin? ²What would be my portion from God above, and my heritage from the Almighty on high? ³Does not calamity befall the unrighteous, and disaster the workers of iniquity? ⁴Does not he see my ways, and number all my steps? ^5 =“If I have walked with falsehood, and my foot has hastened to deceit; ⁶(Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!) ⁷if my step has turned aside from the way, and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has cleaved to my hands; ⁸then let me sow, and another eat; and let what grows for me be rooted out. ⁹“If my heart has been enticed to a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor’s door; ¹⁰then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down upon her. ¹¹For that would be a heinous crime; that would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges; ¹²for that would be a fire which consumes unto Abaddon, and it would burn to the root all my increase. ¹³“If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant, when they brought a complaint against me; ¹⁴what then shall I do when God rises up? When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him? ¹⁵Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb? ¹⁶“If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, ¹⁷or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it ¹⁸(for from his youth I reared him as a father, and from his mother’s womb I guided him); ¹⁹if I have seen any one perish for lack of clothing, or a poor man without covering; ²⁰if his loins have not blessed me, and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; ²¹if I have raised my hand against the fatherless because I saw help in the gate; ²²then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder, and let my arm be broken from its socket. ²³For I was in terror of calamity from God, and I could not have faced his majesty. ²⁴“If I have made gold my trust, or called fine gold my confidence; ²⁵if I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, or because my hand had gotten much; ²⁶if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, ²⁷and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand; ²⁸this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I should have been false to God above. ²⁹“If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him that hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him ³⁰(I have not let my mouth sin by asking for his life with a curse); ³¹if the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who is there that has not been filled with his meat?’ ³²(the sojourner has not lodged in the street; I have opened my doors to the wayfarer); ³³if I have concealed my transgressions from men, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom, ³⁴because I stood in great fear of the multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors— ³⁵Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary! ³⁶Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me as a crown; ³⁷I would give him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach him. ³⁸“If my land has cried out against me, and its furrows have wept together; ³⁹if I have eaten its yield without payment, and caused the death of its owners; ⁴⁰let thorns grow instead of wheat, and foul weeds instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended.

Intent of Chapter 31

Ch. 31 is the third chapter in Job's reply following on from Chs. 29 and 30 in F018v.

31:1-34; vv. 38-40 Job's Oaths of Behaviours

Job makes a declaration in 16 Oaths of Behaviour regarding his alleged religious and moral misdeed. Job offers, by implication, the evidence of a refined ethical consciousness. This position has parallels with Ch. 125 of the Egyptian Book of the Dead.

31:1-6 God sits in Judgment under the Law. Even our sins in thought under the Tenth Commandment regarding covetousness are weighed in the balance (see Mat. 5:28: the word used here (in Mat 5:28) is Gehenna incorrectly translated as hell by the antinomians).

v. 1 I have a covenant with my Eyes. This text refers directly to the Tenth Commandment. This is the summation in climax of the First Great (No. 252) and Second Great Commandments (No. 257). Here Job is stating that God sees all our ways and thoughts and that He weighs our sins in Judgment.

vv. 7-8 Job then says if he has sinned in this way under the Law then let him sow and another eat, and let what grows for him another eat. These are punishments under the Law for those that sin, which is transgression of the Law (1Jn. 3:4).

vv. 9-10 So also this breach of the Seventh Commandment is punishable this way under the Law.

v. 11 He then says that is an iniquity to be punished by judges.

v. 12 For that would be a fire that consumes unto Abaddon. He is levelling this breach at the Fallen Host, which comes from their influence on mankind to remove man from the First Resurrection (No. 143A).

v. 13 Here Job elevates the responsibility under the Law to that of caring for his manservant or maidservant which we see catered for in the Law. Such concerns their rest days under the Sabbaths, New Moons, and Feasts, of the Temple Calendar; of withholding wages and not muzzling them while they tread the grain, and a multitude of other laws. How can he defend against such charges when God queries them? Did the One True God (Eloah) not fashion them both in the womb?

31:5 is el but the God referred to from 27:8, 10; 29:2; 29:4; 31:2,6; 33:12,26; 35:10; 37:15,22; 39:17; 40:2 is Eloah the One True God and the other references to the end of Job refer to the El or the Elohim of Israel (see Strong's Concordance (Annex A).

vv. 16-23 Responsibility under the Law for the Widows and Orphans

In each of these verses Job delineates his understanding under the Law for each aspect relating to the laws concerning the Widows and Orphans and how he was charged, under the Law, for raising the orphans and being to them a father and not causing the widow's eye to fail. He also stated his responsibility to ensure the poor had adequate clothing or covering. If he has raised his hand to the fatherless etc. let the punishments be inflicted on him, as per vv. 21, 22, and most of all from God (v. 23).

vv. 24-28 Job understands that material matters are a sign of spiritual deterioration and idolatry in the Sun and Mystery Cults, and Sun and Sunday worship, and in idols of gold and silver is an affront to God, and betrayal of one's responsibility to him.

vv. 26-27 is directly condemning nature worship and the systems of Witchcraft and all issues stemming from that worship (comp. 2Kgs. 21:3-5; Jer. 44:17-18; Ezek. 8:16). Such worship is condemned because it gives man the idea that he is master of his destiny (v. 28), and not that he is in a process of selection and training to become elohim (Ps. 82:6; Jn 10:34-36).

My mouth has kissed my hand is a reference to a form of idolatrous Baal worship as per 1Kgs. 19:18 under the Sun Cults.

v. 33 I have concealed my transgressions from men (N. q OARSV Cn: Heb. like men or like Adam). The form of sin goes back to Adam and the expulsion from Eden (Gen. 3:10).

vv. 35-37 Here again, Job expresses the need for a mediator and the ability to place his case before God. He seeks an account of the charges that his adversary or accuser (here Satan) makes. He would carry it as a badge of honour and a crown. He would approach him as a prince or equal, an elohim.

Here is my signature Lit. my taw. The last letter of the Heb. alphabet is written like an X. Job does not fear such indictment and views it as a symbol of honour (v. 36).

v. 37 Like a prince I would approach him. The orientals, incl. monarchs, approach their deities as servants. Here he is as one chosen to be an elohim (Ps. 82:6).

vv. 38-40 Here Job makes final protest asserting his freedom from sin in corruption of the fields, and perhaps rejecting any assertion that, like Adam, he had sinned (Gen. 3:17-18). This implies he kept the Law including the land Sabbaths under the Jubilee system in the Temple Calendar (No. 156) as carried on by Noah and the Patriarchs. It was for this reason among others, in that Judah was finally sent into captivity from 70 CE to the present. Soon Hillel and the Babylonian Intercalations and traditions (Nos. 195; 195C) will be stamped out from among them, and from all people.

Chapter 32

Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends

¹So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. ²Then Eli′hu the son of Bar′achel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry. He was angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God; ³he was angry also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. ⁴Now Eli′hu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. ⁵And when Eli′hu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he became angry. ⁶And Eli′hu the son of Bar′achel the Buzite answered: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. ⁷I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’ ⁸But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. ⁹It is not the old that are wise, nor the aged that understand what is right. ¹⁰Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.’ ¹¹“Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say. ¹²I gave you my attention, and, behold, there was none that confuted Job, or that answered his words, among you. ¹³Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man.’ ¹⁴He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches. ¹⁵“They are discomfited, they answer no more; they have not a word to say. ¹⁶And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? ¹⁷I also will give my answer; I also will declare my opinion. ¹⁸For I am full of words, the spirit within me constrains me. ¹⁹Behold, my heart is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst. ²⁰I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. ²¹I will not show partiality to any person or use flattery toward any man. ²²For I do not know how to flatter, else would my Maker soon put an end to me.

Intent of Chapter 32

32:1-37:24 Discourses of Elihu

This text with its peculiar speech, containing many Aramaic words, and a different style quoting Job's speeches and even the sentiment of the, as yet undelivered, discourse of the Lord, are considered, by many academics, as not the record of a new speaker, but as the addition by a later writer. The OARSV n. considers this may be the case and states that position is supported also by the fact that the epilogue in 42:7-17 ignores Elihu “may indicate that he did not belong to the original cast of characters.” It is also possible that Elihu came from a clan that was more exposed to the Aramaic speaking traders or groups. We will see why his words are omitted from the epilogue there. What is certain is that Elihu presents in-depth a number of ideas dealing with the revelatory function of suffering, the systemic nature of the Love of God and the requirement for Salvation by faith. Elihu's speeches are the means for the preparation in the text for the psychological and theological preparation for the Intervention of the Lord. They are critical to the text. The attempts to detract from the text by these later commentators does the text no honour.

32:1-6 Prose Introduction

A summation of the inadequacies of the argument to date.

v. 2 The name Elihu means “my God is He” (also occurring in 1Sam. 1:1; 1Chr. 12:20. Buzite suggests he was an Aramean living not far from Edom, (see Buz in Gen. 22:21 who is the brother of Uz (Job 1:1 n.). For Aramean comp. Gen. 11:26-32, and Jer. 25:23 has it as a place name in Edom). This more than accounts for the Aramaic words in Elihu's speech.

v. 2 Elihu correctly evaluates Job's speech as a defence of man rather than God. He does not know that the elohim involved here was Satan rather than Eloah.

v. 3 They had declared Job to be in the wrong is considered to be a replacement text for the original which is held to have said: “they had condemned God” which the scribes considered offensive and so they changed it in the Mss. The silence of the three friends after Job's final oath amounts to their assent (so also OARSV) see OARSV n.).

vv. 6:22 Poetic Introduction

vv. 7-14 In v. 8 Elihu displays revealed knowledge. It is the Holy Spirit dealing with man that reveals knowledge, and not the voice of human experience and tradition. The OARSV considers the opening boastful words of Elihu to be to relieve the tension in the situation.

vv. 11-14. Elihu directly refutes Job. He also states he will not rely on the three friend’s words. vv. 15-16 states the friends to be of no further use.

vv. 17-19 Elihu can no longer contain himself. vv. 20-22 Elihu will not flatter or show partiality in respect of person. God is not in respect of persons and detests flatterers.

Chapter 33

Elihu Rebukes Job

¹“But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words. ²Behold, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks. ³My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely. ⁴The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. ⁵Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand. ⁶Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too was formed from a piece of clay. ⁷Behold, no fear of me need terrify you; my pressure will not be heavy upon you. ⁸“Surely, you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the sound of your words. ⁹You say, ‘I am clean, without transgression; I am pure, and there is no iniquity in me. ¹⁰Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy; ¹¹he puts my feet in the stocks, and watches all my paths.’ ¹²“Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you. God is greater than man. ¹³Why do you contend against him, saying, ‘He will answer none of my words’? ¹⁴For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. ¹⁵In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while they slumber on their beds, ¹⁶then he opens the ears of men, and terrifies them with warnings, ¹⁷that he may turn man aside from his deed, and cut off pride from man; ¹⁸he keeps back his soul from the Pit, his life from perishing by the sword. ¹⁹“Man is also chastened with pain upon his bed, and with continual strife in his bones; ²⁰so that his life loathes bread, and his appetite dainty food. ²¹His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen; and his bones which were not seen stick out. ²²His soul draws near the Pit, and his life to those who bring death. ²³If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him; ²⁴and he is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down into the Pit, I have found a ransom; ²⁵let his flesh become fresh with youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor’; ²⁶then man prays to God, and he accepts him, he comes into his presence with joy. He recounts to men his salvation, ²⁷and he sings before men, and says: ‘I sinned, and perverted what was right, and it was not requited to me. ²⁸He has redeemed my soul from going down into the Pit, and my life shall see the light.’ ²⁹“Behold, God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, ³⁰to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may see the light of life. ³¹Give heed, O Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. ³²If you have anything to say, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. ³³If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”

Intent of Chapter 33

33: 1-33 First Poem of Elihu

vv. 1-7 Elihu states that he is as pro-God as Job is, even though he is a human (a piece of clay) and Job has nothing to fear from him.

v. 6 The Hebrew of the first line in the verse seems to mean “Behold I am your equal, not God” (so also OARSV n.).

vv. 8-11 Job's words are summarised. Job is clean and without transgression, and he has no iniquity. God, however, finds occasion against him and counts him as an enemy and punishes him. In 1Jn. 1:10 we see that if we say we have no sin then God's word is not in us and we make him a liar. That issue is not addressed by the commentators.

vv. 12- 18 Elihu then explains the way in which God deals with man. He explains that God speaks to man in dreams. He warns man and opens their ears, and in visions, so that he may correct man and turn him from sin and keep him back from the pit, or in perishing by the sword. vv. 19-22 Man is portrayed as being chastened so that his body is wasting and his nephesh draws near the pit and his life to those who bring death. Such then do we see the result of man that sins and strays from God.

vv. 23-28 Here Elihu explains the role of the Redeemer referred to in Ch. 19:25ff by Job. This intercessor was that Redeemer referred to by Jacob also in Gen. 48:15-16. Here the Angel of Redemption is one of the elohim in the governing body of the Host, (One of the thousand). He is referred to as the mediator that declares to man what is right for him. He is gracious to him and has found the ransom that delivers him from going down to the pit (24c). This is the function of the Christ, who qualified in 30 CE, on the stauros or stake, to become the Redeemer of Mankind and the High Priest of the Order of Melchisedek (Heb. Ch. 7). He was given Israel as his inheritance in Deut. 32:8-9, by Eloah. He declares to man what is right for him As a result of the following of the Laws of God and the Testimony given to man by the Messiah, which he also gave to Moses and Israel at Sinai (Acts 7:30-53; 1Cor. 10:1-4), mankind is made part of the elect, as foretold in Ps. 82:6; and Jn. 10:34-36).

He is gracious unto him. They are then given the Grace of God in the Holy Spirit. God then grants them grace under the Messiah, as the ransom for them and their sins under the Bill of Indebtedness, the cheirographon, are abolished and the cheirographon was nailed to the stauros or stake on Wednesday 5 April 30 CE (see Nos. 039;159). It was not the Law of God that was done away as the Antinomians teach and it was not done on a Friday as the Sun and Mystery Cults teach under the Doctrine of Attis and Cybele, in the cult of Ishtar or Easter in Baal Worship in Trinitarianism. Those that teach the lie of Antinomians are consigned to the Second Resurrection at the end of the Millennium in 3027 CE. They will not be allowed to live into the Millennium.

vv. 26-28 Then Man is granted a relationship with God, by Grace, and then He teaches all men of His salvation (No. 001A; 081; 082). Repentance and awareness of sin are not the cause, but the result of the operation of the Holy Spirit, under God's Grace. We then do not sin under the Law of God, because to do so is to put Christ on the stauros time and again (Heb. 6:6).

vv. 29-33 The text shows that forgiveness is extended by God to mankind two and three times so that his soul may be redeemed from the pit that he might see the light of life. Elihu then tells Job to be silent, and he will teach him wisdom. This summation of the Salvation of man was given before the Messiah appeared to Moses and to Israel at Sinai. It became the basis of the entire Law and the Testimony under the prophets and by which man is judged (Isa. 8:20). This is the Holy Spirit speaking out of Elihu's mouth.

Chapter 34

Elihu Proclaims God’s Justice

¹Then Eli′hu said: ²“Hear my words, you wise men, and give ear to me, you who know; ³for the ear tests words as the palate tastes food. ⁴Let us choose what is right; let us determine among ourselves what is good. ⁵For Job has said, ‘I am innocent, and God has taken away my right; ⁶in spite of my right I am counted a liar; my wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ ⁷What man is like Job, who drinks up scoffing like water, ⁸who goes in company with evildoers and walks with wicked men? ⁹For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.’ ¹⁰“Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding, far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong. ¹¹For according to the work of a man he will requite him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him. ¹²Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. ¹³Who gave him charge over the earth and who laid on him the whole world? ¹⁴If he should take back his spirit to himself, and gather to himself his breath, ¹⁵all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. ¹⁶“If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say. ¹⁷Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty, ¹⁸who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’ and to nobles, ‘Wicked man’; ¹⁹who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? ²⁰In a moment they die; at midnight the people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are taken away by no human hand. ²¹“For his eyes are upon the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. ²²There is no gloom or deep darkness where evildoers may hide themselves. ²³For he has not appointed a time for any man to go before God in judgment. ²⁴He shatters the mighty without investigation, and sets others in their place. ²⁵Thus, knowing their works, he overturns them in the night, and they are crushed. ²⁶He strikes them for their wickedness in the sight of men, ²⁷because they turned aside from following him, and had no regard for any of his ways, ²⁸so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him, and he heard the cry of the afflicted— ²⁹When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?— ³⁰that a godless man should not reign, that he should not ensnare the people. ³¹“For has any one said to God, ‘I have borne chastisement; I will not offend any more; ³²teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more’? ³³Will he then make requital to suit you, because you reject it? For you must choose, and not I; therefore declare what you know. ³⁴Men of understanding will say to me, and the wise man who hears me will say: ³⁵‘Job speaks without knowledge, his words are without insight.’ ³⁶Would that Job were tried to the end, because he answers like wicked men. ³⁷For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God.”

Intent of Chapter 34

34:1-37 Second Poem of Elihu

In this Chapter Elihu chastises the elders and accuses Job of theological arrogance which he summarises in v. 37. Elihu reprimands him for going in company with evil doers and walking with wicked men. He says it profits a man nothing to take delight in God. (v. 9).

v. 12 The Almighty will not do wickedness or wrong. What is missed is that it was not the Almighty that did this wrong to Job, and it was in fact a test of all. It is according to the work of man that God will requite him (v. 11); the endurance of Job and his loyalty and the empathy and love of the others. Most of all it was a trial of Satan to see just how much he would do to force Job to turn on God. This is the entire story of the Six thousand years of His rule, and why he and the Host have been consigned to the Second Resurrection for retraining so that they might be able to return to the Host as Elohim (Nos. 080; 143B).

vv. 12-15 God does not do wickedly nor pervert justice. He alone is ultimately responsible for the whole world. If He took back his spirit and life force, all flesh would perish.

vv. 16-20 God is responsible for power and authority, and shall one who hates justice govern? Can we condemn he who is righteous and mighty? It is God that judges them and removes power and raises others. They are taken away by no human hand (v. 20).

vv. 21-30 God judges all mankind and a godless man will not be permitted to enslave men save at His Direction.

vv. 31-37 Elihu here says that it is each man that must choose to repent and turn to God. Job must be tried to the end for his theological arrogance as he adds rebellion to his sins and speaks against God.

Chapter 35

Elihu Condemns Self-Righteousness

¹And Eli′hu said: ²“Do you think this to be just? Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’ ³that you ask, ‘What advantage have I? How am I better off than if I had sinned?’ ⁴I will answer you and your friends with you. ⁵Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you. ⁶If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? ⁷If you are righteous, what do you give to him; or what does he receive from your hand? ⁸Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself, and your righteousness a son of man. ⁹“Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; they call for help because of the arm of the mighty. ¹⁰But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, ¹¹who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’ ¹²There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men. ¹³Surely God does not hear an empty cry, nor does the Almighty regard it. ¹⁴How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him! ¹⁵And now, because his anger does not punish, and he does not greatly heed transgression, ¹⁶Job opens his mouth in empty talk, he multiplies words without knowledge.”

Intent of Chapter 35

35:1-16 Third Poem of Elihu.

vv. 1-4 Preamble as to their benefit under God.

vv. 5-8 If we sin and our transgressions are multiplied what do we do against God? If we are righteous we give nothing to God and our wickedness concerns other men and our righteousness concerns other men also.

vv. 9-16 It is because of oppression that people cry out and God hears. None say: where is God my maker who gives songs in the night (v. 10).

God teaches us more than the beasts of the earth. That is because the purpose of our creation is not to be flesh but rather Elohim as sons of God and not to be confined to the earth (see Ps. 82:6; Jn. 10:34-36 above). Because God does not punish people in His anger and greatly heeds transgression, Job opens his mouth in empty talk, multiplying words without knowledge.

The text shows the emptiness and folly of judging Divine Behaviour.

Chapter 36

Elihu Exalts God’s Goodness

¹And Eli′hu continued, and said: ²“Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God’s behalf. ³I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and ascribe righteousness to my Maker. ⁴For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. ⁵“Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. ⁶He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right. ⁷He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings upon the throne he sets them for ever, and they are exalted. ⁸And if they are bound in fetters and caught in the cords of affliction, ⁹then he declares to them their work and their transgressions, that they are behaving arrogantly. ¹⁰He opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity. ¹¹If they hearken and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness. ¹²But if they do not hearken, they perish by the sword, and die without knowledge. ¹³“The godless in heart cherish anger; they do not cry for help when he binds them. ¹⁴They die in youth, and their life ends in shame, ¹⁵He delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear by adversity. ¹⁶He also allured you out of distress into a broad place where there was no cramping, and what was set on your table was full of fatness. ¹⁷“But you are full of the judgment on the wicked; judgment and justice seize you. ¹⁸Beware lest wrath entice you into scoffing; and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside. ¹⁹Will your cry avail to keep you from distress, or all the force of your strength? ²⁰Do not long for the night, when peoples are cut off in their place. ²¹Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction. ²²Behold, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him? ²³Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, ‘Thou hast done wrong’?

Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty

²⁴“Remember to extol his work, of which men have sung. ²⁵All men have looked on it; man beholds it from afar. ²⁶Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable. ²⁷For he draws up the drops of water, he distils his mist in rain ²⁸which the skies pour down, and drop upon man abundantly. ²⁹Can any one understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion? ³⁰Behold, he scatters his lightning about him, and covers the roots of the sea. ³¹For by these he judges peoples; he gives food in abundance. ³²He covers his hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark. ³³Its crashing declares concerning him, who is jealous with anger against iniquity.

Intent of Chapter 36

36:1-25 Fourth Poem of Elihu

vv. 1-4 Elihu clearly says he is speaking on God's behalf, that is, in the Holy Spirit. He declares he is speaking in the perfect knowledge of God.

v. 5-6 He states that God is mighty in the strength of understanding. He does not keep the wicked alive but gives the afflicted their right.

v. 7-9 He watches the righteous and sets kings upon the throne forever (in Dynasties) and they are exalted. If they are bound in fetters and caught in the cords of affliction, He declares to them their work and their transgressions that they are behaving arrogantly. He opens their ears to instruction and commands them to turn from iniquity. If they hearken, they are allowed to live out their days in peace, if not they perish by the sword and die without knowledge. Thus all power comes from God. Even Satan is tested and then directed by God. He has decreed that the final phase of the creation will be under Messiah enforcing the Laws of God and the Testimony and the Temple Calendar that flows from the Law (Isa. 66:23-24; Zech. 14:16-21 from Jerusalem (Ezek. ch. 40-48; Rev. ch 19-22).

Let Job be aware and praise God as he participates in the work. (cf. 16-25).

36:26-37 Fifth Poem of Elihu

God is unknowable. He regulates the creation and He judges people and He gives food in abundance. His use of the power of the creation declares whom it is with which He is angry.

We will take the rest of the poem up in F018vii.

Bullinger’s Notes on Chs. 31-36 (for KJV)

Chapter 31

Verse 1

I. Note the "I" of self-justification; and see note on Job 29:2 .

why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 2

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

Verse 3

Is not . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis . App-6 .

Verse 4

Doth not He . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 11

crime. Hebrew zimmah. App-44 .

iniquity. Hebrew. 'avah.

iniquity to be punished by the judges = a judicial iniquity; or, an iniquity in the eye of the law.

Verse 16

poor. Hebrew. dal = impoverished or reduced in means. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 19

poor = helpless. Hebrew. 'ebyon. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 20

Loins have not blessed. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia, App-6 :. the loins so covered.

Verse 21

help. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for those who would he on his side.

Verse 22

the bone. Authorized Version margin, "the chanel bone". Obsolete Eng. for channel = what is channelled or scooped out: i.e. the socket.

Verse 23

highness = majesty.

endure = escape.

Verse 26

the sun = the light.

Verse 27

my mouth hath kissed my hand: i.e. the outward sign of homage [to, or in worship, of the sun].

Verse 29

found. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6 .

Verse 30

his. A special various reading called Sevir ( App-34 ) reads "their".

soul. Hebrew. nephesh . App-13 .

Verse 31

men. Heb methim. App-14 .

tabernacle = tent.

Verse 33

transgressions. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 . Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read "transgression" (singular)

as Adam. Compare Genesis 3:10 .

Verse 35

Oh! Figure of speech E cphonesis. App-6 .

adversary = man (Hebrew ' i s h . App-14 .) of my quarrel.

Verse 38

land cry . . . complain. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6 .

Verse 39

have caused, &c. = made the souls of the owners groan.

life = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 40

Let thistles grow. This is not an imprecation, but an argument in favor of his integrity: i.e. Had he been as his friends alleged, would he not have had bad instead of bountiful harvests? See translation below.

ended: so far as his friends were concerned. He had words for God (ch. Job 42:1-6 ).

Chapter 32

Verse 2

Elihu = God is Jehovah; or, my God is He. Not named before. His addresses occupy six chapters, His two counts of indictment (verses: Job 32:2 , Job 32:3 ) are based upon what precedes, and lead up to "the end of the Lord" in what follows from Job 32:13 .

Barachel = whom God hath blessed.

Buzite. Descended from Buz, the second son of Nahor, the brother of Abraham (Genesis 22:20 , Genesis 22:21 ). See notes on p. 666.

Ram = Aram, related to Buz (Genesis 22:21 ).

himself = his soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 3

condemned Job. The primitive text reads "condemned God", but was altered from motives of false reverence by the Sopherim to "Job". See App-33 .

Verse 7

Days . . . years. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for men of years: aged men.

Verse 8

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

inspiration. Hebrew. neshamah. App-16 .

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

Verse 12

convinced = convicted. Man condemns without convicting; but God convicts first, that the man may condemn himself.

words = arguments.

Verse 13

GOD. Hebrew El.

Verse 18

matter. Hebrew. millah = the matter of what is said.

Verse 19

wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 .

bottles = skin bottles; which, if fermentation is not completed, sometimes burst.

Verse 22

soon. See note on Proverbs 5:14 .

Chapter 33

Verse 3

My words. In this chapter are to he found most of the fundamental doctrines of the N.T.

Verse 4

Spirit. Hebrew. ruach . App-9 .

breath. Hebrew. neshamah . See App-16 .

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

Verse 6

thy wish. Compare Job 13:3 , Job 13:18-24 ; Job 16:21 ; Job 23:3-9 ; Job 30:20 ; Job 31:35 .

Verse 8

thy words. Compare Job 9:17 ; Job 10:7 ; Job 11:4 ; Job 16:17 ; Job 23:10 , Job 23:11 ; Job 27:5 ; Job 29:14 .

Verse 10

findeth = seeketh. Compare Numbers 14:35 ; Numbers 32:7 .

He counteth. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "that He may count".

Verse 12

GOD. Hebrew Eloah. App-4 .

greater than man. This is the theme of Elihu's addresses.

man = mortal man. Hebrew. 'enosh . App-14 .

Verse 17

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

from man. Hebrew from geber. App-4 .

Verse 18

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

pit. Hebrew. shachath = the grave, as dugout of the earth.

Verse 22

Yea. This "Yea" was not in the Authorized Version of 1611, nor in editions of 1646 and 1648.

grave. Hebrew. shachath, as in Job 33:18 .

Verse 23

If there be. This is another way by which God speaks.

interpreter. To reveal God and His truth. Compare John 1:18 .

His: i.e. God ' s righteousness.

Verse 24

a Hansom = an Atonement. Hebrew. kopher, a covering by shedding of blood, or the price of expiation, or atonement.

Verse 26

joy = shouts of joy.

Verse 27

I have sinned. This is true wisdom. See note on Job 28:28 . This is "the end of the Lord" (James 5:11 ), to which all was leading, and which is reached at length in Job 42:2-5 .

sinned. Hebrew. chata. App-44 .

Verse 33

hearken = hearken thou.

Chapter 34

Verse 1

answered = addressed. See note on Job 4:1 .

Verse 2

words = speech.

Verse 3

mouth = palate.

Verse 5

I am righteous. Compare Job 9:21-24 ; Job 10:15 ; Job 27:6 ; Job 13:15 , Job 13:18 , Job 13:23 ; Job 16:17 ; Job 19:7 ; Job 23:7 , Job 23:10-12 ; Job 27:5 , &c.

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4 .

Verse 6

transgression. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 .

Verse 7

man = strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14 .

Verse 8

iniquity. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44 .

wicked. Hebrew. rasha' . App-44 .

men. Hebrew, plural of 'enosh. App-14 .

Verse 9

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Verse 10

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

Verse 11

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

every man . Hebrew ' ish . App-14 .

Verse 13

Who . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 14

man = him.

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

and = even; or. Figure of speech Hendiadys ( App-6 ), one thing meant by the two words.

breath. Hebrew. neshamah. App-16 . Compare Genesis 2:7 .

Verse 15

perish = expire.

turn again. Compare Genesis 3:19 . Ecclesiastes 12:7 .

Verse 18

wicked = Belial.

princes = nobles.

ungodly. Hebrew. rasha' . App-44 . Compare Job 34:8 .

Verse 19

accepteth not, &c. Compare Deuteronomy 10:17 . 2 Chronicles 19:7 . Luke 20:21 .Acts 10:34 .

regardeth. A Homonym (Hebrew. nakar), with three meanings: (1) here, to regard; (2) to mistake, Deuteronomy 32:27 ; (3) to deliver, 1 Samuel 23:7 .

poor: i.e. reduced in circumstances. Hebrew. dal . See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

the work, &c. Compare Job 10:3 ; Job 14:15 ; Job 31:15 , &c.

Verse 20

without hand. Compare Daniel 2:34 , Daniel 2:45 ; Daniel 8:25 ; and see 1 Samuel 26:11 .

Verse 22

darkness. Hebrew. hashak. See note on Job 3:6 .

Verse 25

destroyed = crushed

Verse 27

from = from after.

Verse 29

When . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 30

hypocrite = profane man (Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 ).

Verse 33

Should it be. See rendering below.

Verse 35

without wisdom. See note on Job 33:27 .

Verse 37

rebellion. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 .

sin. Hebrew. chata'. App-44 .

Chapter 35

Verse 3

What . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

sin. Hebrew chata'. App-44 .

Verse 5

Look = Look attentively.

Verse 6

a man. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .

of man . Hebrew ' adam . App-14 .

Verse 10

GOD. Hebrew Eloah. App-4 .

Verse 12

evil. Heb ra'a' . App-44 .

Verse 13

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew El Shaddai = GOD ALMIGHTY.

Verse 14

trust thou in = stay thyself upon. Hebrew. hul. See App-69 .

Verse 15

He. Supply Ellipsis: "[thou sayest] He".

Chapter 36

Verse 2

GOD'S. Hebrew Eloah. App-4 .

Verse 5

Behold. Figure of speech Asterism o s . App-6 .

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4 .

is mighty. This is the text of Elihu's discourses, leading up to God's own addresses to Job. Compare Job 36:26 , and Job 33:12 .

Verse 6

wicked = lawless. Hebrew rasha'. App-44 .

poor = wretched. Hebrew. 'ani . See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 9

transgressions. Hebrew. pasha'. App-44 .

Verse 10

iniquity. Hebrew. 'aven . App-44 . Not the same word as Job 36:23 .

Verse 14

They die = their souls die. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

unclean = sodomites. See note on Deuteronomy 23:17 .

iniquity. Hebrew. 'aval . App-44 . Not the same word as verses: Job 36:10 , Job 36:21 .

Verse 24

men. Hebrew, plural of 'enosh . App-14 .

Verse 25

Every man. Hebrew every ' adam . App-14 .

man may behold = all mankind have gazed.

Verse 26

is great. See note on Job 36:5 .

His years. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

Verse 29

can any . . . ? Figure of speech Er otesis. App-6 .

spreadings = suspensions, or floatings.

tabernacle = booth. Hebrew. sukkah.

Verse 30

bottom = roots or offspring, i.e. clouds.

Verse 31

people = peoples.

Verse 33

sheweth = announceth.