The Book of
Job 34
37 verses≈ 4 min2 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1–3The testBlameless, stripped of everything, and his cry
- 4–14Round oneThe friends speak; Job answers
- 15–21Round twoMy Redeemer lives
- 22–31Round threeThen wisdom, and Job's last defense
- 32–37ElihuA younger voiceChapter 34
- 38–41The LORD speaksOut of the whirlwind
- 42The endJob prays and is restored
Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
Elihu
Then Elihu continued:
“Hear my words, O wise men;
give ear to me, O men of learning.
For the ear tests words
as the mouth tastes food.
Let us choose for ourselves what is right;
let us learn together what is good.
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For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous,
yet God has deprived me of justice.
Would I lie about my case?
My wound is incurable,
though I am without transgression.’
Elihu
What man is like Job,
who drinks up derision like water?
He keeps company with evildoers
and walks with wicked men.
For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing
that he should delight in God.’
Therefore listen to me,
O men of understanding.
Far be it from God to do wrong,
and from the Almighty to act unjustly.
For according to a man’s deeds He repays him;
according to a man’s ways He brings consequences.
Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly,
and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
Job 34:12
Elihu
Who gave Him charge over the earth?
Who appointed Him over the whole world?
If He were to set His heart to it
and withdraw His Spirit and breath,
all flesh would perish together
and mankind would return to the dust.
Question
Quick question
Every breath is on loan.
What does Elihu say would happen if God withdrew His Spirit and breath?
For His eyes are on the ways of a man,
and He sees his every step.
There is no darkness or deep shadow
where the workers of iniquity can hide.
For God need not examine a man further
or have him approach for judgment.
He shatters the mighty without inquiry
and sets up others in their place.
Therefore, He recognizes their deeds;
He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
0:24
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
Elihu
He strikes them for their wickedness
in full view,
because they turned aside from Him
and had no regard for any of His ways.
They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him,
and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.
But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.
Reflect
No darkness
“There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.” Is that a comfort to you today, or a warning? Write down why.
Suppose someone says to God,
‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more.
Teach me what I cannot see;
if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’
Should God repay you on your own terms
when you have disavowed Him?
You must choose, not I;
so tell me what you know.
Men of understanding will declare to me,
and the wise men who hear me will say:
‘Job speaks without knowledge;
his words lack insight.’
Elihu
If only Job were tried to the utmost
for answering like a wicked man.
For he adds rebellion to his sin;
he claps his hands among us
and multiplies his words against God.”
True, and where it stops
Whiteboard
Each line on the left is true of God. The step to the right is where Elihu goes wrong, as the friends did.
Pray
Pray
Ask for trust that God does no wrong, even when you can’t see it. Pray for the poor, whose cry He hears. Ask to speak of Him truly, and of other people carefully.
You’ve experienced
Job 34
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A verse to carry with you
Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
Job 34:12
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