Job 36 Study Notes

36:1-4 Elihu claimed to have access to the flawless mind of God. Here he professed complete knowledge for himself; in 37:16 he attributed the same to God.

36:5 The phrase he understands all things is literally “he is mighty in strength of heart.” The Hebrew word for “heart” can refer to the emotions or to the mind (Ps 77:6). Elihu stated categorically that God’s great power does not compromise his dealings with mankind. His strength of heart moves him to deal with compassionate firmness of purpose.

36:6 Contrary to Job’s insistence that he received no justice from God in his suffering (7:19; 9:27-35; 10:20-21; 16:18-22; 19:7; 30:16-23), Elihu declared that God’s justice did extend to the oppressed (34:28).

36:7 Job had complained of God’s constant scrutiny of him (7:17-20; 10:4-7), yet he had admitted that in times past when God watched over him, he experienced the good life (29:2-6). Elihu pointed out that the all-seeing God always looks to the good of the righteous.

36:8-9 Elihu pointed out that people’s good includes their correction. God may allow the righteous to suffer like those bound with chains (i.e., like captives of war; see Nah 3:10) in order to keep them from going further along the path to destruction. Apparent injustice may be a disguised good in order that God may bring people’s arrogance and sin to their attention.

36:10-12 The uncovered or opened ear symbolizes God’s revelation and instruction to mankind (33:16; Is 50:4-5). The sinner’s unopened ear indicates rebellion against God (Is 48:8). If a person’s ears are opened to accept God’s correction, he will obey God and serve him faithfully. If the person’s ear remains closed in disobedience, he will proceed in ignorance along the road to certain death (33:18).

36:13-14 Elihu pointed out that some people respond to God’s chastisement angrily. Cult prostitutes were involved in the worship of idols (Dt 23:17; 1Kg 14:22-24; Hs 4:14).

36:15 Rather than being a sign of God’s unconcern as Job had reasoned (9:15-16), affliction is a mark of God’s mercy, keeping one from the deadly path of ignorance (v. 12).

36:16 Elihu turned to Job’s speech in which he had contrasted his former life and present situation (chaps. 29-30). Rather than complaining that he was suffering unjustly, Job should recognize that he was experiencing God’s means of correction and restoration, as Eliphaz had also argued (5:17-26).

36:17-19 The prosperity of the wicked was distracting Job. Neither wealth nor personal effort could deliver Job from his distress. Only God’s chastisement could work its intended result.

36:20-21 Job should neither wish for death (7:13-16; 10:19-22) nor resign himself to it (17:13-18; 30:20-23). Elihu warned Job that by seeking some alternative method of ending his affliction, he was committing iniquity. Rather, Job should learn the reasons for God’s discipline in his life.

36:22-23 Elihu implied that Job should not accuse God of injustice in his case (10:6-7; 13:26-27; 19:11; 30:18-19; 33:8-11).

36:24-25 Rather than finding fault with God, Job should join all mankind in singing his praise (Ps 48:10; 100:1-2).

36:26-37:13 Elihu followed his own advice and launched into a long hymn-like praise of God. This prayer provides a setting for God’s subsequent declarations to Job.

36:26 Elihu began his praise by pointing out that full knowledge of God is beyond human comprehension (42:3; Is 40:13-14). Humanity cannot fully appreciate his infinity (Ps 102:27). Job was in no position to criticize such a one, because God’s power and wisdom defy human understanding (Is 40:28).

36:27-30 The complexities of the hydrologic cycle are under God’s control.

36:31-33 God’s control of the forces of nature involves both the sustenance and the judgment of the nations. Like a mighty cosmic warrior shooting his arrows (Hab 3:8-13), God propels the lightning across the sky (37:3) as an instrument of judgment, unerringly hitting its mark (see Ps 18:14; 144:6). God’s power and presence are felt by man and beast in the thunderstorm (Ps 77:18).