Elihu Proclaims Gods Goodness
February 3, 2022
Commentary
Sometimes we wonder if being faithful to our convictions really does any good. Elihu speaks to this very point (vv. 1-2). He reaches new heights of self-importance as he introduces the last part of his speech. His listeners must have been getting restless as he stated “Bear with me a little longer” (v. 2). “The statement “I will fetch my knowledge from afar” (v. 3) suggests he is boasting of wide knowledge, or of getting his knowledge right from heaven. To call himself"one perfect in knowledge” (v. 4) is hardly an evidence of humility. The whole sense of what he is saying is simply that God is far removed from us. Elihu is wrong, and many folk today are wrong in that concept (vv. 5-16).
Elihu told Job not to be angry with God when judgments usually sent upon the wicked came upon him (vv. 17-18). It was in Job’s best interest, because repentance was the only thing that would avail (v. 19). No hope would come because of a national disaster (v. 20). God uses His great power to afflict because of the lesson affliction teaches (vv. 21-23). God does not look with favor upon those who are wise in their own eyes (vv. 23-24). Elihu urged Job to catch a new vision of the greatness of God and start praising Him (vv. 22-25). With the mind of a scientist, but the heart of a poet, he describes a storm. He begins with the formation of the clouds (vv. 26-29), then the release of power by the lightening (vv. 30-32) and then the sound of the thunder (v. 33).
Application
When God, in His sovereign grace, has allowed me to achieve certain goals it is easy for me to think that I’m more than I am. Lord, help me to always be quick to give you the credit.
Job 36:1– 33 (NET)
1 Elihu said further:
2 “Be patient with me a little longer and I will instruct you, for I still have words to speak on God’s behalf.
3 With my knowledge I will speak comprehensively, and to my Creator I will ascribe righteousness.
4 For in truth, my words are not false; it is one complete in knowledge who is with you.
5 Indeed, God is mighty; and he does not despise people, he is mighty, and firm in his intent.
6 He does not allow the wicked to live, but he gives justice to the poor.
7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous; but with kings on the throne he seats the righteous and exalts them forever.
8 But if they are bound in chains, and held captive by the cords of affliction,
9 then he reveals to them what they have done, and their transgressions, that they were behaving proudly.
10 And he reveals this for correction, and says that they must turn from evil.
11 If they obey and serve him, they live out their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness.
12 But if they refuse to listen, they pass over the river of death, and expire without knowledge.
13 The godless at heart nourish anger, they do not cry out even when he binds them.
14 They die in their youth, and their life ends among the male cultic prostitutes.
15 He delivers the afflicted by their afflictions, he reveals himself to them by their suffering.
16 And surely, he drew you from the mouth of distress, to a wide place, unrestricted, and to the comfort of your table filled with rich food.
17 But now you are preoccupied with the judgment due the wicked, judgment and justice take hold of you.
18 Be careful that no one entices you with riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.
19 Would your wealth sustain you, so that you would not be in distress, even all your mighty efforts?
20 Do not long for the cover of night to drag people away from their homes.
21 Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction.
22 Indeed, God is exalted in his power; who is a teacher like him?
23 Who has prescribed his ways for him? Or said to him, ‘You have done what is wicked’?
24 Remember to extol his work, which people have praised in song.
25 All humanity has seen it; people gaze on it from afar.
26 “Yes, God is great—beyond our knowledge! The number of his years is unsearchable.
27 He draws up drops of water; they distill the rain into its mist,
28 which the clouds pour down and shower on humankind abundantly.
29 Who can understand the spreading of the clouds, the thunderings of his pavilion?
30 See how he scattered his lightning about him; he has covered the depths of the sea.
31 It is by these that he judges the nations and supplies food in abundance.
32 With his hands he covers the lightning, and directs it against its target.
33 His thunder announces the coming storm, the cattle also, concerning the storm’s approach.