Job 35

Chapter Summary

In Job 35, Elihu addresses Job's complaints about God's justice, arguing that God is not obligated to explain His ways to humanity. Elihu emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom, rather than questioning His justice. He also highlights the consequences of sin, noting that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. The chapter concludes with Elihu's assertion that God is just and fair, and that humanity should trust in His sovereignty. Key verses include Job 35:2, where Elihu argues that Job's words are without knowledge, and Job 35:14, where Elihu emphasizes the importance of waiting on God.

Context for the Chapter

Job chapter 35 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Job, which explores the themes of suffering, justice, and God's sovereignty. The chapter follows Elihu's introduction in Job 32-34, where he emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom. The chapter also sets the stage for God's response to Job in Job 38-42, where God emphasizes His sovereignty and justice. In the larger biblical narrative, the book of Job is part of the wisdom literature, which explores the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him.

Heart Application

The chapter's emphasis on trusting in God's sovereignty and fearing Him should lead readers to reflect on their own relationship with God. Readers should consider whether they are trusting in God's wisdom and justice, or trying to understand His ways through human perspectives. The chapter's theme of God's sovereignty should also lead readers to live in obedience to God's will, recognizing His control over all things.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Job chapter 35 emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom. The chapter encourages readers to trust in God's timing and wisdom, rather than trying to understand His ways. As seen in Job 35:14, Elihu argues that Job has spoken without knowledge of God's ways, emphasizing the theme of God's sovereignty and humanity's limited understanding.

Voices from the Church

“The sovereignty of God is a truth that is both comforting and terrifying, for it reminds us of God's absolute control over all things, and our complete dependence on Him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The justice of God is not limited by human perspectives, for He is the one who sees all things and knows all hearts. We must trust in His sovereignty and justice, rather than trying to understand His ways.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Elihu's speech (Job 35:1-8) — Elihu introduces his speech, emphasizing the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom. He argues that Job's words are without knowledge, and that he should trust in God's sovereignty and justice.
2. The theme of God's sovereignty (Job 35:9-13) — Elihu emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, highlighting the distinction between God's ways and human understanding. He notes that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, emphasizing the importance of living in obedience to God's will.
3. The consequences of sin (Job 35:14-16) — Elihu argues that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, emphasizing the importance of living in obedience to God's will. He notes that Job should trust in God's sovereignty and justice, rather than questioning His ways.
4. The importance of waiting on God (Job 35:17-18) — Elihu emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and trusting in His timing and wisdom. He argues that Job should not try to understand God's ways, but rather trust in His sovereignty and justice.
5. Conclusion (Job 35:19-22) — Elihu concludes his speech, emphasizing the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom. He argues that God is just and fair, and that humanity should trust in His sovereignty and justice.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

The chapter emphasizes God's absolute control over all things, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty and humanity's limited understanding. This doctrine is central to the chapter's message and underscores the importance of trusting in God's wisdom.

Justice of God

The chapter notes that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, emphasizing the importance of living in obedience to God's will. This doctrine reflects the theme of God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting the distinction between God's ways and human understanding.

Fear of God

The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom, recognizing His sovereignty and justice. This doctrine is reflected in Elihu's argument that Job should trust in God's sovereignty and justice, rather than questioning His ways.

Providence of God

The chapter highlights God's control over all things, emphasizing the theme of God's sovereignty and humanity's limited understanding. This doctrine is central to the chapter's message and underscores the importance of trusting in God's wisdom.

Lessons from Job 35

1. Trust in God's sovereignty — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, recognizing His control over all things. We should not try to understand God's ways, but rather trust in His wisdom and timing.
2. Fear God and trust in His wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom, recognizing His sovereignty and justice. We should approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His power and majesty.
3. Wait on God and trust in His timing — The chapter teaches us to wait on God and trust in His timing and wisdom. We should not try to rush God or understand His ways, but rather trust in His sovereignty and justice.
4. Recognize the consequences of sin — The chapter notes that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, emphasizing the importance of living in obedience to God's will. We should recognize the consequences of sin and strive to live in obedience to God's will.
5. Trust in God's justice — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, recognizing His control over all things. We should not try to understand God's ways, but rather trust in His wisdom and timing.

Themes from Job 35

1. Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's absolute control over all things, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty and humanity's limited understanding. This theme is central to the chapter's message and underscores the importance of trusting in God's wisdom.
2. Justice of God — The chapter notes that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, emphasizing the importance of living in obedience to God's will. This theme reflects the theme of God's sovereignty and justice, highlighting the distinction between God's ways and human understanding.
3. Fear of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom, recognizing His sovereignty and justice. This theme is reflected in Elihu's argument that Job should trust in God's sovereignty and justice, rather than questioning His ways.
4. Providence of God — The chapter highlights God's control over all things, emphasizing the theme of God's sovereignty and humanity's limited understanding. This theme is central to the chapter's message and underscores the importance of trusting in God's wisdom.
5. Trust in God's wisdom — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and timing, recognizing His control over all things. We should not try to understand God's ways, but rather trust in His sovereignty and justice.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty and justice? How should this impact our relationship with God?
2. How does Elihu's approach to addressing Job's complaints reflect a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?
3. What are the consequences of sin, according to the chapter? How should this impact our decision-making and actions?
4. What does the chapter teach about the importance of waiting on God and trusting in His timing and wisdom? How can we apply this in our own lives?
5. How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice reflect the larger biblical narrative? What implications does this have for our understanding of God and His character?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Job 35

	Sermon	Description
	God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for
	Job #3: The 4th Friend by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit when studying the Bible. He then introduces the character of Elihu in the book of Job
	Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple
	Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson	The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
	Treasures of Darkness by Raymond Golsworthy	Raymond Golsworthy preaches about finding treasures in darkness, emphasizing that dark times of trial and testing are opportunities to encounter God's treasures, such as new songs
	Singing Before Suffering. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of singing in the face of suffering, highlighting that Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples just before His impending crucifixion, demonstr
	None Saith, Where Is God My Maker, by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God during our darkest nights, whether they be filled with doubt, bereavement, or discouragement. He encourages believers to turn th
	Learning in the Darkness by William MacDonald	William MacDonald explores the concept of 'treasures of darkness' as expressed in Isaiah 45:3, emphasizing that spiritual growth and profound lessons often emerge from life's darke

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 35

In his commentary on Job 35, Matthew Henry notes that Elihu's speech is a call to Job to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, rather than questioning His ways. Henry emphasizes the importance of fearing God and trusting in His wisdom, recognizing His control over all things. He also notes that the chapter's theme of God's sovereignty and justice is reflected in the larger biblical narrative, highlighting the distinction between God's ways and human understanding. As Henry writes, 'The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and those who fear Him shall not be ashamed.' (Job 35:1-8) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?