Job 34

Receiving no reply, Elihu commences his second speech by addressing Job’s friends (2-4); then states the views of the sufferer (5-9); which he refutes by showing that God cannot govern unjustly, since, being under subjection to no one, He is absolute Sovereign (10-30); and concludes by appealing to Job (31-37). The main object of this speech is to show that God does make a difference between the righteous and the wicked.

4. Let us choose to us judgement. As the result of this trial and testing (3), “Let us choose for ourselves what is right.”

5 my judgement. Rather, “my right.”

6. My wound is incurable without transgression. R.V., more correctly, “My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.”

8. And walketh with wicked men. i.e., He takes their part, by his sentiments, referred to in ver. 9.

9 he hath said. Elihu’s interpretation of Job’s words.

14. If He set His heart, etc. This may be rendered, “If He set His heart upon Himself (i.e., care only for Himself), and gather to Himself His spirit and His breath (i.e., cease to sustain the life of His creatures), all flesh,” etc. God is under no obligation to maintain His creatures; and were He to cease to do so, they would perish.

17 wilt thou condemn Him that is most just? Or, “the Just, the Mighty One.” The same argument is continued. It is contrary to our ideas that the Supreme Ruler should be unjust; and contrary to our observation also, for He rebukes unjust rulers: see next verse.

18. Is it fit to say to a king, etc.? Or, better, “He (i.e., God) saith to a king, ‘Wicked man!’ to princes, ‘Ungodly!’ (19). Who accepteth not,” etc. There is no reason why God, who is infinitely above both, should regard the rich more than the poor.

20 shall they die. That is, ungodly princes and rich men as well as others.

taken away without hand. That is, suddenly, and without any perceptible human agency.

23. He will not lay upon man, etc. “For He appointeth no set time for a man that he should go before God in judgement” (Duhm).

24 without number. Or, “without searching out”: see note on ver. 23.

29 who then can make trouble? Or, “who then can condemn?” as R.V.: cp. Rom. viii. 33, 34.

against a nation, etc. Or, “both in respect of a nation and a man alike.”

30. Lest the people be ensnared. Rather, “nor ensnare the people.”

31. Surely, etc. This is the application of the preceding argument. “For hath any said unto God, I have borne chastisement, though I offend not?” (R.V., marg.). This supposition expresses Job’s own case. So in the appeal, ver. 32.

33. Should it be according to thy mind? etc. Rather, “Shall He recompense according to thy opinion? for thou hast found fault; therefore thou shalt choose, and not I.” Some scholars read “thou shalt choose and not God.”

34. Let men of understanding tell me, etc. Better, “Men of understanding will say to me,—even a wise man who has heard me; ‘Job hath spoken without knowledge,’” etc.

37 clappeth his hands. A mark of triumph and derision (xxvii. 23).