Job 35:10
But no one asks, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night,
But no one asks
This phrase highlights a common human tendency to overlook or forget to seek God during times of distress. In the Hebrew context, the word for "asks" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a deep inquiry or seeking. It suggests that people often fail to turn to God with genuine questions or a desire for understanding, especially when faced with suffering. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God desires His people to seek Him earnestly, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 29:13.

‘Where is God my Maker
The term "Maker" (עֹשֶׂה, oseh) emphasizes God's role as the Creator, not just of the universe, but of each individual. This personal aspect of God as "my Maker" underscores a relationship that is intimate and purposeful. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities as creators, but uniquely in the Hebrew tradition, it is a personal and covenantal relationship. The rhetorical question "Where is God?" suggests a perceived absence of God, a common theme in Job, where the sufferer feels abandoned yet is encouraged to remember God's omnipresence and sovereignty.

who gives us songs in the night
The phrase "songs in the night" (שִׁיר בַּלַּיְלָה, shir balayla) is a poetic expression of hope and comfort. In the ancient world, night often symbolized danger, fear, and uncertainty. Yet, God provides "songs," which symbolize joy, peace, and divine presence even in the darkest times. This reflects the biblical theme of God bringing light into darkness, as seen in Psalm 42:8, where God’s song is with the psalmist in the night. Theologically, it suggests that God equips His people with inner strength and hope, even when external circumstances are bleak. This assurance is a profound reminder of God's sustaining grace and the peace that surpasses understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:7.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogues with friends and his quest for understanding God's ways.

2. Elihu
A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a different perspective on Job's suffering, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty.

3. God
Referred to as "my Maker" in this verse, highlighting His role as the Creator and Sustainer of life, who provides comfort even in dark times.

4. Songs in the Night
A metaphor for divine comfort and hope provided by God during times of trouble and distress.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that addresses the nature of suffering and the righteousness of God.
Teaching Points
God as Our Maker
Recognize God as the Creator who knows us intimately and cares for us deeply, even in our darkest moments.

Divine Comfort in Trials
Trust that God provides comfort and hope ("songs in the night") during times of suffering and uncertainty.

Seeking God in Difficult Times
Encourage believers to actively seek God and His presence when facing challenges, rather than turning away in despair.

The Role of Worship in Suffering
Emphasize the power of worship and praise as a means to connect with God and find peace amidst trials.

Understanding God's Sovereignty
Acknowledge God's ultimate control and justice, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does recognizing God as "my Maker" influence your perspective on personal trials and suffering?

2. In what ways can you incorporate "songs in the night" into your own life when facing difficult circumstances?

3. How do the experiences of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25 illustrate the concept of divine comfort during trials?

4. What practical steps can you take to seek God more earnestly during times of distress, as suggested by Elihu's words?

5. How can understanding God's sovereignty and justice, as discussed in the book of Job, help you navigate your own challenges and questions about suffering?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 42:8
This verse speaks of God’s song being with the psalmist at night, similar to the "songs in the night" mentioned in Job 35:10, emphasizing God's presence and comfort.

Acts 16:25
Paul and Silas sing hymns to God at midnight while imprisoned, illustrating the concept of "songs in the night" as a form of worship and trust in God during trials.

Isaiah 30:29
This verse describes the joy and songs that accompany the faithful as they approach the mountain of the Lord, reinforcing the idea of divine joy and comfort.
Songs in the NightW.F. Adeney Job 35:10
Elihu's Third Speech: the Profit of GodlinessE. Johnson Job 35:1-16
The Cry that is not unto GodR. Green Job 35:9-11
Inquiry After GodT. Kennion, M.A.Job 35:10-11
Men Who Do not Ask for GodC. Wadsworth, D.D.Job 35:10-11
Men's Neglect of GodT. Hannam.Job 35:10-11
Neglect of God in Seasons of NeedHelps for the PulpitJob 35:10-11
Questions Which Ought to be AskedC.H. Spurgeon.Job 35:10-11
Song in the Night of SorrowJ.H. Jowett, M.A.Job 35:10-11
Songs in the NightRobert Grant, B.C.L.Job 35:10-11
Songs in the NightG.J. Proctor.Job 35:10-11
Songs in the NightArchibald G. Brown.Job 35:10-11
Songs in the NightC.H. Spurgeon.Job 35:10-11
Songs in the NightHenry Melvill, B.D.Job 35:10-11
The Apparent Intentions of Divine WisdomE. Bown.Job 35:10-11
People
Elihu, Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Gives, Giveth, Giving, Maker, None, Says, Songs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 35:10

     4957   night
     5167   mouth
     5420   music
     8710   atheism

Job 35:9-10

     6169   godlessness

Library
Questions which Ought to be Asked
ELIHU PERCEIVED the great ones of the earth oppressing the needy, and he traced their domineering tyranny to their forgetfulness of God: "None saith, Where is God my Maker?" Surely, had they thought of God they could not have acted so unjustly. Worse still, if I understand Elihu aright, he complained that even among the oppressed there was the same departure in heart from the Lord: they cried out by reason of the arm of the mighty, but unhappily they did not cry unto God their Maker, though he waits
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

Songs in the Night
"But none saith, Where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night?"--Job 35:10. ELIHU was a wise man, exceeding wise, though not as wise as the all-wise Jehovah, who sees light in the clouds, and finds order in confusion; hence Elihu, being much puzzled at beholding Job thus afflicted, cast about him to find the cause of it, and he very wisely hit upon one of the most likely reasons, although it did not happen to be the right one in Job's case. He said within himself--"Surely, if men be tried
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 44: 1898

Spurgeon -- Songs in the Night
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born at Kelvedon, Essex, England, in 1834. He was one of the most powerful and popular preachers of his time, and his extraordinary force of character and wonderful enthusiasm attracted vast audiences. His voice was unusually powerful, clear and melodious, and he used it with consummate skill. In the preparation of his sermons he meditated much but wrote not a word, so that he was in the truest sense a purely extemporaneous speaker. Sincerity, intensity, imagination and
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

'Why Should I?'
Thou saidst, What advantage will it be? What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.' (Job xxxv. 3, 4.) In reading these words I have no wish to enter into the controversy between Job and his friends as to the relationship of physical suffering to sin, but to emphasize a certain mental attitude which they indicate, and which often expresses itself in relation to other things. The human mind is so constituted that men will not commit
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its Design
. 1, 2.That true religion is very rare, appears from comparing the nature of it with the lives and characters of men around us.--3. The want of it, matter of just lamentation.--4. To remedy this evil is the design of the ensuing Treatise.--5, 6. To which, therefore, the Author earnestly bespeaks the attention of the reader, as his own heart is deeply interested in it.--7 to 12. A general plan of the Work; of which the first fifteen chapters relate chiefly to the Rise of Religion, and the remaining
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The New Song
Heinrich Suso Job xxxv. 10 O Lord, in my songs I have praised Thee For all that was sweet and was fair; And now a new song would I sing Thee, A song that is wondrous and rare. A song of the heart that is broken, A song of the sighs and the tears, The sickness, the want, and the sadness Of the days of our pilgrimage years. A song of the widows and orphans, Of the weary and hungry and sad-- Loud praise of the will Thou has broken, The will of the young and the glad. A song of the outcasts and martyrs,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Whether the Motive of Anger is Always Something done against the one who is Angry?
Objection 1: It would seem that the motive of anger is not always something done against the one who is angry. Because man, by sinning, can do nothing against God; since it is written (Job 35:6): "If thy iniquities be multiplied, what shalt thou do against Him?" And yet God is spoken of as being angry with man on account of sin, according to Ps. 105:40: "The Lord was exceedingly angry with His people." Therefore it is not always on account of something done against him, that a man is angry. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Man May Merit Anything from God?
Objection 1: It would seem that a man can merit nothing from God. For no one, it would seem, merits by giving another his due. But by all the good we do, we cannot make sufficient return to God, since yet more is His due, as also the Philosopher says (Ethic. viii, 14). Hence it is written (Lk. 17:10): "When you have done all these things that are commanded you, say: We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do." Therefore a man can merit nothing from God. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Beneficence is an Act of Charity?
Objection 1: It would seem that beneficence is not an act of charity. For charity is chiefly directed to God. Now we cannot benefit God, according to Job 35:7: "What shalt thou give Him? or what shall He receive of thy hand?" Therefore beneficence is not an act of charity. Objection 2: Further, beneficence consists chiefly in making gifts. But this belongs to liberality. Therefore beneficence is an act of liberality and not of charity. Objection 3: Further, what a man gives, he gives either as being
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Human Action is Meritorious or Demeritorious Before God, According as it is Good or Evil?
Objection 1: It would seem that man's actions, good or evil, are not meritorious or demeritorious in the sight of God. Because, as stated above [1202](A[3]), merit and demerit imply relation to retribution for good or harm done to another. But a man's action, good or evil, does no good or harm to God; for it is written (Job 35:6,7): "If thou sin, what shalt thou hurt Him? . . . And if thou do justly, what shalt thou give Him?" Therefore a human action, good or evil, is not meritorious or demeritorious
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Sin is Aggravated by Reason of Its Causing More Harm?
Objection 1: It would seem that a sin is not aggravated by reason of its causing more harm. Because the harm done is an issue consequent to the sinful act. But the issue of an act does not add to its goodness or malice, as stated above ([1736]Q[20], A[5]). Therefore a sin is not aggravated on account of its causing more harm. Objection 2: Further, harm is inflicted by sins against our neighbor. Because no one wishes to harm himself: and no one can harm God, according to Job 35:6, 8: "If thy iniquities
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man
THERE are not a few difficulties in the account, which Moses has given of the creation of the world, and of the formation, and temptation, and fall of our first parents. Some by the six days of the creation have understood as many years. Whilst others have thought the creation of the world instantaneous: and that the number of days mentioned by Moses is only intended to assist our conception, who are best able to think of things in order of succession. No one part of this account is fuller of difficulties,
Nathaniel Lardner—An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and Exhorted to the Exercise of Habitual Love to Him, and Joy in Him.
1. A holy joy in God, our privilege as well as our duty.--2. The Christian invited to the exercise of it.--3. By the consideration of temporal mercies.--4. And of spiritual favors.--5. By the views of eternal happiness.--6. And of the mercies of God to others, the living and the dead.--7. The chapter closes with an exhortation to this heavenly exercise. And with an example of the genuine workings of this grateful joy in God. 1. I WOULD now suppose my reader to find, on an examination of his spiritual
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Whether a Man Can Merit Anything from God
Whether a Man can Merit Anything from God We proceed to the first article thus: 1. It seems that a man cannot merit anything from God. No one merits a reward by repaying what he owes to another. But we cannot even fully repay what we owe to God, by all the good that we do. For we always owe him more than this, as the philosopher says in 8 Ethics 14. Hence it is said in Luke 17:10: "when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether it is Necessary for the Salvation of All, that they Should Believe Explicitly in the Mystery of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not necessary for the salvation of all that they should believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ. For man is not bound to believe explicitly what the angels are ignorant about: since the unfolding of faith is the result of Divine revelation, which reaches man by means of the angels, as stated above [2287](A[6]; [2288]FP, Q[111], A[1]). Now even the angels were in ignorance of the mystery of the Incarnation: hence, according to the commentary of Dionysius (Coel.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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