◄ Job 34 ►
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Elihu Confirms God’s Justice 1Then Elihu continued: 2“Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning. 3For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food. 4Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. 5For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice. 6Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ 7What man is like Job, who drinks up derision like water? 8He keeps company with evildoers and walks with wicked men. 9For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ 10Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. 11For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. 12Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice. 13Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world? 14If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, 15all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. 16If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words. 17Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, 18who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ 19who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. 20They die in an instant, in the middle of the night. The people convulse and pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. 21For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. 22There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. 23For God need not examine a man further or have him approach for judgment. 24He shatters the mighty without inquiry and sets up others in their place. 25Therefore, He recognizes their deeds; He overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. 26He strikes them for their wickedness in full view, 27because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways. 28They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. 29But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, 30that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people. 31Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more. 32Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’ 33Should God repay you on your own terms when you have disavowed Him? You must choose, not I; so tell me what you know. 34Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say: 35‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’ 36If only Job were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man. 37For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.” Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 34 Summary Elihu Confirms God's Justice Verses 1–4 – Listen, Test, Decide Elihu invites the “wise men” and all who “have knowledge” to weigh his words. Just as the palate tastes food, the ear should test teaching. He urges a joint search for what is right before God. Verses 5–9 – Job’s Protest Repeated Elihu restates Job’s claim: “I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice” (v. 5). Job’s insistence that piety brings no benefit sounds, to Elihu, like someone “drinking derision like water.” By echoing Job’s own words, Elihu sets the stage to answer them. Verses 10–15 – God Acts Justly “Far be it from God to do wickedness” (v. 10). Because the Almighty repays each person “according to his deeds” (v. 11), He cannot be unfair. If God withdrew His breath, “all flesh would perish… and mankind would return to dust” (vv. 14–15); therefore, life itself depends on His righteous keeping of the world. Verses 16–20 – The Impartial Judge Elihu asks if one who hates justice could possibly rule the universe. God shows no partiality to princes or paupers (v. 19) and can depose the mighty “in an instant… without human hand” (v. 20). Earthly rank does not sway the Judge of all. Verses 21–30 – Nothing Escapes His Sight “His eyes are upon the ways of a man” (v. 21). No darkness can hide evil (v. 22). God topples wrongdoers, hears the cry of the poor, and prevents the godless from ruling unchecked. When He is silent, no one can force Him to speak; when He hides His face, none can unveil Him (v. 29). Verses 31–37 – An Appeal for Humility Elihu imagines a sinner saying, “Teach me what I cannot see” (v. 32). He presses Job to adopt that posture instead of demanding vindication on his own terms (v. 33). Convinced that Job “adds rebellion” to his earlier words (v. 37), Elihu calls for a thorough testing of Job’s claims. Job 34 is a continuation of Elihu's discourse that commenced in Chapter 32 of the Book of Job. In this chapter, Elihu passionately emphasizes God's justice and integrity. He argues that God's decisions are always perfect and just, and human beings, including Job, have no basis to question His actions. Literary Setting • Job 34 is the second of Elihu’s four speeches (Job 32–37). Each builds on the last, sharpening the focus on God’s character in preparation for God’s own appearance in chapters 38-41. • Elihu quotes or paraphrases Job repeatedly (cf. Job 13:18; 16:17; 21:15) to show he has listened carefully before responding. Historical Background • Job’s world fits the patriarchal period—family-based wealth, pre-Mosaic sacrifice, and a lifespan long enough for multiple generations (Job 42:16). Archaeological digs at Nuzi and Mari show similar clan structures and livestock-driven economies around the second millennium BC. • The gate of an ancient Near Eastern city served as a courtroom. Elihu’s legal language (“case,” “justice,” “repay”) echoes proceedings that took place there, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment. Archaeological and Cultural Notes 1. Dust imagery (v. 15) parallels Mesopotamian creation accounts that describe humans as fashioned from dust and divine breath. Scripture affirms this link (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). 2. “Clapping the hands” in v. 37 was a gesture of scorn (cf. Nahum 3:19). Tablets from Ugarit record similar derisive hand-clapping in rituals of lament. 3. Kings deposed “without human hand” (v. 20) recalls sudden palace coups in ancient records, yet Elihu attributes such removals directly to God rather than politics or fate. Key Themes • God’s Justice: Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 89:14 echo Elihu’s conviction that righteousness is the foundation of God’s rule. • God’s Independence: Since no one “appointed Him over the whole world” (v. 13), His authority is not delegated but absolute. Compare Romans 9:20-21. • God’s Omniscience: Proverbs 15:3 and Hebrews 4:13 reinforce v. 21—nothing escapes His sight. • Personal Responsibility: “According to a man’s deeds He repays him” (v. 11) aligns with Proverbs 24:12 and Romans 2:6. • Call to Humility: Elihu’s hypothetical confession (vv. 31-32) anticipates Job’s eventual repentance (Job 42:6). Connections to Other Scriptures • Genesis 18:25—Abraham’s question, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” matches Elihu’s argument. • Psalm 75:7—“It is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another.” • Daniel 2:21—God “removes kings and establishes them,” echoing vv. 20, 24. • Acts 10:34; 1 Peter 1:17—God “shows no partiality,” mirroring v. 19. • James 5:1-6—The cries of the oppressed reach the Lord, as in v. 28. Outline of the Passage 1. Call for an impartial hearing (1-4) 2. Quoting Job’s assertions (5-9) 3. Affirming divine justice (10-15) 4. God’s impartial rule (16-20) 5. God’s thorough oversight (21-30) 6. Plea for teachable humility (31-33) 7. Verdict on Job’s words (34-37) Hebrew Word Highlights • “Shamaʿ” (v. 2, “hear”) conveys active listening that leads to response—key in wisdom literature (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4). • “Mishpat” (v. 11, “justice”) ties God’s actions to a moral order, not mere power. • “Nashamah” (v. 14, “breath”) links back to Genesis 2:7, underscoring dependence on God’s life-giving spirit. Practical Applications • Test teaching: Like Elihu’s “ear tests words,” believers today should compare every claim—even their own feelings—to Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Trust God’s timing: When rulers seem unchecked, remember Elihu’s assurance that God can depose the mighty “in an instant.” • Stay teachable: Replace self-defense with the prayer of vv. 31-32—“Teach me what I cannot see.” • Defend the oppressed: God hears the cry of the poor (v. 28); His people should too (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Acknowledge limits: If God were to withdraw His breath (v. 15), life would cease—daily dependence on Him fuels gratitude and humility. Summary Thought Elihu’s speech cuts through debate to spotlight God’s unshakable justice and tireless oversight. Life, breath, power, and position all rest in His hands, calling every listener—ancient or modern—to trust His fairness and walk humbly before Him. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 89:14 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You.” Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Romans 2:11 “For God does not show favoritism.” Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” Teaching Points Elihu’s Call for Discernment Elihu begins by urging his listeners to use discernment and wisdom in understanding God’s ways. “Hear my words, you wise men; give ear to me, you men of learning” (Job 34:2). This highlights the importance of seeking wisdom in spiritual matters. God’s Justice is Unquestionable Elihu asserts that God is inherently just and cannot do wrong. “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong” (Job 34:10). This reinforces the belief in God’s perfect justice. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation Elihu emphasizes God’s control over life and death, illustrating His supreme authority. “If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together, and mankind would return to the dust” (Job 34:14-15). God’s Impartiality Elihu points out that God shows no partiality and judges all people fairly. “He does not look favorably on the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of His hands” (Job 34:19). The Consequences of Wickedness Elihu warns that God sees all actions and will bring judgment upon the wicked. “For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step” (Job 34:21). Practical Applications Seek Wisdom and Discernment Just as Elihu calls for discernment, we should seek God’s wisdom in understanding His ways and applying them to our lives. Trust in God’s Justice In times of personal or observed injustice, trust that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, even when it is not immediately apparent. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty Recognize and submit to God’s authority over all aspects of life, understanding that He is in control. Practice Impartiality Reflect God’s impartiality in our interactions with others, treating everyone with fairness and respect. Live Righteously Be mindful that God sees all actions and strive to live in a way that honors Him, avoiding wickedness. People 1. Elihu Elihu is the main speaker in Job 34. He is one of Job's friends who has waited to speak after Job and his three friends have finished their discussions. Elihu is portrayed as a younger man who is passionate about defending God's justice and righteousness. He believes that Job has spoken wrongly about God and seeks to correct him. Elihu's name in Hebrew (אֱלִיהוּא) can be translated as "He is my God." 2. Job Although Job does not speak in this chapter, he is the subject of Elihu's discourse. Elihu addresses Job's previous statements and challenges his understanding of God's justice. Job is a central figure in the Book of Job, known for his suffering and his quest to understand the reasons behind it. 3. God While God does not directly speak in this chapter, Elihu frequently references God, emphasizing His justice, power, and impartiality. Elihu argues that God is righteous and does not act wickedly, and he challenges Job's assertions about God's treatment of him. Places 1. Earth In Job 34:13, Elihu speaks of God’s sovereignty over the earth: "Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?" The Hebrew word used here is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which generally refers to the land or the earth as a whole, emphasizing God's dominion over all creation. 2. World Also in Job 34:13, the term "world" is used: "Who appointed Him over the whole world?" The Hebrew word "תֵּבֵל" (tebel) is used here, which often denotes the inhabited world or the earth in its entirety, again highlighting God's authority over all living things. Events 1. Elihu Calls for Attention Elihu begins by calling for the wise and knowledgeable to listen to his words. He emphasizes the importance of discernment and understanding, akin to how the ear tests words and the mouth tastes food (Job 34:2-3). 2. Elihu Asserts God's Justice Elihu argues that God is just and cannot do wrong. He states, "Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong" (Job 34:10). This reflects the Hebrew root "רָשַׁע" (rasha), meaning wickedness or wrongdoing, emphasizing God's inherent righteousness. 3. God Repays According to Deeds Elihu explains that God repays people according to their actions, asserting that He is impartial and fair in His judgments (Job 34:11). The Hebrew root "פָּעַל" (pa'al) for "deeds" underscores the concept of actions or works. 4. God's Sovereignty Over Life Elihu highlights God's sovereignty, stating that if God were to withdraw His spirit and breath, all flesh would perish (Job 34:14-15). This reflects the Hebrew "רוּחַ" (ruach) for spirit, indicating the life-giving breath of God. 5. God's Rule Over Nations and Leaders Elihu declares that God is in control over nations and their leaders, and He can bring them low or exalt them according to His will (Job 34:24-25). This underscores God's ultimate authority and governance. 6. God's Omniscience Elihu emphasizes that God sees all human actions and there is no darkness or deep shadow where evildoers can hide (Job 34:21-22). The Hebrew "חֹשֶׁךְ" (choshech) for darkness highlights the futility of hiding from God's sight. 7. Elihu's Call for Job to Repent Elihu suggests that Job should acknowledge his sin and repent, implying that Job's suffering may be a result of his own actions (Job 34:31-33). This reflects a conservative view that suffering can be a consequence of personal sin. 8. Elihu's Confidence in God's Justice Elihu concludes by expressing confidence in God's justice, asserting that Job has spoken without knowledge and that his words lack wisdom (Job 34:35). This reflects the Hebrew "דַּעַת" (da'at) for knowledge, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's ways. Lessons from Job 34 1. God’s Justice is Unquestionable In Job 34:12, we read, "Truly God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice." This verse reminds us that God’s justice is perfect and unwavering. Even when life seems unfair, we can trust that God’s ways are just and righteous. His perspective is eternal, and His judgments are always right. 2. God is Sovereign Over All Creation Job 34:13 asks, "Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?" This rhetorical question highlights God’s sovereignty. He is the ultimate authority over all creation, and nothing happens outside His will. Recognizing His sovereignty can bring peace in the midst of chaos. 3. God Sees All Actions In verse 21, it states, "For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step." God’s omniscience means He is fully aware of our actions and intentions. This should encourage us to live with integrity, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him. 4. God Hears the Cries of the Oppressed Job 34:28 tells us, "They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted." God is attentive to the cries of those who suffer injustice. He is a refuge for the oppressed, and His compassion is a source of hope for those in distress. 5. God’s Power is Unmatched Verse 14-15 reminds us, "If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust." This illustrates God’s unmatched power and the dependence of all life on Him. It’s a humbling reminder of our need for His sustaining grace. 6. God’s Wisdom is Beyond Human Understanding Job 34:10 declares, "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong." God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. Trusting in His wisdom means acknowledging that His plans are higher than ours, even when we don’t fully comprehend them. 7. God Rewards Righteousness In verse 11, it is written, "For according to a man’s deeds, He repays him; according to a man’s ways, He brings consequences." God is just in rewarding righteousness and addressing wrongdoing. This principle encourages us to pursue a life that honors Him, knowing that He sees and rewards our efforts. 8. God is Impartial Job 34:19 states, "Who is not partial to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands?" God’s impartiality assures us that He values each person equally, regardless of status or wealth. This truth calls us to treat others with the same fairness and respect. 9. God’s Timing is Perfect Verse 23 says, "For God need not examine a man further, for one to approach Him in judgment." God’s timing in judgment is perfect. He knows the right moment to act, and His timing is always aligned with His perfect will. Patience in waiting for His timing is a virtue we can cultivate. 10. God’s Purpose Prevails Finally, Job 34:29 reminds us, "When He is quiet, who can condemn? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He is over both man and nation." God’s purposes will always prevail, regardless of human plans. Trusting in His ultimate plan gives us confidence that He is working all things for good. These lessons from Job 34 encourage us to trust in God’s character and His divine plan, knowing that He is just, sovereign, and loving. Let these truths guide your daily walk and inspire you to live a life that reflects His glory. Topics 1. Elihu's Call for Discernment (Job 34:1-4) Elihu invites his listeners to use discernment and wisdom in evaluating his words. He emphasizes the importance of testing words as one tests food, highlighting the need for careful judgment. The Hebrew root for "discern" (בִּין, bin) implies understanding and insight. 2. God's Justice and Righteousness (Job 34:5-12) Elihu argues that God is just and cannot do wrong. He refutes Job's claim of being wronged by God, asserting that God repays people according to their deeds. The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores God's fair and righteous nature. 3. God's Sovereignty Over Creation (Job 34:13-15) Elihu speaks of God's sovereign control over the earth and all life. He emphasizes that if God were to withdraw His spirit, all flesh would perish. The Hebrew term for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) conveys the idea of breath or life force, underscoring God's sustaining power. 4. God's Impartiality (Job 34:16-20) Elihu highlights God's impartiality, stating that He shows no favoritism to princes or the rich over the poor. The Hebrew root for "impartial" (נָשָׂא, nasa) suggests lifting or carrying, indicating that God does not elevate one person over another unjustly. 5. God's Omniscience (Job 34:21-30) Elihu asserts that God sees all human actions and knows their ways. He describes how God can bring down the mighty without inquiry, emphasizing His omniscience and ability to judge rightly. The Hebrew word for "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies a comprehensive understanding. 6. Elihu's Reproof of Job (Job 34:31-37) Elihu criticizes Job for speaking without knowledge and accuses him of adding rebellion to his sin. He urges Job to repent and submit to God's correction. The Hebrew root for "reproof" (תוֹכַחַת, tokhahat) involves correction and discipline, reflecting Elihu's call for Job to acknowledge his errors. Themes 1. God's Justice and Righteousness Job 34 emphasizes the justice and righteousness of God. Elihu asserts that God is incapable of doing wrong or acting unjustly. In verse 12, it states, "Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice." The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores the idea of divine fairness and moral order. 2. God's Sovereignty and Power The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power over creation and human affairs. Elihu points out that God is in control of life and death, as seen in verse 14-15: "If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together, and mankind would return to the dust." The Hebrew word for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) conveys the life-giving breath of God. 3. Human Accountability Elihu stresses that humans are accountable to God for their actions. In verse 11, it says, "For according to a man’s deeds, He repays him; according to a man’s ways, He brings consequences." This theme reflects the biblical principle of retribution, where actions have corresponding outcomes. 4. God's Impartiality The impartiality of God is another key theme. Elihu argues that God shows no favoritism and treats all people equally. Verse 19 states, "who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands." The Hebrew term for "partiality" (נָשָׂא פָּנִים, nasa panim) indicates lifting up or showing preference, which God does not do. 5. The Folly of Questioning God Elihu criticizes Job for questioning God's justice and wisdom. He suggests that it is foolish to contend with God, as seen in verse 37: "For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God." The Hebrew root for "rebellion" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha) implies a willful transgression or defiance against divine authority. Prayer Points Pray for wisdom and discernment to understand God’s ways and apply them in daily life. Ask for trust in God’s justice, especially in situations where injustice seems to prevail. Seek a heart that acknowledges and submits to God’s sovereignty in all circumstances. Pray for the ability to reflect God’s impartiality in interactions with others. Request strength and guidance to live a life that is righteous and pleasing to God. Answering Tough Questions 1. Job 34:10 – If God never does wrong, why do the innocent still suffer without clear divine intervention? 2. Job 34:12 – Elihu insists God always acts justly; how does this align with texts describing God commanding destruction (e.g., Joshua 6)? 3. Job 34:21 – The passage implies God sees all human actions; is there historical or scientific evidence for universal divine oversight? 4. Job 34:29 – If God can remain silent, how can we reliably distinguish divine justice from random events or coincidences? 5. Job 34:31–32 – Elihu suggests people should submit and learn; how do we reconcile this with free will and instances where righteous behavior goes unrewarded? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Elihu defend God's justice in his speech? 2. How does Elihu's discourse in Job 34 challenge your understanding of God's justice? 3. In what ways do you question God's actions like Job did? How can Elihu's argument help you reassess your attitude? 4. How does Elihu portray the consequences of rebellion against God's justice? 5. If you were in Job's place, how would you have reacted to Elihu's arguments? 6. How does Job 34 shape your understanding of divine retribution? 7. How does this chapter speak to the problem of evil and suffering in the world? 8. What does Elihu's argument teach us about humility in our relationship with God? 9. How can we apply Elihu's advice to Job about learning from suffering in our lives today? 10. How do Elihu's words reflect on the balance of fear and love of God? 11. How does Job 34 add to your understanding of the Old Testament's depiction of God's character? 12. How can this chapter help us maintain faith during tough times? 13. In the light of this chapter, how can we make sense of innocent suffering? 14. Elihu emphasizes that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding. How can we trust God's decisions when we can't understand His reasoning? 15. How can we discern when to question or accept situations in our lives as God's will? 16. What does this chapter teach about the power and authority of God? 17. Elihu states that Job should be further tested because of his complaints. What does this suggest about how we should respond to our trials? 18. How does this chapter help you perceive adversity as a possible pathway to spiritual growth? 19. What is your understanding of the statement: "God is a fair judge who shows no partiality" in the light of this chapter? 20. How does Job 34 challenge you to respond when you or others experience unexplained suffering? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions