◄ Job 36 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Elihu Describes God’s Power 1And Elihu continued: 2“Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said on God’s behalf. 3I get my knowledge from afar, and I will ascribe justice to my Maker. 4For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you. 5Indeed, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding. 6He does not keep the wicked alive, but He grants justice to the afflicted. 7He does not take His eyes off the righteous, but He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever. 8And if men are bound with chains, caught in cords of affliction, 9then He tells them their deeds and how arrogantly they have transgressed. 10He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity. 11If they obey and serve Him, then they end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. 12But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sworda and die without knowledge. 13The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He binds them, they do not cry for help. 14They die in their youth, among the male shrine prostitutes. 15God rescues the afflicted by their afflictionb and opens their ears in oppression. 16Indeed, He drew you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and broad place, to a table full of richness. 17But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have seized you. 18Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. 19Can your wealthc or all your mighty effort keep you from distress? 20Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes. 21Be careful not to turn to iniquity, for this you have preferred to affliction. 22Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? 23Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’? 24Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song. 25All mankind has seen it; men behold it from afar. 26Indeed, God is great—beyond our knowledge; the number of His years is unsearchable. 27For He draws up drops of water which distill the rain from the mist, 28which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind. 29Furthermore, who can understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion? 30See how He scatters His lightning around Him and covers the depths of the sea. 31For by these He judgesd the nations and provides food in abundance. 32He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. 33The thunder declares His presence; even the cattle regard the rising storm. Footnotes: 12 a Or they will cross the river of death 15 b Or in their affliction 19 c Or your cry for help 31 d Or governs or nourishes 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 36 Summary Elihu Describes God's Power Verses 1–4 – Elihu Claims More to Say Elihu asks Job for patience while he brings “knowledge from afar” and speaks on God’s behalf. He insists his words are true and come from “one perfect in knowledge,” setting a confident tone. Verses 5–12 – God’s Justice and Care “Behold, God is mighty, yet despises no one” (v. 5). Elihu balances God’s strength with His concern for the humble. He affirms that God sustains the righteous, exalts them to thrones, and uses discipline—“He opens their ears to correction” (v. 10)—to bring blessing. If they obey, they prosper; if they refuse, they “perish by the sword” (v. 12). Verses 13–15 – Warning to the Godless The “godless in heart” store up anger and die young, but the afflicted who turn to God receive deliverance. Elihu insists suffering can be God’s rescue line, not just punishment. Verses 16–18 – The Peril of Refusing Correction Elihu pictures God leading Job from distress “to a spacious place, free from restriction” (v. 16). Refusal invites judgment: great ransom cannot save anyone who clings to anger. Verses 19–23 – Plea to Submit to God Money, status, or clout cannot keep a person from the “stress of distress” (v. 19). Elihu urges Job not to long for night—death—when peoples perish. God teaches and no one can accuse Him of wrong. Verses 24–26 – Magnify God’s Works “Remember to magnify His work” (v. 24). God is beyond counting; His years are unsearchable. Elihu shifts Job’s gaze from his pain to God’s greatness. Verses 27–33 – God’s Control of Rain and Storm Elihu describes the water cycle: God draws up drops, distills them into rain (vv. 27–28). Thunder declares His power; lightning “announces His coming” (v. 33). Creation itself testifies to God’s rule. Job 36 is a continuation of Elihu's discourse in response to Job's lamentations and questions about his suffering. Elihu, a younger observer of the conversations between Job and his three friends, presents a unique perspective on God's righteousness, His omnipotence, and His means of correction through suffering. Background and Context Elihu’s speeches (Job 32–37) bridge the debate between Job and his three friends and the Lord’s appearance in chapters 38–41. Elihu is younger, yet bold. He corrects Job’s self-defense and the friends’ harsh verdicts, stressing that God uses suffering to teach, protect, and restore. Structure of Elihu’s Speech 1. Ch. 32–33 – Why Elihu speaks and his first reply. 2. Ch. 34 – God’s justice. 3. Ch. 35 – Man’s sin does not injure God but harms the sinner. 4. Ch. 36–37 – God’s education through pain and His majesty in creation. Job 36 is the first half of this final unit, leading directly into Elihu’s storm imagery that prepares for Yahweh’s whirlwind in chapter 38. Key Observations • Elihu repeatedly pairs God’s might with His mercy (vv. 5–7). • Obedience and submission are painted as the gateway to prosperity (vv. 11, 16). • Discipline is framed as fatherly instruction rather than blind anger (vv. 10, 15). • Nature—rain, lightning, thunder—is a classroom revealing God (vv. 27–33). Hebrew Word Glimpses • “Despises” (v. 5, Hebrew ma’as) implies rejecting with contempt; Elihu insists God never looks down on the lowly. • “Opens their ears” (v. 10, Hebrew galah) is uncovering or making bare, picturing God removing barriers to understanding. • “Spacious place” (v. 16, Hebrew rachav) reflects freedom and relief, echoing Psalm 18:19, “He brought me out into a broad place.” Links to the Wider Canon • Psalm 146:7–9 mirrors God’s care for the oppressed and warning to the wicked. • Proverbs 3:11–12 parallels the theme of corrective discipline: “whom the LORD loves He corrects.” • Hebrews 12:5–11 picks up the same idea, calling suffering “discipline that produces a harvest of righteousness.” • Jesus’ teaching in John 15:2—“every branch that bears fruit, He prunes”—matches Elihu’s message that pain can refine. Historical and Archaeological Notes The “throne” imagery (v. 7) fits ancient Near-Eastern practices where loyal servants were honored at the city gate or palace court (cf. Esther 2:19). Rain cycles (vv. 27–28) show an early understanding of evaporation and condensation; Mesopotamian texts also link storms with divine activity, but Elihu presents Yahweh as sole controller. Sword judgments (v. 12) recall Assyrian tactics of punitive raids, familiar to an audience living during or after the patriarchal era. Practical Reflections for Today • Pain can be a megaphone calling us back to God rather than proof of His absence. • Wealth or influence cannot buy exemption from life’s trials (vv. 19–20). • Instead of accusing God, pause to “remember to magnify His work” (v. 24); gratitude shifts perspective. • Observe creation: a summer storm can remind us of the same God Elihu praised—immense, precise, and good. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 12:5-11 This passage discusses the concept of divine discipline, reinforcing the idea that God disciplines those He loves for their growth and benefit. Romans 8:28 This verse assures believers that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, providing comfort in times of suffering. Isaiah 55:8-9 These verses remind us that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, echoing Elihu's emphasis on God's incomprehensible wisdom. Teaching Points God's Justice and Power Elihu begins by affirming God's justice and power, emphasizing that God does not despise anyone and is mighty in strength and understanding (Job 36:5). This sets the stage for understanding that God's actions are always just, even when they are beyond human comprehension. Divine Discipline Elihu suggests that suffering can be a form of divine discipline intended to teach and correct (Job 36:10-12). He argues that God uses adversity to open people's ears to instruction and to turn them from wrongdoing. God's Sovereignty Elihu highlights God's sovereignty over creation, illustrating His control over the natural world as a demonstration of His power and wisdom (Job 36:26-33). This serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than ours. The Purpose of Suffering Elihu posits that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God (Job 36:15). He suggests that through affliction, God delivers the afflicted and opens their ears to instruction. Practical Applications Trust in God's Justice In times of suffering, trust that God is just and His purposes are ultimately for our good, even when we do not understand them. Embrace Divine Discipline View challenges and hardships as opportunities for growth and learning, recognizing them as potential tools for divine discipline. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty In the face of life's uncertainties, acknowledge God's control over all circumstances and rest in His wisdom and power. Seek Spiritual Growth Use times of suffering as opportunities to draw closer to God, seeking to understand His will and grow in faith. People 1. Elihu Elihu is the speaker in Job 36. 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 believes he has wisdom to impart, and he seeks to defend God's justice and righteousness. In this chapter, Elihu emphasizes God's greatness and justice, urging Job to consider God's ways. The name Elihu in Hebrew (אֱלִיהוּא) means "He is my God." 2. God (referred to as "the Almighty") While not directly speaking in this chapter, God is the central subject of Elihu's discourse. Elihu speaks of God's power, justice, and wisdom, highlighting His role as the Almighty Creator who governs the universe with righteousness. Elihu's descriptions aim to remind Job of God's sovereignty and the importance of humility before Him. The Hebrew term for God used here is often "El Shaddai" (אֵל שַׁדַּי), emphasizing His might and sufficiency. In Job 36, Elihu's speech is focused on God's attributes and actions, and he does not mention other individuals by name. The chapter is part of Elihu's larger argument that seeks to correct what he perceives as Job's misunderstandings about God's justice and character. Places In Job 36 from the Berean Standard Bible, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter primarily consists of Elihu's discourse on God's greatness and justice, focusing on His power and wisdom rather than specific locations. Therefore, there are no places to list from this chapter. Events 1. Elihu Continues Speaking Elihu, one of Job's friends, continues his discourse, emphasizing his desire to speak on God's behalf and to ascribe righteousness to the Almighty. He claims to have perfect knowledge (Job 36:1-4). 2. God's Justice and Power Elihu asserts that God is mighty and does not despise anyone. He is mighty in strength and understanding, and He does not preserve the life of the wicked but gives justice to the afflicted (Job 36:5-6). 3. God's Care for the Righteous Elihu explains that God does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous, but He sets them with kings on the throne and exalts them forever (Job 36:7). 4. Discipline and Instruction Elihu describes how God uses discipline to instruct people. If they are bound in chains and caught in cords of affliction, He shows them their deeds and transgressions, that they have behaved arrogantly (Job 36:8-9). 5. Repentance and Obedience Elihu emphasizes that if people listen and serve God, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures. However, if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge (Job 36:10-12). 6. The Fate of the Godless Elihu warns that the godless in heart harbor anger and do not cry for help when He binds them. They die in their youth, and their life ends among the male cult prostitutes (Job 36:13-14). 7. God's Deliverance Elihu highlights that God delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression. He also alludes to the idea that God would have brought Job out of distress into a broad place where there is no constraint (Job 36:15-16). 8. Warning Against Resentment Elihu cautions Job not to be enticed by riches or to let a large ransom turn him aside. He warns against longing for the night when people vanish from their place (Job 36:17-20). 9. God's Greatness and Majesty Elihu speaks of God's greatness, describing how He is exalted in His power and how no one can teach Him. He encourages Job to remember to extol His work, which men have sung (Job 36:22-24). 10. God's Sovereignty Over Nature Elihu concludes by describing God's control over nature, including the spreading of clouds, the thunder, and the lightning. He emphasizes that God is beyond human understanding and that His works are great (Job 36:25-33). Lessons from Job 36 1. God’s Justice is Unfailing In Job 36:6, we are reminded that "He does not keep the wicked alive, but He grants justice to the afflicted." This verse assures us that God’s justice is perfect and unwavering. Even when life seems unfair, we can trust that God sees all and will ultimately set things right. This truth encourages us to live righteously, knowing that God’s justice will prevail. 2. God’s Power is Limitless Job 36:22 declares, "Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?" This verse highlights the unmatched power of God, who is the ultimate teacher and guide. Recognizing His limitless power can inspire us to rely on Him in all circumstances, knowing that He is capable of handling anything we face. 3. God’s Wisdom is Incomparable In verse 26, we read, "Indeed, God is great—beyond our knowledge; the number of His years is unsearchable." This reminds us that God’s wisdom far surpasses human understanding. When we face confusion or uncertainty, we can find peace in trusting His perfect wisdom, knowing that He sees the bigger picture. 4. God’s Discipline is Loving Job 36:10 tells us, "He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity." God’s discipline is an expression of His love, guiding us away from sin and towards righteousness. Embracing His correction helps us grow spiritually and align our lives with His will. 5. God’s Provision is Abundant Verse 31 states, "For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance." This verse reassures us of God’s provision, reminding us that He cares for our needs. Trusting in His provision allows us to live with gratitude and contentment, knowing that He will supply what we need. 6. God’s Creation is Majestic In Job 36:29, we are asked, "Can anyone understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion?" This verse invites us to marvel at the majesty of God’s creation. Observing the beauty and complexity of the world around us can deepen our appreciation for the Creator and inspire us to worship Him. 7. God’s Sovereignty is Absolute Verse 32 proclaims, "He fills His hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark." This illustrates God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation. Recognizing His control over the universe can bring us comfort and assurance, knowing that nothing happens outside of His will. 8. God’s Mercy is Everlasting Job 36:15 reveals, "He rescues the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression." God’s mercy is evident in His willingness to rescue and restore us, even in our suffering. Embracing His mercy allows us to experience His grace and find hope in difficult times. 9. God’s Glory is Unmatched In verse 24, we are encouraged to "Remember to magnify His work, which men have praised in song." This calls us to acknowledge and celebrate God’s unmatched glory. By focusing on His greatness, we can cultivate a heart of worship and draw closer to Him. 10. God’s Faithfulness is Unchanging Finally, Job 36:7 assures us, "He does not take His eyes off the righteous, but He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever." God’s faithfulness to His people is unchanging, providing us with a firm foundation for our faith. Trusting in His faithfulness gives us confidence to face the future, knowing that He is always with us. Topics 1. Elihu's Continued Discourse Elihu continues his speech, emphasizing his desire to speak on God's behalf. He claims to have perfect knowledge and urges Job to listen to his words. This reflects the Hebrew root "דַּעַת" (da'at), meaning knowledge or understanding. ^"Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said on God’s behalf."^ (Job 36:2) 2. God's Justice and Power Elihu speaks of God's justice and power, asserting that God does not despise anyone and is mighty in strength and understanding. The Hebrew word "כֹּחַ" (koach) for power highlights God's omnipotence. ^"Behold, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding."^ (Job 36:5) 3. God's Care for the Righteous Elihu explains that God does not preserve the life of the wicked but gives justice to the afflicted. This underscores God's righteousness and care for those who are faithful. ^"He does not keep the wicked alive, but He gives justice to the afflicted."^ (Job 36:6) 4. Discipline and Instruction Elihu discusses how God uses discipline to instruct and guide people, particularly the righteous, to bring them back to the right path. The Hebrew root "מוּסָר" (musar) for discipline or instruction is relevant here. ^"He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity."^ (Job 36:10) 5. Consequences of Ignoring God Elihu warns of the consequences for those who do not listen to God, emphasizing that they will perish without knowledge. This highlights the importance of heeding divine instruction. ^"But if they do not obey, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge."^ (Job 36:12) 6. God's Sovereignty Over Nature Elihu describes God's control over nature, illustrating His sovereignty and majesty. The Hebrew word "שַׁדַּי" (Shaddai) is often used to denote God's almighty nature. ^"He draws up drops of water, which distill the rain from the mist."^ (Job 36:27) 7. God's Unsearchable Ways Elihu concludes by acknowledging the unsearchable nature of God's ways and His greatness beyond human understanding. This reflects the Hebrew root "פָּלָא" (pala), meaning to be wonderful or extraordinary. ^"Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?"^ (Job 36:22) Themes 1. God's Justice and Righteousness Elihu emphasizes God's justice, asserting that He does not despise anyone and is mighty in strength and understanding. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט), meaning justice or judgment. ^"Behold, God is mighty, but He despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding."^ (Job 36:5) 2. God's Discipline and Instruction Elihu speaks about God's use of discipline to instruct and guide people, suggesting that suffering can be a form of divine teaching. The Hebrew word "musar" (מוּסָר) refers to discipline or correction. ^"He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity."^ (Job 36:10) 3. The Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience The chapter contrasts the outcomes of obedience versus disobedience to God. Obedience leads to prosperity, while disobedience results in judgment. ^"If they obey and serve Him, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness."^ (Job 36:11) 4. God's Sovereignty and Power Elihu highlights God's sovereign control over creation, emphasizing His power and authority. The Hebrew word "shaddai" (שַׁדַּי) is often used to denote God's almighty nature. ^"Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?"^ (Job 36:22) 5. Human Limitations in Understanding God Elihu acknowledges the limitations of human understanding when it comes to comprehending God's ways, which are beyond human grasp. ^"Behold, God is great—beyond our knowledge; the number of His years is unsearchable."^ (Job 36:26) 6. The Purpose of Suffering Suffering is presented as a means through which God communicates and refines individuals, aligning with the idea of divine testing and purification. ^"He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression."^ (Job 36:15) Prayer Points Pray for Trust Ask God to help you trust in His justice and goodness, especially during difficult times. Pray for Understanding Seek God's wisdom to understand the lessons He may be teaching through your current circumstances. Pray for Growth Request that God uses your trials to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with Him. Pray for Others Intercede for those who are suffering, asking God to reveal His presence and purpose in their lives. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Job 36:5, how can God “despise no one” if other scriptures depict His wrath and judgment against certain people? 2. In Job 36:6–7, where it states the righteous are exalted while the wicked are cut off, why do wicked individuals often thrive, and the righteous sometimes suffer? 3. In Job 36:11–12, obedience supposedly leads to prosperity while disobedience brings destruction; how does this align with the real-world experiences of faithful people in hardship? 4. In Job 36:27–28, which describes God’s hand in the water cycle, are there scientific inconsistencies in attributing weather events solely to divine intervention? 5. In Job 36:31–33, how does the idea that God uses storms for both judgment and provision reconcile with natural disasters that indiscriminately affect believers and unbelievers alike? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Elihu's understanding of God's justice differ from Job's and his three friends' views? 2. What does Elihu mean when he says that God uses suffering as a means of correction? 3. How can Elihu's discourse about suffering be applied to contemporary issues of pain and hardship? 4. In verses 17-25, Elihu warns Job against questioning God's justice. How does this apply to us when we feel life is unfair? 5. How does Elihu’s description of God’s works in nature (verses 26-33) enhance our understanding of God's power and wisdom? 6. How can understanding God's omnipotence and justice influence our responses to personal struggles? 7. Elihu describes God as responsive to the humble (verse 5). How does this align with the New Testament teachings about humility? 8. What does the concept of 'fearing God' mean to you based on this chapter, and how does it relate to your everyday life? 9. Why does Elihu assert that his words are truthful and fair (verses 1-4)? How should we approach giving counsel to others based on this? 10. How does the depiction of God's sovereignty in this chapter inform your understanding of God's role in the world today? 11. In verse 16, Elihu suggests that suffering could potentially lead to deliverance. How can we apply this perspective in dealing with personal challenges or crises? 12. How do you reconcile the ideas of God's justice and suffering in your own life or observed in the world? 13. How can the concept of God's justice presented in this chapter help us to maintain faith during difficult times? 14. Based on Elihu's words, what should be our response when we do not understand why we are going through suffering? 15. How do you interpret the relationship between obedience to God and prosperity as described in verses 5-12? 16. Elihu warns about the consequences of harboring resentment against God (verses 13-15). How might these insights guide us when we feel resentful or bitter? 17. In verses 22-25, Elihu speaks about the magnificence of God. How can reflecting on this aspect of God's character impact our faith? 18. Based on this chapter, how would you explain the concept of "the fear of God" to someone who might misinterpret it as being afraid of God? 19. Elihu uses meteorological phenomena to illustrate God's wisdom and power (verses 26-33). How can we see God's wisdom and power in the world around us today? 20. How does the depiction of God as both a powerful creator and a personal corrector shape your understanding of God's nature? How might this dual nature of God influence your approach to worship and prayer? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions