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.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.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.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. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!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).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. 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.

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?