◄ Job 35 ►
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Summary Elihu Recalls God’s Justice Job 35 serves as a potent reminder that God's ways and justice are beyond human comprehension. We must trust in His wisdom and His righteousness, understanding that our actions impact those around us, and in our times of distress, we must turn to Him with humility and faith. Verses 1-3: Questioning Job's Complaints Elihu addresses Job's prior assertions that his righteousness should exempt him from suffering, and he has not gained anything by avoiding sin. Elihu interrogates Job’s assertion by asking how Job can argue that it benefits him more to sin than to act justly. Verses 4-8: The Impact of Righteousness and Wickedness Elihu argues that humans, through their actions, can neither harm nor benefit God. He states that our righteousness or wickedness only affects our fellow humans, not God, as He is transcendent and beyond human understanding. Verses 9-12: The Cry for Justice Elihu observes that people cry out under oppression and plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. Yet, they do not ask where God is, or acknowledge His providence, which leads to their cries going unanswered. Verses 13-16: God’s Unfathomable Justice Elihu ends by asserting that God does not listen to empty pleas and doesn't pay attention to the arrogance of the wicked. He accuses Job of speaking without knowledge and attributing unjust deeds to God. Job 35 is a key part of the "Elihu speeches," where a relatively young man named Elihu adds his perspective to the ongoing discussion between Job and his three friends. In this chapter, Elihu challenges Job's understanding of divine justice, arguing that neither our righteousness nor wickedness affects God directly, but impacts those around us. This discourse forms an important facet of the ongoing exploration of human suffering, divine justice, and the seeming inscrutability of God's ways. Teaching Points Elihu's Challenge to Job's Perspective Elihu questions Job's belief that his righteousness or sin affects God directly. He states, If you sin, how does it affect Him? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to Him? (Job 35:6). Elihu emphasizes God's transcendence and the limited impact of human actions on His divine nature. The Impact of Human Actions Elihu argues that human actions primarily affect other people rather than God. Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man (Job 35:8). This highlights the horizontal impact of our behavior on our fellow humans. God's Justice and Human Complaints Elihu points out that people often cry out under oppression but fail to seek God sincerely. He says, But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night?’ (Job 35:10). Elihu suggests that genuine seeking of God is often missing in human complaints. God's Sovereignty and Human Understanding Elihu underscores the vastness of God's wisdom and the limitations of human understanding. He reminds Job that God is exalted in power and justice, and His ways are beyond human comprehension. Practical Applications Reflect on Your Motives Consider whether your actions are motivated by a desire to please God or merely to gain favor with others. True righteousness seeks to honor God above all. Acknowledge the Impact on Others Recognize that your actions, whether righteous or sinful, have a significant impact on those around you. Strive to live in a way that reflects God's love and justice to others. Seek God Sincerely In times of trouble, instead of merely complaining, turn to God with a sincere heart. Ask, Where is God my Maker? and seek His presence and guidance. Trust in God's Sovereignty Accept that God's ways are higher than ours. Trust in His justice and wisdom, even when circumstances are difficult to understand. People 1. Elihu Elihu is the speaker in Job 35. He is one of Job's friends who responds to Job's complaints about his suffering. Elihu is portrayed as a younger man who waits for the older friends to finish speaking before he offers his own perspective. In this chapter, Elihu addresses Job's assertions about righteousness and God's justice, emphasizing God's transcendence and the insignificance of human actions in affecting God. Elihu's speeches are intended to provide a different perspective on Job's situation, focusing on God's greatness and the importance of humility before Him. In the Berean Standard Bible, Elihu's discourse in Job 35 highlights themes of divine justice and human limitations. The Hebrew root words often emphasize God's majesty and the futility of human pride, aligning with conservative Christian interpretations that stress God's sovereignty and the need for human humility. Places In Job 35, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter is part of Elihu's discourse, where he addresses Job and speaks about the nature of God and human righteousness. Since there are no places listed in this chapter, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Events 1. Elihu's Address to Job Elihu begins his discourse by addressing Job directly, questioning his claims of righteousness and challenging his understanding of justice. Elihu asks, "Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’" (Job 35:2). The Hebrew root for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tzaddik) is significant here, as it underscores the theme of righteousness and justice throughout the book. 2. Elihu's Argument on Human Righteousness Elihu argues that human righteousness or sin does not affect God directly. He states, "If you sin, how does it affect Him? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to Him?" (Job 35:6). The Hebrew word for "sin" (חָטָא, chata) is used here, emphasizing the concept of missing the mark or falling short of divine standards. 3. Impact of Human Actions on Others Elihu explains that human actions primarily impact other people, not God. He says, "Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man." (Job 35:8). This highlights the relational aspect of sin and righteousness, focusing on human interactions. 4. Cry for Help and God's Response Elihu observes that people cry out under oppression but often do not seek God sincerely. He notes, "But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night?’" (Job 35:10). The Hebrew word for "Maker" (עֹשֶׂה, oseh) is used, pointing to God as the Creator and Sustainer. 5. God's Indifference to Empty Cries Elihu asserts that God does not respond to empty cries or insincere pleas. He states, "Surely God does not listen to empty pleas, and the Almighty does not take note of it." (Job 35:13). The term "empty" (שָׁוְא, shav) in Hebrew conveys the idea of vanity or worthlessness. 6. Job's Lack of Understanding Elihu concludes by criticizing Job for speaking without knowledge and understanding. He says, "So Job opens his mouth in vain and multiplies words without knowledge." (Job 35:16). The Hebrew word for "knowledge" (דַּעַת, da'at) is crucial here, as it underscores the importance of true understanding and wisdom. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Psalm 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Prayer Points Pray for Humility Ask God to help you recognize the limitations of your understanding and to trust in His greater wisdom and justice. Pray for Sincerity Seek God's help in approaching Him with a sincere heart, especially in times of trouble or confusion. Pray for Impact Request God's guidance in living a life that positively impacts others and reflects His love and righteousness. Pray for Trust Ask for the strength to trust in God's sovereignty and to find peace in His perfect plans, even when they are beyond your understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. What was Elihu's argument about the impact of human actions on God in verses 4-8? How does this align with your understanding of God's nature? 2. In verse 9, why do you think people often cry out under oppression, but do not seek God? 3. How does Elihu's discourse in Job 35 challenge your perception of Divine Justice? 4. How does this chapter speak to the problem of evil and suffering in the world today? 5. Can you think of examples in your life where you felt like Job, believing that righteousness should prevent suffering? 6. How can you apply Elihu’s argument about the consequence of sin and the benefit of righteousness to your life? 7. Based on verse 16, how can speaking without knowledge cause a person to attribute unjust deeds to God? 8. What lessons can we learn from Elihu's discourse on how to approach God during times of suffering? 9. How do the themes of divine justice and human understanding affect your perception of God's role in your life? 10. Elihu says our actions affect those around us. Can you think of any examples in your life where your actions had significant impacts on others? 11. How does the concept of God's transcendence, as portrayed in Job 35, comfort or challenge you? 12. In what ways could you relate Job's predicament in Job 35 to present-day situations? 13. In your opinion, how does Job 35 enrich your understanding of God's character? 14. How can Job 35 guide you when you face seemingly unanswered prayers? 15. How does Elihu's message about humility and acknowledgement of God's providence apply to the current world? 16. What does Elihu's discourse teach about the correct perspective on human suffering? 17. How can Elihu's argument help you deal with feelings of injustice in your life? 18. What practical applications can you derive from Job 35 about managing personal suffering? 19. How can this chapter help you relate to others experiencing suffering and feeling distant from God? 20. How can Elihu's perspective on Divine Justice shape your relationship with God and others in your life? Topics 1. Elihu's Address to Job Elihu continues his discourse, addressing Job's complaints about God's justice. He challenges Job's understanding of righteousness and God's response to human actions. Elihu emphasizes that human righteousness or wickedness does not affect God directly, as God is transcendent and sovereign. 2. The Insignificance of Human Righteousness to God Elihu argues that human righteousness does not benefit God, nor does wickedness harm Him. In Job 35:6-7, Elihu states, "If you sin, how does it affect Him? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him, or what does He receive from your hand?" This highlights the Hebrew concept of God's self-sufficiency and independence from human actions. 3. The Impact of Human Actions on Others Elihu points out that human actions primarily affect other people, not God. In Job 35:8, he says, "Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man." This underscores the relational aspect of sin and righteousness in human communities. 4. God's Response to Human Cries Elihu addresses why God may not respond to cries for help, suggesting that people often cry out in pride or without genuine repentance. In Job 35:12-13, he notes, "There they cry out, but He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God does not listen to empty pleas, and the Almighty does not take note of it." This reflects the Hebrew understanding of sincere repentance and humility as prerequisites for divine intervention. 5. The Importance of Reverence and Humility Elihu concludes by emphasizing the need for reverence and humility before God. He suggests that Job's questioning of God's justice lacks the proper reverence due to the Almighty. This theme is consistent with the Hebrew root of "fear" (yirah), which implies awe and respect for God's majesty and authority. Themes 1. Human Righteousness and Divine Indifference Elihu challenges Job's claim of righteousness by questioning the impact of human righteousness on God. He suggests that human actions, whether righteous or sinful, do not affect God directly. This theme is rooted in the understanding of God's transcendence and independence from human actions. ^"If you sin, how does it affect God? Even if you multiply your transgressions, what do you do to Him?"^ (Job 35:6) 2. The Impartiality of God Elihu emphasizes that God is impartial and not swayed by human actions. This theme highlights God's justice and fairness, suggesting that God does not show favoritism based on human behavior. ^"Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only a son of man."^ (Job 35:8) 3. Human Suffering and Divine Response Elihu addresses the issue of human suffering and the perception that God does not respond to cries for help. He suggests that people often cry out in their distress but fail to recognize God's sovereignty and wisdom. This theme is connected to the Hebrew understanding of God's providence and timing. ^"But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night,’"^ (Job 35:10) 4. Pride and Its Consequences Elihu warns against pride and self-righteousness, suggesting that these attitudes can hinder one's relationship with God. This theme is rooted in the biblical principle that pride leads to downfall and humility is essential for divine favor. ^"So when you cry out, He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men."^ (Job 35:12) 5. The Limitations of Human Understanding Elihu points out the limitations of human understanding in comprehending God's ways. This theme underscores the vast difference between divine wisdom and human knowledge, encouraging humility and trust in God's greater plan. ^"How much less, then, when you say that you do not see Him, that your case is before Him and you must wait for Him,"^ (Job 35:14) Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions