Job - Chapter 36

Job 36.1 Elihu also proceeded, and said, Job 36.2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf. Job 36.3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. Job 36.4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. Job 36.5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. Job 36.6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. Job 36.8 And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; Job 36.9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. Job 36.10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. Job 36.12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. Job 36.13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. Job 36.14 They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. Job 36.15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. Job 36.16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. Job 36.17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. Job 36.18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Job 36.19 Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. Job 36.20 Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. Job 36.21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Job 36.22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? Job 36.23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? Job 36.24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. Job 36.25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. Job 36.26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. Job 36.27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Job 36.28 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. Job 36.29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? Job 36.30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. Job 36.31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. Job 36.32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. Job 36.33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

Job : Chapter 36

Reflections on Divine Justice in the Book of Job

Job chapter 36 continues Elihu's discourse, illuminating divine justice through the prism of suffering. How does God, in His infinite wisdom, use suffering for the good of humanity? Elihu asserts that suffering is not a mere trial, but a means of disciplining and instructing the individual, with the ultimate goal of redemption.

Topics Covered

This chapter addresses essential themes such as:

Job 36 thus offers an enriching perspective on the purpose of suffering, inviting the reader to reflect deeply on its meaning.

Biblical Passages Related

To enrich our understanding of the themes Elihu addresses, let's consider five biblical passages that resonate with the teachings of Job 36:

Psalm 94:12: "How blessed is the one whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach your law." This psalm reflects Elihu's argument that suffering can be a form of divine discipline for instruction.

Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline for the time being seems to be a cause of joy, but rather of sorrow. But then it produces the fruit of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This passage echoes Elihu's point about the uplifting purpose of suffering.

Isaiah 40:26: "Lift up your eyes and look to the heights. Who has created all these? He who sets in motion every star of his heavenly host and calls them all by name." This verse echoes the description of God's power and majesty in creation.

Psalm 33:5: "The Lord loves justice and righteousness; the earth is full of his lovingkindness." This psalm reflects Elihu's declaration of God's love for justice and His kindness toward creation.

Romans 11:33: "O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways beyond tracing out!" Paul expresses a similar sentiment to Elihu regarding God's unsearchable wisdom.

As we meditate on these passages, we are called to recognize the hand of God in our lives, even in the midst of suffering. May our hearts be open to His wisdom and justice, and may we find peace in His divine providence.