Analysis of Job Chapter 34
In Job Chapter 34, we witness the continuation of the discourse between Elihu and Job. Elihu, a younger friend of Job, addresses the grievances and assertions made by Job in the previous chapters. This chapter is rich with themes of divine justice, human arrogance, and the inscrutability of God’s ways. Elihu’s tone is one of conviction and moral clarity as he seeks to defend God’s righteousness and challenge Job’s complaints. Let us delve deeper into the verses of this chapter to unearth its profound lessons and insights.
Elihu’s Opening Statement (Verses 1-4)
Job 34:1-4:
Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Elihu begins by inviting his listeners, addressing them as “wise men” and “those with knowledge.” This appeal to wisdom sets the tone for a reasoned discourse rather than an emotional tirade. He draws an analogy between the discernment of words and the tasting of food, implying that just as taste tests and discerns, so should the ear and mind evaluate and discern words carefully. Elihu’s emphasis on choosing judgment and knowing what is good underscores his intention to seek and uphold truth and righteousness.
Elihu’s Critique of Job (Verses 5-9)
Job 34:5-9:
For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
Elihu interprets Job’s complaints as assertions of his own righteousness and accusations against God’s fairness. He chastises Job for claiming that his afflictions are unjust and that he suffers without cause. Elihu is particularly critical of Job’s suggestion that piety and delighting in God yield no profit. In Elihu’s view, such statements align Job with “workers of iniquity” and “wicked men,” which he finds deeply troubling. Elihu’s rebuke highlights the danger of letting personal suffering lead one to question divine justice and goodness.
The Justice of God (Verses 10-15)
Job 34:10-15:
Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
In these verses, Elihu firmly defends the perfect justice and righteousness of God. He declares that it is inconceivable for God to commit wickedness or pervert justice. Elihu supports his argument by emphasizing the principle of divine retribution: every person receives according to their deeds. Moreover, the sovereignty of God is underscored by rhetorical questions that highlight His ultimate authority over creation. Elihu’s depiction of God’s power to reclaim life and spirit demonstrates humanity’s utter dependence on divine grace and justice.
God’s Impartiality and Sovereignty (Verses 16-20)
Job 34:16-20:
If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
Elihu calls for attention to his reasoning and continues to affirm God’s just nature. He explores the absurdity of suspecting the Almighty of injustice by likening it to accusing a righteous king or noble of wickedness. Such allegations are unfathomable and inappropriate. Elihu emphasizes God’s impartiality, stressing that He shows no favoritism towards the rich or powerful as all people are His creation. The transient and vulnerable nature of humans, regardless of status, is highlighted in the image of their sudden demise, reinforcing the idea of God’s ultimate control and just governance.
God’s Omniscience and Omnipresence (Verses 21-30)
Job 34:21-30:
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
Elihu asserts God’s omniscience, His complete awareness of human actions, and His omnipresence, making it impossible for anyone to hide their iniquity. Elihu believes that God’s judgments are perfectly measured, neither excessive nor deficient. He describes God’s power to dethrone the mighty and replace them, suggesting that God’s knowledge of human deeds leads to the reversal of their fortunes. Elihu highlights God’s responsiveness to the cries of the poor and afflicted, demonstrating divine justice in action. The assurance that when God grants peace, no one can disturb it, and when He hides His face, no one can perceive Him, underscores God’s unparalleled dominion over human affairs and destinies.
Elihu’s Conclusion and Job’s Reproof (Verses 31-37)
Job 34:31-37:
Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
In conclusion, Elihu suggests a humble approach to God—acknowledging chastisement, seeking instruction, and resolving to avoid further offense. This attitude contrasts with Job’s perceived challenge to divine justice. Elihu emphasizes that divine responses are not subject to human preferences. The proper stance is one of submission to God’s will and an openness to His teaching. Elihu calls for wise men to evaluate his speech and reaffirms his critique of Job, accusing him of speaking without knowledge or wisdom. He expresses a desire for Job to continue being tested to address his perceived rebelliousness, indicating that his current attitude amplifies his wrongs and leads him further from righteous submission.
Themes and Insights
Several prominent themes emerge from Job Chapter 34:
- Divine Justice: Elihu underscores the unerring justice of God, arguing against any notion of divine injustice. His defense of God’s sovereign judgment serves as a reminder of the ultimate righteousness that governs all creation.
- Human Arrogance vs. Humility: Elihu contrasts human arrogance, as represented by Job’s complaints, with the humility that ought to characterize human interactions with God. The call for repentance and humility before God is a recurring exhortation.
- God’s Omniscience and Omnipresence: Elihu stresses that nothing escapes God’s sight and knowledge. This serves to reassure the righteous and warn the wicked of unavoidable divine scrutiny.
- Sovereignty and Dependence: The chapter accentuates humanity’s dependence on God’s will and the futility of trying to challenge His ultimate authority. It portrays human life as fragile and contingent upon God’s sustaining breath.
- Responsiveness to Affliction: Elihu’s assertion that God hears the cries of the afflicted and judges the oppressors underscores the compassionate aspect of divine justice, balanced with retributive justice.
In wrapping up, Elihu’s discourse in Job Chapter 34 offers a profound defense of God’s justice and an exhortation for humility and submission before the Almighty. It serves as a counterpoint to Job’s lamentations and challenges, reminding readers of the ultimate truths of divine wisdom, justice, and the human posture that best aligns with godliness.