Job 36-37
Dear RTB’ers,
Elihu continues, again. Elihu sums up today’s reading with his first verse: Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God’s behalf. (v. 36:1) Then he says it, mostly today about God’s power and His justice: Behold, God is mighty and does not despise any; He is mighty in strength of understanding. He … gives the afflicted their right. He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous… (vv. 36:5-7a) Wrongdoing and repentance will lead to prosperity (vv. 36:9-11), but sinners who have shut Him out will suffer. (vv. 36:13-14) He then warns Job against being judgmental and wrathful and calls him to task for his attitude: Take care do not turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen rather than affliction. (v. 36:21)
From 36:22 and through the next chapter Elihu speaks mostly of God’s power, especially as reflected in atmospheric conditions – the clouds, the wind, the rain, thunder and lightning, all according to His will: Whether for correction or for His land or for love, He causes it to happen. (v. 37:13) Elihu closes this final speech with words directed specifically to Job: Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. … He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit. (vv. 37:14, 24b) And maybe words directed specifically to us…??!!
Blessings!
See also:
It is well that Elihu begs his listeners to bear with him since he talks for four chapters!
Has he said anything, really, that’s the others haven’t said? And is he correct? As he enrolled God’s power and justice, I guess he is. But once again, the assumption that we can figure out suffering by looking at whether someone has sinned or not is false.
But as Fred points out, it seems good for all of us to “stop and consider the wondrous works of God”
today.