Job 34-35
Dear RTB’ers,
Elihu continues. He argues that God is just, that He would not favor one person over another, but that He would reward or punish according to man’s actions: For according to the work of a man He will repay him, and according to his ways He will make it befall him. Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. (vv. 34:12-13) Furthermore, God sees all and knows all, so if God is silent, He is still God: For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps … When He is quiet, who can condemn? (vv. 34:21, 29a) Elihu then finds fault with Job’s earlier comments and challenges him accordingly: Would that Job were tried to the end, because he answers like wicked men. For he adds rebellion to his sin; he … multiplies his words against God. (vv. 34:36-37) He continues. God is so far above man that nothing that we do can affect Him: Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you. If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give to Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? (vv. 35:5-7) Today’s reading closes with Elihu’s very simple charge against Job, that he …opens his mouth in empty talk; he multiplies words without knowledge. (v. 35:16)
Blessings!
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