‏ Job 34

The Address of Elihu

In this section, Elihu begins his speech by respectfully speaking to those listening. He wants their full attention and invites them to honestly consider his words. Elihu says that discussing truth together is the best way to understand what is right. He also starts to accuse Job of speaking wrongly about God, especially in moments of distress. Elihu believes Job’s passionate words could give a wrong idea about God and the value of serving Him.

v. 1–2: Elihu addresses the audience, calling them wise men and people with knowledge (Job 34:2 ^a). He shows respect, even if he disagrees with them. Elihu believes that wise listeners can judge what he says, just as Paul later wrote, I speak as to wise men; judge what I say (1 Corinthians 10:15 ^b).

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v. 3: Elihu says, The ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat . He means that just as we test food with our mouths, we should test what we hear to see if it is true or false. Everyone speaking should be willing for their words to be examined by others.

v. 4: Elihu wants everyone to work together to find out what is right: Let us choose to ourselves judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good . He suggests that the best way to find the truth is by discussing it honestly and fairly, not just holding onto our own opinions.

v. 5–6: Elihu repeats what Job has said: I am righteous and Should I lie against my right? (Job 34:5–6 ^c). Job insisted he was not guilty and that God had taken away his chance for justice. Elihu notes that Job has strongly defended his innocence, saying things like, My righteousness I hold fast (Job 27:6 ^d).

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v. 7: Elihu is surprised at Job’s words: What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? . He says Job’s complaints make him seem like someone who is comfortable mocking and criticizing, which can damage his own reputation and that of his faith (Psalm 39:8 ^e).

v. 8: Elihu warns that Job’s statements sound like the words of sinners: He goes in company with the workers of iniquity . He does not mean Job is actually living like them, but that his words could support their way of thinking.

v. 9: Elihu says Job’s complaints could lead people to believe, It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God . Elihu points out that there is real joy and benefit in serving God, even if Job’s troubles make him question this truth. Saying it is useless to serve God is similar to what others have said: It is vain to serve God (Malachi 3:14 ^f), but this is not true. Even good people can sometimes say things in pain that they do not fully mean.

Elihu Defends God’s Justice

In this section, Elihu tries to help Job and everyone listening understand that God does not do wrong when He sends affliction. Elihu wants to show that God is always fair and just in all His actions. He explains that God never treats anyone unfairly, and that everything God does is right. Elihu encourages his audience to listen carefully and agree with this important truth.

v. 10: Elihu speaks to everyone present, calling them men of understanding . He tells them, Far be it from God that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty that he should commit iniquity (Job 34:10 ^g). God is perfectly holy, so it is impossible for Him to do anything wrong or unfair.

v. 11: Elihu says, For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways . God rewards good actions and punishes evil ones. Everyone will receive what they deserve, either in this life or the next. This is God’s just rule: Say to the righteous, it shall be well with them; woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them (Isaiah 3:10–11 ^h).

v. 12: Elihu strongly says, Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment . He assures everyone that God’s judgments are always fair. We should never even think that God could be unfair.

v. 13: Elihu argues that God rules over everything: Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? . No one gave God His authority. He is the only Ruler, and He is not accountable to anyone else. Since God is the Judge of all the earth, He must always do what is right (Genesis 18:25 ⁱ).

v. 14–15: Elihu explains God’s power over life: 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 (Job 34:14–15 ^j). God could take away life at any moment, because it is His gift. We are alive only because God allows it. He does us no wrong if He takes back the life He gave, because we do not own it. This shows God’s absolute power and our need to trust His justice and wisdom.

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Elihu Calls Job to Listen to God’s Justice

In this section, Elihu speaks directly to Job. He challenges Job to listen carefully and think about what he is saying. Elihu wants Job to understand that it is wrong to question God’s justice or accuse God of being unfair. He explains that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always does what is right. Elihu also reminds Job that God treats everyone equally, whether rich or poor, and that God’s decisions cannot be changed by anyone.

v. 16: Elihu says to Job, If thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words . He wants Job to pay close attention and think deeply about what he is about to say.

v. 17: Elihu asks, Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just? . He says it is foolish to think that someone who hates justice could rule well. It is even more foolish to accuse God, who is perfectly just, of doing wrong.

v. 18–19: Elihu continues, Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? (Job 34:18 ^k). If it is not right to insult human rulers, how much more wrong is it to accuse God? God does not favor the rich over the poor, because they are all the work of his hands (Job 34:19 ^l). God made everyone, and He treats all people fairly, no matter their status.

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v. 20: Elihu says, 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 . God can bring down the powerful suddenly and without warning. Even whole nations can be troubled or destroyed in an instant, showing God’s great power.

v. 21–22: Elihu explains, 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 (Job 34:21–22 ^m). God sees everything people do. No one can hide from Him, no matter how secret their actions are.

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v. 23: Elihu says, For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God . God never punishes anyone more than they deserve. No one can bring a complaint against God and win, because God is always fair.

v. 24–25: Elihu continues, 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 (Job 34:24–25 ⁿ). God can remove powerful rulers and replace them with others. He knows everything they do and can judge them at any time, even suddenly at night.

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v. 26: Elihu says, He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others . God sometimes punishes wicked rulers publicly, as a warning to others.

v. 27–28: Elihu explains why God judges these people: 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 (Job 34:27–28 ^o). These rulers ignored God and oppressed the poor. God hears the cries of those who are hurt and will judge those who do wrong.

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v. 29: Elihu says, When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? . If God gives peace, no one can disturb it. If God hides Himself, no one can find Him or change His decision. God’s will cannot be stopped, whether it is for a nation or for one person.

v. 30: Elihu finishes this part by saying, That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared . God is wise and cares for people. He does not let hypocrites rule for long, because that would bring trouble and danger to everyone. God’s wisdom and justice protect people from bad rulers.

Elihu Teaches Job How to Respond to Affliction

In this section, Elihu gives wise advice to Job about how to respond when suffering. Instead of using harsh or impatient words, Elihu suggests that Job should humbly admit his mistakes, ask God for understanding, and promise to change. Elihu reminds us that good correction should not only point out what is wrong, but also show a better way forward. He also explains that we cannot demand that God do things our way, but must respect God’s greater wisdom and authority. Finally, Elihu asks others to judge if Job has spoken wisely or foolishly in his complaints about God.

v. 31–32: Elihu says Job should pray humbly, 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 (Job 34:31–32 ^p). Elihu encourages Job to repent for his rash words, ask God to reveal hidden faults, and make a sincere promise to change his ways. True repentance means not only feeling sorry but also deciding to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

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v. 33: Elihu asks, 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 . He reminds Job that it is unreasonable to expect everything to go the way we want. God will act according to His wisdom, not ours. We should accept God’s decisions, even if we do not understand them.

v. 34–35: Elihu appeals to wise people: Let men of understanding tell me... Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom (Job 34:34–35 ^q). He believes Job’s complaints show a lack of understanding. Even good people can sometimes say things out of pain that are not wise.

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v. 36: Elihu expresses his desire: My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end . He hopes Job’s troubles will continue until he learns humility and stops speaking against God. He may also be praying to God as a Father to use these trials to teach Job.

v. 37: Elihu accuses Job of adding rebellion to his sin: For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God (Job 34:37 ^r). Elihu says that Job’s stubbornness and repeated complaints are making things worse. Instead of defending himself more, Job should confess and turn back to God.