IN this chapter Elihu goes on to show Job that by reason of some questions he had raised, he was practically saying, “My righteousness is more than God’s.” “For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?”
“I will answer thee,” says Elihu, “and thy companions with thee.” Then he seeks to make Job feel his nothingness, saying, “Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.” He could not but realize they were far beyond him; how much more so God who was above the heavens.
Elihu speaks of how when one sinned, it affected his fellow man through the oppression that resulted from such a course. These oppressions caused man to cry out. But none cried unto God, who could and does give “songs in the night” to those who cry to Him in faith in the midst of all their sorrow.
“Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?” declares Elihu. God had given men a wisdom which was far beyond that of beasts or the fowls of heaven. These cry out by reason of the oppression of evil men, says Elihu, and God does not answer because of the pride of evil men. “Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.”
“Although thou sayest thou shalt not see Him,” continues Elihu, yet God would act in justice toward Job. Therefore he tells Job to trust in Him. It was because he had not done so, that God had to continue his trial.
In chapter 36 Elihu still has something to say on God’s behalf. Yet he will not use the reasonings of man but, says he, “I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe greatness to my Creator.” “Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: He is mighty in strength and wisdom.” This is a wonderful truth. Men are liable to despise their fellowmen when they think they have risen above their level, but not so with God. God does see that the afflicted get justice and He does not save the wicked. His eyes are ever upon the righteous.
Elihu continues: It is God that confirms kings upon their throne. But if they have done evil, He would show them the error of their ways. If they hearken and serve Him, He will give them prosperity, and allow them length of life. But if they do not hear Him, they will be cut off. The godless in heart, or hypocrites, heap up His wrath upon themselves. They do not turn to Him when He binds them. But what God has pleasure in is this: “He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.”
ML-07/31/1960