Study notes

Job 34

Introducing JobWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

32:1–37:24 Section

Elihu was younger than Job’s other friends. It’s thought that he was also from Edom. Elihu was angry at Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. They hadn’t fully answered Job or shown how Job was wrong.

Elihu thought that it was wrong for Job to question God. He thought that Job believed he was right and that God was wrong. This made Elihu angry. But the answer he gave about Job’s suffering was like the answers of the others. Elihu believed that God allowed Job to suffer in order to correct him. The suffering was seen as a warning to keep Job from sinning. Elihu thought that this would save Job from being put to death for his sins.

Elihu understood that God never does anything evil, wrong or unfair. So he thought it was wrong for Job to think that God treated him unfairly. He thought that this showed that Job was full of pride. Elihu understood that God has complete power over everything. God is the Creator who made the world and everything in it. God is the only one able to keep the life of the world going. For Elihu, this meant that people can’t understand God’s reasons for doing something. So he thought that people shouldn’t ask questions about God’s reasons.

34:3–4

ear tests … mouth tastes: Elihu repeated Job’s earlier complaint about the other counselors’ weak argument that, "Wisdom is found with the elderly" (12:11–12; see 6:30; Hebrews 5:14).

34:5–6

Job said he was righteous: See 9:20–21; 13:18; 27:6.

34:6

Eliphaz accused Job of lying (15:5). This was something Job feared would happen (6:28–29).
My wound (literally My arrow): For the connection with the Lord’s "arrows," see 6:4; 16:13; Jeremiah 10:19; 15:18; 30:12, 15; Lamentations 3:12; Micah 1:9; Nahum 3:19.

34:9

Elihu later repeated this accusation (35:3; compare Psalm 73:13; Zephaniah 1:12; Malachi 3:14). But he misrepresented Job’s words (Job 9:22–23; 21:15). Job had actually criticized those who had this perspective (21:14–16).

34:10–15

The passage connects three ideas to the belief that God can do no wrong (34:10, 12):

God rewards or punishes people based on their actions (34:11);
As the creator, God does not have to answer to anyone (34:13).
Every living being relies on God for life. God can take life away without being wrong (34:14–15; compare Romans 9:19–29).

34:11

according to a man’s deeds: Compare Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 32:19; Ezekiel 33:20; Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; Galatians 6:7–8; 1 Peter 1:17. The final judgment will occur at the end of time (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:23; 22:12).

34:17

The implication was that God could not rule if he hated justice (see Romans 3:4–7; 7:7, 13; 9:14; Galatians 2:17; 6:14).
Later, God also asked if Job intended to condemn the mighty judge (Job 40:8).

34:19

who is not partial to princes: God's justice is not partial (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17).

34:22

Evil people may try to hide in darkness (Jeremiah 23:24). But they will not succeed (Psalm 139:11–12; compare Amos 9:2–3). God reveals everything (1 Corinthians 4:5).

34:23

God need not examine a man further: Elihu said this to disagree with Job's wish for God to quickly announce a time of judgment (21:19; 24:1). Elihu believed that God already understood all people perfectly without needing to set up a special court or investigation.

34:24

God knows everything without needing to ask anyone (34:25).
sets up others in their place: Daniel 2:21; 5:28–30.