JUNE 8
Elihu continues his speech in chapter 35 by reproving both
Job and his three friends. He condemns Job for having expressed the
thought that because of his integrity he did not deserve what God
was doing to him. Job felt, as Elihu put it in verse 2, “My
righteousness is more than God’s.” Further, Elihu charged that Job
said, “Why should I live righteously–the wicked are rewarded good
for their evil and the righteous are rewarded by suffering.”
Certainly Elihu was not entirely correct in his judgment of Job. For
oftentimes Job illustrated from the prosperity of the wicked, simply
to show that in the end the wicked would not prosper, while the
righteous would enter his reward. However, there were occasions when
Job, in his lapses from depending upon God rather than on the flesh,
pitied himself and strongly intimated that the righteous life was
not altogether worthwhile.
Next Elihu has a message for Job and his three friends. He
reminds them that their help comes from the Lord; that God is
greater than man. Elihu wanted them to realize that they were not
dealing with frail human flesh, but with the Eternal God. Elihu also
declares to them that unless one cries unto the Lord in humility, he
might just as well not call on the Lord. When proud men pray, their
prayers go unheard and unanswered, because God will not give
attention to a proud heart.
In chapter 36 Elihu continues by drawing attention to the
greatness and majesty of God. Because of who He is and what He is,
God should be respected and honored by everyone. “Behold, God is
great,” declares Elihu. Indeed, He is great in power, great in
wisdom, and great in wealth.
In chapter 37 Elihu continues his informative speech by
reminding Job of the mighty power of God, as evidenced in the
changes of the weather. In speaking further of the handiwork of God,
he mentions the winds, the frost, and the clouds, all of which are
under the Lord’s constant control.
God’s ways are unfathomable. Verse 23 says, “Touching the
Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in
judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.” God is
divine. We should respect Him, bow before Him, and acknowledge Him
as Lord of all.