Bible Commentaries

Job 32-37. Speech of Elihu.—Reasons have already been given in the Introduction for regarding this as a later addition to the poem. The point of view of Elihu is very much that of Eliphaz, viz. that suffering is disciplinary. If it is rightly accepted, and its lesson learned, God will graciously restore the sufferer. An interesting point in the theology of Elihu is the idea of the intercession of angels (Job 33:23 ff.).

Job 35:1-8. Elihu inquires whether it is Job's righteousness which finds expression in his question as to the profitableness of religion. Let him look to the heavens and see how far God is above him. Man's sin or righteousness in no way injures or profits God, but only other men. In Job 35:2 instead of "Or sayest thou, my righteousness is more than God's," translate "And callest it my righteousness before God." With Job 35:5-7; cf. Job 22:2-3; cf. Job 22:12.

Job 35:9-16. Men cry out by reason of oppression, but do not inquire after God, who gives songs in the night and makes us wiser than the animals. They cry because of the pride of evil men, but God does not answer, since the cry is "vanity," has no real religious character. How much less will He hear Job, who is frankly irreligious (Job 35:14)? In Job 35:15 follow mg., But now, because he hath not visited in his anger, Thou sayest, He does not greatly regard arrogance (Job 35:16). Thus doth Job open his mouth in vanity, etc. This is Elihu's condemnation of Job's criticism of God's government.