Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Job Ch.34 / 42 Ch.s
JOB:34
* Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice. (1-9) God
cannot be unjust. (10-15) God's power and providence. (16-30)
Elihu reproves Job. (31-37)
#1-9 Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon
Job's words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened,
whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is
versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or
actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to
their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly
to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in
vain, does not only offend against God's children, #Ps
73:13-15|, but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.
#10-15 Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by
afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he
shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the
former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God
cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services
now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a
day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to
his works. Further, though the believer's final condemnation is
done away through the Saviour's ransom, yet he has merited worse
than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him,
however he may be tried.
#16-30 Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose
that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are
unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring
presumption to condemn God's proceedings, as Job had done by his
discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to
produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to
submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God.
Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will
be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at
ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on
whom God frowns.
#31-37 When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what
is good. Job's friends would have had him own himself a wicked
man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly
with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter
worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God
for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God
to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the
worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to
be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be
sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we
are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our
Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job
concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to
think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would
have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks
whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is
righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, #Ps
145:17|. The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving
Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest,
and the best for his glory and my good.