# Overview In #Job Chapter 34, #Elihu continues his discourse, addressing both #Job and the other friends. He calls for wise and discerning men to listen to his words, asserting the need for testing words as one tests food by tasting it. Elihu challenges Job's claim of innocence and his questioning of God's justice. He emphasizes that God is unchanging in His righteousness and justice, and He does not act wickedly. Elihu declares that God repays a person according to their deeds and cannot commit injustice. This chapter underscores the theme that God's moral governance is beyond human comprehension and is always fair, as He holds power over all creation. Elihu further argues that God is omniscient, seeing all the ways of men, and that He cannot be deceived or persuaded by the powerful or wealthy. He stresses that God can remove kings and topple the mighty without inquiry or warning, highlighting His sovereignty. Elihu also points out that God's judgment is perfect and impartial, and no darkness can hide evil from Him. He concludes by urging Job to recognize God's justice and to understand that human understanding is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom. Elihu's speech serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the folly of questioning His justice. ## Theological Insights In Job 34, we observe a continuation of Elihu's discourse, where he speaks about the justice and righteousness of #God. Elihu emphasizes that God is not unjust and does not pervert justice, a theme that resonates throughout the #OldTestament and is critical in understanding divine justice. Elihu asserts that God repays individuals according to their deeds, establishing a principle of divine retribution that echoes the sentiments found in other scriptures such as [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 24]]. Elihu's speech highlights the sovereignty and impartiality of God, proclaiming His omniscience and omnipresence. He states that God cannot be partial to princes nor regard the rich more than the poor, for all are the work of His hands (Job 34:19). This theological insight aligns with the biblical theme that God does not show favoritism, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 10|Acts 10:34]] where Peter acknowledges that God accepts those who fear Him and do what is right from every nation. Furthermore, Elihu challenges #Job's assertions by defending God's governance over the world. He insists that God’s ways are beyond human understanding, a perspective that is echoed in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55]] where God's thoughts and ways are described as higher than those of humans. Elihu argues that God's justice is evident in His ability to see all actions and that nothing is hidden from Him, which is a recurring theme in the #Psalms and in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4]], where all creation is laid bare before God. Elihu’s discourse in Job 34 invites readers to trust in God's perfect justice, even when His ways seem inscrutable. This trust is rooted in the biblical assurance that God's character is inherently righteous and just, as seen throughout the #Scriptures. Elihu's emphasis on divine justice reinforces the importance of faith in God's moral order, which is central to the message of the Book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Justice and Sovereignty In Job 34, #Elihu emphasizes the theme of #divinejustice, insisting that #God is just and cannot act wickedly. He argues that God's actions and judgments are beyond human understanding, a theme echoed in other parts of Scripture such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55|Isaiah 55:8-9]], where God declares that His ways and thoughts are higher than those of humans. This chapter connects to the broader biblical narrative that God, as the sovereign ruler, oversees the moral order of the universe, as seen in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 89|Psalm 89:14]], where righteousness and justice are described as the foundation of His throne. ### Human Accountability Elihu speaks about human #accountability before God, asserting that God repays individuals according to their deeds. This theme resonates with the biblical principle found in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 6|Galatians 6:7]], which states that a person reaps what they sow. Elihu's discourse reinforces the idea that God holds people accountable for their actions, mirroring the teachings of [[Ecclesiastes/Ecclesiastes Chapter 12|Ecclesiastes 12:14]], which declares that God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing. ### The Limitations of Human Understanding Elihu points out the limitations of #humanunderstanding when judging divine actions. This theme is consistent with the lesson of humility found in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 3|Proverbs 3:5-6]], encouraging trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on human insight. Elihu's argument that God's ways are inscrutable aligns with the message in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 11|Romans 11:33-34]], where the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge are praised as beyond human comprehension. ### Reproof of Self-Righteousness Elihu's critiques include a reproof of #selfrighteousness, warning against claiming innocence before God. This theme is echoed in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 18|Luke 18:9-14]], where self-righteousness is contrasted with humility before God. Job's situation reminds readers that God's judgment is based on His perfect knowledge, not human perception, a principle that is also evident in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16|1 Samuel 16:7]], where God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. ### The Inevitability of God's Judgment Elihu emphasizes the inevitability of #God'sjudgment, asserting that God does not need to examine people closely to know their deeds. This aligns with the biblical assurance found in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:13]], where nothing in creation is hidden from God's sight, and all must give account to Him. Elihu's perspective reinforces the certainty that God, as the ultimate judge, will execute justice according to His perfect will. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Divine Justice and Righteousness In Job 34, #Elihu speaks about God's justice and righteousness, emphasizing that God repays individuals according to their deeds and does not pervert justice. This theme of divine justice is prophetically echoed throughout the Bible and finds fulfillment in the person and work of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. Passages such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 42|Isaiah 42:1-4]] speak of the coming servant who will bring forth justice to the nations, and [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 19|Revelation 19:11]] portrays Christ as the one who judges and makes war in righteousness, underscoring the ultimate fulfillment of divine justice through Him. ### The Sovereignty of God Elihu asserts God's sovereignty over creation, declaring that God is not accountable to anyone and His ways are beyond human understanding. This assertion is prophetically fulfilled in the New Testament revelation of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the sovereign Lord over all creation. [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 1|Colossians 1:16-17]] describes Jesus as the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together, affirming the sovereignty of God as expressed in Job 34 and fulfilled in Christ. ### Accountability Before God Job 34 discusses the accountability of humans before God, as Elihu reminds Job and his friends that God sees all actions and judges accordingly. This principle is prophetically fulfilled in the New Testament, where [[Romans/Romans Chapter 14|Romans 14:10-12]] and [[2 Corinthians/2 Corinthians Chapter 5|2 Corinthians 5:10]] affirm that all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give account of their deeds. This prophetic fulfillment highlights the consistent biblical theme of human accountability to God, culminating in the final judgment through Jesus Christ. ### The Call to Repentance Elihu's discourse in Job 34 implicitly calls for repentance and turning back to God, a theme that resonates prophetically with the message of the prophets and is ultimately fulfilled by the call of #JohnTheBaptist and [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] for people to repent, as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 3|Matthew 3:2]] and [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4|Matthew 4:17]]. This call to repentance is central to the Gospel message and reflects the ongoing fulfillment of the biblical call to turn to God in humility and faith. ## Verses - **Job 34:1** - "Then Elihu said:" - **Job 34:2** - "Listen to me, you wise men. Pay attention, you who have knowledge." - **Job 34:3** - "For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food." - **Job 34:4** - "Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good." - **Job 34:5** - "For Job also said, 'I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights.'" - **Job 34:6** - "I am innocent, but they call me a liar. My suffering is incurable, though I have not sinned." - **Job 34:7** - "Tell me, has there ever been a man like Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk?" - **Job 34:8** - "He chooses evil people as companions. He spends his time with wicked men." - **Job 34:9** - "He has even said, ‘Why waste time trying to please God?’" - **Job 34:10** - "Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin! The Almighty can do no wrong." - **Job 34:11** - "He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve." - **Job 34:12** - "Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice." - **Job 34:13** - "Did someone else put the world in his care? Who set the whole world in place?" - **Job 34:14** - "If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath," - **Job 34:15** - "all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust." - **Job 34:16** - "Now listen to me if you are wise. Pay attention to what I say." - **Job 34:17** - "Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty judge?" - **Job 34:18** - "For he says to kings, ‘You are wicked,’ and to nobles, ‘You are unjust.’" - **Job 34:19** - "He doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all." - **Job 34:20** - "In a moment they die. In the middle of the night they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand." - **Job 34:21** - "For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do." - **Job 34:22** - "No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes." - **Job 34:23** - "We don’t set the time when we will come before God in judgment." - **Job 34:24** - "He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone, and he sets up others in their place." - **Job 34:25** - "He knows what they do, and in the night he overturns and destroys them." - **Job 34:26** - "He strikes them down because they are wicked, doing it openly for all to see." - **Job 34:27** - "For they turned away from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways." - **Job 34:28** - "They cause the poor to cry out, catching God’s attention. He hears the cries of the needy." - **Job 34:29** - "But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation." - **Job 34:30** - "He prevents the godless from ruling so they cannot be a snare to the people." - **Job 34:31** - "Why don’t people say to God, ‘I have sinned, but I will sin no more’?" - **Job 34:32** - "Or ‘I don’t know what evil I have done—tell me. If I have done wrong, I will stop at once’?" - **Job 34:33** - "Must God tailor his justice to your demands? But you have rejected him! The choice is yours, not mine. Go ahead, share your wisdom with us." - **Job 34:34** - "After all, bright people will tell me, and wise people will hear me say," - **Job 34:35** - "‘Job speaks out of ignorance; his words lack insight.’" - **Job 34:36** - "Job, you deserve the maximum penalty for the wicked way you have talked." - **Job 34:37** - "For you have added rebellion to your sin; you show no respect, and you speak many angry words against God." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Job's Claim of Innocence** - [[Job/Job Chapter 9]] - **God's Justice** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 18]], [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 32]] - **God's Sovereignty over Life** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 2]], [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 104]] - **God's Impartiality** - [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 10]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 2]] - **God's Judgment** - [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 9]], [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 20]]