Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 34

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).

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

• 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.

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).

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

1. God rewards or punishes people based on their actions (34:11);

2. As the creator, God does not have to answer to anyone (34:13).

3. Every living being relies on God for life. God can take life away without being wrong (34:14–15; compare Romans 9:19–29).

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).

• 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).

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).

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).

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.

• God knows everything without needing to ask anyone (34:25).

• sets up others in their place: Daniel 2:21; 5:28–30.

When God shows justice openly, it causes evil people to have proper fear (Deuteronomy 21:21; 1 Timothy 5:20). This leads to public joy among people in a right relationship with God (compare Exodus 14:30–31).

Suppose someone says: Elihu posed the indirect question, "Job, why won't you admit it?"

tried to the utmost: Zophar also said that Job should have suffered worse punishment than he did (11:6).