1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
2 Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
10 Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
14 If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
32 That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
33 Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
The Book of Job is a part of the Old Testament in the KJV Holy Bible and is considered one of the most profound and challenging books in the Bible. It is a poetic and philosophical book that explores the question of why good people suffer. The main character, Job, is a righteous man who faces numerous trials and tribulations, including losing his family, wealth, and health. Throughout the book, Job questions God's justice and demands an explanation for his suffering. In chapter 34, a new character, Elihu, enters the story and offers his perspective on Job's situation.
Before diving into the summary of chapter 34, it is essential to understand the context in which it takes place. In the previous chapters, Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, visit him in his time of suffering. They attempt to console him and offer explanations for his suffering. However, their explanations are unsatisfactory to Job, and he continues to demand an audience with God. In chapter 32, a young man named Elihu enters the scene and listens to the conversation between Job and his friends. In chapter 33, Elihu speaks for the first time, defending God's justice and chastising Job for his self-righteousness. Chapter 34 continues Elihu's speech and offers a unique perspective on Job's situation.
In chapter 34, Elihu continues to speak to Job and his friends. He begins by addressing Job's claim that he is innocent and has done no wrong. Elihu states that Job's words are without knowledge and that he is speaking without understanding. He then goes on to say that God does not show partiality to anyone, and he is not unjust. Elihu argues that God is the creator and sustainer of everything, and therefore, it is not possible for him to be unfair or unjust.
Elihu then addresses Job's claim that he has been punished for no reason. He says that God does not take pleasure in punishing people and that he only punishes those who deserve it. Elihu accuses Job of speaking like the wicked and of choosing to follow the path of the wicked. He reminds Job that God is in control of everything and that he will not allow the wicked to prevail forever.
Elihu then shifts his focus to Job's complaints against God's justice. He argues that Job has not been punished beyond what he deserves and that God is just in his actions. Elihu also points out that Job has been questioning God's justice without any evidence or proof. He says that Job should humble himself before God and acknowledge that he does not understand everything.
Next, Elihu addresses Job's claim that God is not answering his prayers. He says that God does not owe anyone an explanation for his actions and that he works in ways that are beyond human understanding. Elihu also points out that God is not obligated to respond to anyone, and he can choose to remain silent if he wants to.
Elihu then concludes his speech by reminding Job and his friends that God is just and that he will not pervert justice. He says that God is mighty and that no one can challenge his authority. Elihu urges Job to repent and turn back to God, who will then restore him and bless him. He also warns Job's friends to be careful in their judgments and not to condemn the innocent.
There are several themes present in chapter 34 of the Book of Job. The most prominent themes include God's justice, human suffering, and the importance of humility.
God's Justice: One of the main themes in chapter 34 is God's justice. Elihu argues that God is just and that he does not show partiality to anyone. He states that God is in control of everything and that he will not allow the wicked to prevail forever. Elihu's speech serves as a reminder that even in times of suffering, God is still just and fair.
Human Suffering: Another significant theme in chapter 34 is human suffering. Job's suffering is the central focus of the book, and Elihu's speech addresses Job's complaints and questions about his suffering. Elihu reminds Job that God does not take pleasure in punishing people and that he only punishes those who deserve it. He also points out that suffering is a part of life and that God uses it to teach and refine people.
The Importance of Humility: Humility is another essential theme in chapter 34. Elihu repeatedly reminds Job to humble himself before God and acknowledge that he does not understand everything. He also warns Job's friends not to be too quick to judge and to be humble in their judgments. This theme serves as a reminder that humans are limited in their understanding, and it is essential to remain humble before God.
The meaning of chapter 34 of the Book of Job can be summarized in three main points:
God's Justice: The chapter serves as a reminder that God is just and that he does not show partiality to anyone. Even in times of suffering, God's justice remains unshaken, and he will not allow the wicked to prevail forever. This message is essential for those who are going through trials and tribulations, as it offers hope that God's justice will prevail in the end.
Human Suffering: The chapter also addresses the issue of human suffering. Elihu's speech reminds readers that suffering is a part of life and that God uses it to teach and refine people. This message is crucial for those going through difficult times, as it offers comfort and understanding that suffering has a purpose.
The Importance of Humility: The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility before God. Elihu's words remind readers that humans are limited in their understanding, and it is essential to remain humble before God. This message serves as a reminder to trust in God's wisdom and not to question his actions.
In conclusion, chapter 34 of the Book of Job in the KJV Holy Bible is a significant chapter that addresses the themes of God's justice, human suffering, and the importance of humility. Elihu's speech serves as a reminder that God is just and that he uses suffering to teach and refine his people. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of remaining humble before God and trusting in his wisdom, even in times of suffering. Overall, chapter 34 offers a message of hope and understanding for those going through difficult times and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice.
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