‏ Job 35

* Elihu speaks of man's conduct. (1-8) Why those who cry out

under afflictions are not regarded. (9-13) Elihu reproves Job's

impatience. (14-26)

1-8 Elihu reproves Job for justifying himself more than God,

and called his attention to the heavens. They are far above us,

and God is far above them; how much then is he out of the reach,

either of our sins or of our services! We have no reason to

complain if we have not what we expect, but should be thankful

that we have better than we deserve. 9-13 Job complained that God did not regard the cries of the

oppressed against their oppressors. This he knew not how to

reconcile the justice of God and his government. Elihu solves

the difficulty. Men do not notice the mercies they enjoy in and

under their afflictions, nor are thankful for them, therefore

they cannot expect that God should deliver them out of

affliction. He gives songs in the night; when our condition is

dark and melancholy, there is that in God's providence and

promise, which is sufficient to support us, and to enable us

even to rejoice in tribulation. When we only pore upon our

afflictions, and neglect the consolations of God which are

treasured up for us, it is just in God to reject our prayers.

Even the things that will kill the body, cannot hurt the soul.

If we cry to God for the removal of an affliction, and it is not

removed, the reason is, not because the Lord's hand is

shortened, or his ear heavy; but because we are not sufficiently

humbled. 14-26 As in prosperity we are ready to think our mountain will

never be brought low; so when in adversity, we are ready to

think our valley will never be filled up. But to conclude that

to-morrow must be as this day, is as absurd as to think that the

weather, when either fair or foul, will be always so. When Job

looked up to God, he had no reason to speak despairingly. There

is a day of judgment, when all that seems amiss will be found to

be right, and all that seems dark and difficult will be cleared

up and set straight. And if there is Divine wrath in our

troubles, it is because we quarrel with God, are fretful, and

distrust Divine Providence. This was Job's case. Elihu was

directed by God to humble Job, for as to some things he had both

opened his mouth in vain, and had multiplied words without

knowledge. Let us be admonished, in our afflictions, not so much

to set forth the greatness of our suffering, as the greatness of

the mercy of God.