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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Job 34:31 - 34:37
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Job Charged with Inconsistency
v. 31. Surely it is meet to be said unto God, or, "Is it that one indeed says to God?" I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more, expiating, bearing punishment without having done evil.
v. 32. That which I see not, not being aware of having done wrong, teach Thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more, if convinced and convicted, he would be truly penitent.
v. 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. These words are addressed to Job, sneeringly asking, Shall God recompense as thou wilt, following Job's claims and demands? Should God change the rules of His righteous government to please him? Job having so criticized God, the Lord, in turn, challenges his knowledge of the right form of retribution, which is equivalent to accusing Job of downright ignorance of the worst type.
v. 34. Let men of understanding tell me, to whom Elihu had twice appealed in this chapter, and let a wise man hearken unto me, that is, he who as a wise man hearkens to him.
v. 35. Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. That, Elihu thinks, must be the verdict of all men of true wisdom.
v. 36. My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men, or, "Oh, that Job were but tested to the utmost on account of his objections after the manner of wicked men!"
v. 37. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, namely, by his bold and accusing speeches against God, he clappeth his hands among us, in mockery and derision, and multiplieth his words against God. Such a behavior, Elihu infers, is altogether inconsistent with the claims of true piety, as constantly made by Job. True consciousness of sinfulness would not permit a believer to address the Lord in the manner assumed by Job.