Albert Barnes Commentary Job 34:19

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 34:19

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 34:19

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands." — Job 34:19 (ASV)

How much less to him who accepts not the person of princes - To accept the person of anyone is to treat him with special favor on account of his rank, his wealth, or from favoritism and partiality. This God often disclaims regarding himself (Acts 10:34; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25), and solemnly forbids it in others (see James 2:1, 2:3, 2:9; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19). The meaning here is that God is entirely impartial in his administration and treats all as they ought to be treated.

He shows favor to no one on account of wealth, rank, talent, office, or fine clothing, and he excludes no one from favor on account of poverty, ignorance, or a humble rank in life. This, it seems, was an accepted sentiment in the time of Elihu. On the ground that it was indisputable, he strongly argues against questioning the equity of his administration in language like that Job had used.

For they all are the work of his hands - He regards them all as his creatures. No one has any special claim on him on account of rank, talent, or wealth. Every creature that he has made, high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, may expect that impartial justice will be done to him, and that his external circumstances will not control or modify the divine determinations regarding him, or the divine dealings with him.