Albert Barnes Commentary Job 34:30

"That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people." — Job 34:30 (ASV)

That the hypocrite reign not — All this is done to prevent wicked men from ruling over the people. The remarks of Elihu had largely pertained to princes and kings, and he had shown that however great they were, they were in the hands of God and were wholly at his disposal. He now says that the design of his dealings with them was to prevent their oppressing their fellow men.

The general scope of the remarks of Elihu is that God is the universal Sovereign; that he has all people under his control, and that there are none so powerful as to be able to resist his will. The remark in this verse is added, not as illustrating this general sentiment, but to show what was in fact the aim for which he thus intervened—to save people from being oppressed and crushed by those in authority.

Lest the people be ensnared — Hebrew: “From their being snarers of the people.” He casts down the mighty, so that they are not left to capture the people as wild animals are caught in traps. They were inclined to use their power to oppress others, but God intervenes, and the people are saved. For a fuller view of this verse, see the remarks of Rosenmuller.