Charles Ellicott Commentary Job 36

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Job 36

1819–1905

Anglican

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Job 36

1819–1905

Anglican

Verse 1

"Elihu also proceeded, and said," — Job 36:1 (ASV)

Elihu also proceeded. —It is not easy to acquit Elihu of some of the “arrogance” he was so ready to ascribe to Job. He professes very great zeal for God, but it is hard to see that some of his great professions are warranted. For instance, he says—

Verse 3

"I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker." — Job 36:3 (ASV)

I will fetch my knowledge from afar. —But is this not what Bildad had said before him? (Job 8:8 and following); and yet the teaching of Job 36:6 is not very different from his.

Verse 4

"For truly my words are not false: One that is perfect in knowledge is with thee." — Job 36:4 (ASV)

He that is perfect in knowledge. —We may presume that he meant God; but in the Authorised Version it looks very much as though he meant himself. (Compare to Job 37:16.) So apparently Vulgate, “perfecta scientia probabitur tibi.”

Verse 7

"He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: But with kings upon the throne He setteth them for ever, and they are exalted." — Job 36:7 (ASV)

From the righteous — that is, the righteous man. .

Verse 9

"Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly." — Job 36:9 (ASV)

Then he sheweth them their work. —the true nature of their conduct and their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly. This is Elihu’s special doctrine, that God’s chastisements are by way of discipline, to reform the future rather than to chastise the past.

Jump to:

Loading the rest of this chapter's commentary…