Job, Chapter 36

Job, Chapter 36

“He delivers the poor in their affliction, and opens their ears in oppression.” When God was about to lead Israel to Babylon, the prophet said to them in the name of the Lord, “‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of misfortune, to give you a future, and a hope.’” Jer. 29:11.

These were also God’s thoughts for Job. They were not thoughts of misfortune, but to give him a future and a hope. It was God’s desire to open Job’s ears so he would be able to hear God’s words much more clearly. Job was a blameless and upright man; no one on earth was like him, and yet he knew nothing more about God than what he had heard. Job 42:5. He had to come into affliction so that God could open his ears and he could learn to know God in truth. God had thoughts of peace toward him, not of misfortune. 1 Pet. 4:12-13.

Elihu instructed Job by saying that if God binds someone in fetters and holds them in the cords of affliction, “He tells them their work and their transgressions—that they have acted proudly. He also opens their ear to instruction, and commands that they turn from iniquity.” Job’s friends did not understand this; therefore they believed that he was a sinner. However, despite the fact that he was the best man there was, God wanted to lead him to an even greater glory. The way to it was through afflictions. That was the way by which his ears were to be opened so he could receive exhortations and instruction. There are only a few sons who are so true that they can bear chastisement and scourging. Heb. 12:6. Elihu saw the danger Job was in—that is why he comforted and exhorted him.

“Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress, into a broad place where there is no restraint; and what is set on your table would be full of richness.” That was God’s intention and aim; yet how easily people misunderstand when they are chastened. They are so quick to feel that they have been treated unjustly, and as a result they harden themselves. Therefore Elihu continues with the following exhortation: “But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice take hold of you. Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with one blow; for a large ransom would not help you avoid it.” Job had to pay a great price to become twice as rich as he was before. Ch. 42:10. Job’s mind and attitude of heart were revealed through this great ransom—the afflictions, the humiliation. Many bid God farewell when they are chastened, and instead of humbling themselves, they blaspheme God and harden themselves. They wish they were dead. Elihu warns, “Do not desire the night, when people are cut off in their place. Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, for you have chosen this rather than affliction.”

People attempt to come out of their afflictions with all their might without humbling themselves. Elihu asks, “Can your cry free you from tribulation, and can all your striving and labor accomplish it?” Ch. 36:19. It is useless to use one’s human reasoning. It is God’s will to open their ears through affliction. They cannot be helped if they will not listen to God’s voice in their affliction. Job was led to a deep acknowledgment; then God could lead him out of his affliction and set his table with abundant delights.

“Behold, God is exalted by His power; who teaches like Him? Who has assigned Him His way, or who has said, ‘You have done wrong’?” God uses people and circumstances, and He speaks in many ways. Luke 13:1-5. He has thoughts of peace toward us in everything He does. All we have to do is humble ourselves and listen to what God has to say. Whatever the situation we come into, we need to follow Elihu’s further exhortation: “Remember to magnify His work, of which men have sung.” Aren’t there ever so many beautiful songs that are being sung? We must never come into such a state that we do not magnify God’s work, His leading, His way with us, but that we give “thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20.