Job 36:1 Commentary and Bible Study

From Job’s weakness and faults in prayer Elihu turns to strong encouragement. Why should we be moved to trust our God?(1) He is mighty (verse 5).(2) He will uplift his own (verse 6).(3) They have a permanent audience with him (verse 7).(4) He even rescues from prayerlessness and backslidings like a perfect Father and restores them fully. Yes, all things work together for the good of God’s elect (verses 8-11).(5) Trusting prayer must lead to liberty and blessing. God is full of benevolent plans for his own (verse 16).‘When sorely oppressed, Job,’ says Elihu, ‘reflect on God’s great work – in creation; in history; and in your own past life. Do not throw away the evidence of his goodness’ (verses 24-33). In other words, the strongest pastoral counsel for Job is – and this is the vital point for every Christian believer – that in doctrinal doubt, and every moment of depression, despondency, trial or tribulation, he must never forget that he is a child of God, God is the perfect heavenly Father, and his Saviour is the perfect Friend. They follow him and watch him with their eyes upon him; they work all things together for his lasting good; they do all things well, and nothing is impossible with them. The believer must keep hold of these great truths.This is the sum of the counsel which Elihu presses upon Job. He must not be bitter and feel so unjustly dealt with over his prosperity or his health. Of course, he must try to recognise the chastening rod of God in the things which happen to him, but he must always lift up his eyes and remember that his God is going to take him safely home, for he is the all-powerful heavenly Father.