That which turns men from sin, saves them from hell. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints
of an awakened conscience!
Verses 19–28
Job complained of his diseases, and judged by them that God was angry with him; his friends
did so too: but Elihu shows that God often afflicts the body for good to the soul. This thought will
be of great use for our getting good from sickness, in and by which God speaks to men. Pain is the
fruit of sin; yet, by the grace of God, the pain of the body is often made a means of good to the
soul. When afflictions have done their work, they shall be removed. A ransom or propitiation is
found. Jesus Christ is the Messenger and the Ransom, so Elihu calls him, as Job had called him his
Redeemer, for he is both the Purchaser and the Price, the Priest and the sacrifice. So high was the
value of souls, that nothing less would redeem them; and so great the hurt done by sin, that nothing
less would atone for it, than the blood of the Son of God, who gave his life a ransom for many. A
blessed change follows. Recovery from sickness is a mercy indeed, when it proceeds from the
remission of sin. All that truly repent of their sins, shall find mercy with God. The works of darkness
are unfruitful works; all the gains of sin will come far short of the damage. We must, with a broken
and contrite heart, confess our sins to God, 1Jo 1:9. We must confess the fact of sin; and not try to
justify or excuse ourselves. We must confess the fault of sin; I have perverted that which was right.
We must confess the folly of sin; So foolish have I been and ignorant. Is there not good reason why
we should make such a confession?
Verses 29–33
Elihu shows that God's great and gracious design toward the children of men, is, to save them
from being for ever miserable, and to bring them to be for ever happy. By whatever means we are
kept back from the we shall bless the Lord for them at least, and should bless him for them though
they be painful and distressing. Those that perish for ever are without excuse, for they would not
be healed.
Chapter 34
Chapter Outline
Elihu accuses Job of charging God with (1–9)
injustice.
God cannot be unjust. (10–15)
God's power and providence. (16–30)
Elihu reproves Job. (31–37)