saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be
wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.
Chapter 35
Chapter Outline
Elihu speaks of man's conduct. (1–8)
Why those who cry out under afflictions are (9–13)
not regarded.
Elihu reproves Job's impatience. (14–16)Verses 1–8
Elihu reproves Job for justifying himself more than God, and called his attention to the heavens.
They are far above us, and God is far above them; how much then is he out of the reach, either of
our sins or of our services! We have no reason to complain if we have not what we expect, but
should be thankful that we have better than we deserve.
Verses 9–13
Job complained that God did not regard the cries of the oppressed against their oppressors. This
he knew not how to reconcile the justice of God and his government. Elihu solves the difficulty.
Men do not notice the mercies they enjoy in and under their afflictions, nor are thankful for them,
therefore they cannot expect that God should deliver them out of affliction. He gives songs in the
night; when our condition is dark and melancholy, there is that in God's providence and promise,
which is sufficient to support us, and to enable us even to rejoice in tribulation. When we only pore
upon our afflictions, and neglect the consolations of God which are treasured up for us, it is just in
God to reject our prayers. Even the things that will kill the body, cannot hurt the soul. If we cry to
God for the removal of an affliction, and it is not removed, the reason is, not because the Lord's
hand is shortened, or his ear heavy; but because we are not sufficiently humbled.
Verses 14–16
As in prosperity we are ready to think our mountain will never be brought low; so when in
adversity, we are ready to think our valley will never be filled up. But to conclude that to-morrow
must be as this day, is as absurd as to think that the weather, when either fair or foul, will be always
so. When Job looked up to God, he had no reason to speak despairingly. There is a day of judgment,
when all that seems amiss will be found to be right, and all that seems dark and difficult will be
cleared up and set straight. And if there is Divine wrath in our troubles, it is because we quarrel
with God, are fretful, and distrust Divine Providence. This was Job's case. Elihu was directed by
God to humble Job, for as to some things he had both opened his mouth in vain, and had multiplied