Page 32 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

As Elihu continues, he weaves three major themes from previous discussions into his advice. Chapter
thirty-four speaks of God’s justice, chapter thirty-five of God’s righteousness, and chapters thirty-six and
thirty-seven of the power of God. We have noted all three before. Elihu concludes speaking by calling
our attention to these three characteristics as if to underscore them so that we might not miss them.
“The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does
not oppress (37:23).”

In a very theological yet practical discussion, Elihu speaks of the justice of God. Six times in chapter
thirty-four, he refers to the topic, not always translated “just” or “justice” in the English (34:4 “right,” 34:
5 “justice,” 34: 6 “right,” 34:12 “justice,” 34:17 “justice,” 34:23 “judgment”). Elihu is sharp in his criticism
of Job, “who drinks scorn like water (34:7). Elihu insists on the absolute justice of God for everyone on
earth. “He repays everyone for what they have done (34:11).”

Job should have hung onto this principle. He should have known this to
be true and anything else impossible. Simply reflect on his status as
Creator. “Who put him in charge of the whole world?” asks Elihu (34:13).
He could easily inhale, and everyone would perish (34:14-15). If he were
not interested in ruling the world justly, if he hated justice, would he
keep the world running? Would he not rather find something more
interesting to do? If he hated justice, would anyone receive justice at any
time all over the world (34:17-20)? He cannot deny himself in his
character. He must reign out of that character.
Figure 18: sovereign God
God is the most obligated being that there is. He is obligated by
His own nature. He is infinite in His wisdom; therefore He can never do anything that is
unwise. He is infinite in His justice; therefore He can never do anything that is unjust. He
is infinite in His goodness; therefore He can never do anything that is not good. He is
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infinite in His truth; therefore it is impossible that He should lie.

We might well ponder the rulers of the world throughout history. The more corrupt a ruler or
government, the shorter the reign. Modern times demonstrate this truth over and over: Hitler, Idi Amin,
James Kony, etc.

The theology of Elihu comes with some very practical advice. Unfortunately, modern translations make
some decisions for the reader that may obscure the advice. Here is the KJV of 34:31-33. “Surely it is
meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: that which I see not
teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Should it be according to thy mind? He will
recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I; therefore speak what thou
knowest.”

49 J. Gresham Machen, The Christian View of Man (Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1995), 26.
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