Journal Through the Bible: Week 5 Saturday

Taken by author

Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?  Job 37:18

Job 36:1-37:24

We are nearing the end of the book of Job. We know this because chapter 37 is the last discourse given by one of his acquaintances. These two chapters are Elihu's final remarks.

One of the reasons why I find Elihu somewhat confusing is that he seems to actually have some understanding of God (which being interpreted means he says that he really doesn't understand the ways of God much at all and claims that Job cannot either, see 36:26) as opposed to the elder friends who constantly say things about how God would never allow bad things to happen to good people so therefore if bad things are happening to Job he cannot possibly be a good person! In other words, their logic is faulty and so is their theology. Elihu strays into that territory some (36:11) but not nearly with the vengeance of those who spoke before him.

Elihu seems to understand that God is God and that in itself brings about a mystery. After all, if man can understand everything about God then He really isn't much of a God, now is He? Therefore I am willing to cut Elihu some slack although I still think he suffers from a certain arrogance and cruelty that often afflicts youth.

Does God make any promises in this passage?

Much depends upon what we make of Elihu's speech. Does he speak for God as he claims in 36:2? If so, then 36:7-16 provide  many promises to various people: the righteous, the wicked, the hypocrites, and the poor.
 

Are there any references to Jesus in these verses?

Not exactly, but as I've pointed out several times Jesus is the Creator so therefore all the wonders mentioned in chapter 37 are done by Him.

As a matter of fact, Jesus is also the righteous judge (as previously mentioned also) so He would carry out the duties found in chapter 36 as well.
 

Are there any references to End Time events or eternity?

Again, much depends upon Elihu's theology being sound. If he means that the righteous will spend their days in prosperity within the context of Jesus' reign on the earth then 36:11 if a future event. If he means that such things are guaranteed to happen here, then his theology is faulty.
 

Does God give any commands in this passage? If so, to whom? And must I obey them?

No, but this passage ends with talk of fearing God, which is always a great command and wise counsel.