Job 34

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln faced criticism and was called names that would be deemed inappropriate in modern culture. Lincoln often took the time to write letters to his critics, expressing his emotions, anger, and frustration. He released his feelings by pouring them onto the page. After composing the letters, Lincoln would tear them up and burn them. What a valuable practice!

Job would have been better off avoiding the “send” option for some of his complaints directed at God. In his final statement, he provides a summary brief and requests a court date. Job is convinced that he must prove his innocence to his friends and, therefore, seeks a confrontation with God. His emotions are running high. God has much to say to Job. We will follow the Almighty’s words in Job 38-42. However, God allows Job a “cool-down” period by sending a man named Elihu.

Elihu is a somewhat arrogant young man. Nevertheless, he conveys three essential truths about God. He states:

• God is gracious.
• God is just.
• God is great.

We considered Elihu’s presentation based on God’s graciousness in our previous discussion. Today, let’s explore Elihu’s argument regarding God’s justice.

Elihu took notes while Job and his three friends engaged in their discourse. From what he gathered, he outlined two additional complaints from Job.

Job 34:5-9
For Job has said, ‘I am in the right, and God has taken away my right; ⁶ in spite of my right I am counted a liar; my wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ ⁷ What man is like Job, who drinks up scoffing like water, ⁸ who travels in company with evildoers and walks with wicked men? ⁹ For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.’

In Job 34, Elihu presents eight arguments proving that God is just. We will follow his reasoning, which gives a strong theological foundation regarding God’s justice. Keep in mind that Elihu helps Job focus on God.

Argument #1: God does no wrong.

Job 34:10
Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.

Elihu asserts that it is impossible for God to act wrongly, as his actions are always just. A. W. Tozer expresses this about God’s justice: “As gold is an element in itself and can never change nor compromise but is gold wherever it is found, so God is God, always, only, fully God, and can never be other than He is.”[1] If God were unjust, he would not be God!

Argument #2: God’s justice is universal.

Job 34:11
For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him.

God’s justice is applied on an individual basis. Elihu argues that the outcomes of one’s actions arise from God’s justice, which necessitates caution. While there are consequences for sin and God blesses obedience, we learn from Job’s story that what appears to be the consequence of sin is divinely intended as a demonstration to Satan of Job’s genuine love and worship of God.

Argument #3: God is not partial.

Job 34:19
Who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

Every person stands on level ground beneath the cross. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Argument #4: God sees everyone and everything. 

Job 34:21
For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.

Elihu reminds Job that God observes all our actions and judges them accordingly. Once more, Elihu is partially correct. However, he attempts to prove that Job’s actions have led to his current circumstances. Again, we know otherwise in this scenario.

Argument #5: God does not need a consultant.

Job 34:23-24
For God has no need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment. ²⁴ He shatters the mighty without investigation and sets others in their place.

Elihu points out that God is sovereign and does not require counsel or permission. This is the right message to the wrong man and with the wrong motives.

Argument #6: God deals with sin.

Job 34:25-26
Thus, knowing their works, he overturns them in the night, and they are crushed. ²⁶ He strikes them for their wickedness in a place for all to see.

Elihu says that God overturns evil and publicly dispenses the consequences.

Argument #7: God provides righteous judgment.

Job 34:28-30
So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him, and he heard the cry of the afflicted— ²⁹ When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?— ³⁰ that a godless man should not reign, that he should not ensnare the people.

Elihu explains that God will not allow evil to continue to “ensnare the people.” A day will come when he will remove all evil and its influence from the world.

Argument #8: God cannot be bribed.

Job 34:33
Will he then make repayment to suit you, because you reject it?

God cannot be bribed or corrupted like many who find themselves in places of power.

Elihu shares valid points about God’s justice and provides mostly sound theology. Job is beginning to calm down, and his conversation with God is about to commence.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 34. What does Elihu teach you about God’s justice in this chapter?

Talking to God
Thank God for his justice. When Jesus returns one day, we will all experience that perfect justice.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.

[1] A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (HarperOne, 1961), 87.