Was one of Job’s biggest problems accusing God of injustice? Let’s look at Job 34.
How does Elihu summarize his understanding of Job’s claim to innocence?
Elihu continued: Hear my words, wise ones; knowledgeable ones, listen to me, for the ear tests words like the palate tastes food. Let’s choose for us what’s right; let’s determine among ourselves what’s good; for Job has said, “I’m innocent; God has denied my just cause; because of my cause I’m thought a liar; my wound from an arrow is incurable, even though I didn’t rebel.” (Job 34:1-6 CEB)
Why does Elihu accuse Job of being shameless in his attitude towards God?
But to tell the truth, Job is shameless! He spends his time with sinners, because he has said, “It doesn't pay to please God.” (Job 34:7-9 CEV)
Does Elihu charge Job that God does not do wickedly nor pervert justice?
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. For according to the work of a man he will repay him, and according to his ways he will make it befall him. Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice. Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world? If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. (Job 34:10-15 ESV)
Does God show any kind of partiality to rich or poor?
If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I have to say. Could one who hates justice govern the world? Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One, who says to a king, “Worthless man!” and to nobles, “Wicked men!”? God is not partial to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands. They die suddenly in the middle of the night; people shudder, then pass away. Even the mighty are removed without effort. (Job 34:16-20 HCSB)
Is God always aware of our actions on earth, that he does not need to investigate before judgment?
Yes, Job, his eyes constantly watch the behavior of human beings; he carefully observes their every step. There’s no such thing as darkness to him— not even deep darkness— that can conceal those who practice evil. He won’t examine mankind further, that they would go before God to judgment. He shatters valiant men without a need to investigate, and he raises others in their place. Thus he acknowledges their behavior, and overcomes them; when night time comes, they are crushed. (Job 34:21-25 ISV)
Does God punish the wicked immediately in this life in plain sight of all or wait?
He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared. (Job 34:26-30 KJV)
Did Elihu hit upon a key issue, in that Job has accused God?
For has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne chastisement; I will not work destructively anymore; Instruct me what I do not behold; If I have done injustice, I will not do it again’? Shall He repay on your terms, because you have rejected it? For you must choose, and not I; Therefore say what you know. Men with a heart of wisdom will say to me, And a wise man who hears me, ‘Job speaks without knowledge, And his words are without insight. Job ought to be tested to the limit Because he answers like wicked men. For he adds transgression to his sin; He strikes his hands together among us, And multiplies his words against God.’” (Job 34:31-37 LSB)
Was Elihu at least partially right in that God shows no partiality to rich or poor?
For there is no partiality with God. (Rom 2:11 NASB)
Was one of Job’s biggest problems accusing God of injustice? You decide!
