lihu speaks of man's conduct. (1-8) Why those who cry out
under afflictions are not regarded. (9-13) Elihu reproves Job's
impatience. (14-26)
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 14-26: 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 words without
knowledge. Let us be admonished, in our afflictions, not so much
to set forth the greatness of our suffering, as the greatness of
the mercy of God.
lihu speaks of man's conduct. (1-8) Why those who cry out
under afflictions are not regarded. (9-13) Elihu reproves Job's
impatience. (14-26)