Job 34:1-14 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

Elihu summons the wise men who hear him to seek a right decision. Job has accused God of injustice, when he is innocent. But in reality Job is the worst of scorners, for he denies the profit of religion.

Job 34:3 is quoted from Job 12:11. With Job 34:7 f., cf. Psalms 1:1.

Job 34:10-15. God will not do wickedly, but will render to each man retribution. He is no deputy of some higher power (Job 34:13), but the Sovereign Lord of man's breath; when He withdraws it, man returns to dust.

In Job 34:13 b - Job 34:14 read, Who setteth his heart on the whole world. If he cause his spirit to return to him and gather in to him his breath (Duhm, transferring his heart from Job 34:14 to Job 34:13 b). The meaning of Job 34:13 b then is that God can see all that takes place in the whole world, nothing escapes His notice. With Job 34:14; cf. Job 33:4; Psalms 104:29 f., Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Related Commentaries of Job 34:1

Job 34:1-14

1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

2 Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

3 For the ear trieth words, as the moutha tasteth meat.

4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.

5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.

6 Should I lie against my right? my woundb is incurable without transgression.

7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?

8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.

9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye menc of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?

14 If he set his heart upon man, if he gatherd unto himself his spirit and his breath;