In Chapter 36:1-4, Elihu claimed to speak on God’s behalf. He said his knowledge is from God, so what he said is true, not false. As God created us in His image, all knowledge comes from Him. But sin can affect and distort this knowledge. Therefore, we must be humble even when we believe what we said is the truth from the Bible, for we may distort it.

Elihu made some assumptions in verses 5-12 about God’s dealings with man on earth, and the cause and effect of man’s obedience and disobedience. However, things are not always as straightforward as sin can disrupt them. Thus, we must be open to what God is doing and not insist that things must happen as we think they should.

In verses 13-16, he also made assumptions about the godless man and his end as he described the godless’ attitudes and behaviours. In verses 17-23, he said Job would share the same thoughts about the godless. He warned Job not to become like the godless lest God judge Him as God knows and sees everything. No one can tell Him what to do. In verses 24-33, Elihu ends the chapter by telling Job to remember God’s work and His greatness that men have been praising. Yet, we cannot fully know or understand Him or His greatness.

The godless indeed have bad attitudes and wicked behaviours, and God will judge them. God is powerful and great. He will do as He deems fit. He cannot be manipulated or told what to do. If we could command Him to do what we want, we would be gods. We would then not need God. But our God is great and powerful! We must praise and worship Him!

In Chapter 37:1-13, Elihu said that thinking and talking about God and His dealings made him fearful. For when God acts, every beast and man would run for cover. Nature will obey His command. The things God acts on, whether acts of love or discipline, He can do so as He is our sovereign Creator. We can never fully comprehend God’s actions, but He is to be feared and obeyed.

In verses 14-20, he told Job to listen to what he had said and stop trying to figure out what God is doing, His wondrous work. We cannot fully understand His actions or thoughts, as no one is like Him. No one can do the things that He has done. So, Elihu asked Job to teach him how to answer God. He said that no one wants to die or suffer. We are not divine like God, nor can we do what He has done. Our lives are in the sovereign hand of the Lord. Therefore, we are to submit and serve Him.

In verses 21-24, Elihu said that no one seeks after God, especially when things are going well for him. Even if God were to come in His splendour and glory, we would not notice. The God we believe, and worship is: The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power, justice and abundant righteousness, he will not violate. Thus, Elihu closed with this call: Therefore, men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.

Very few seek to know God. Even if they were seeking Him and finding Him, they still would not believe in Him. Are you seeking God? Do you want to know or believe in Him?

Prayer: As a deer pants after the water, my soul pants after you. Lord, let me thirst after you and seek you like a deer thirsting after water. Quench my thirst for you, O Lord, I pray.