Antiguo Testamento

Job — Capítulo 36

(Job 36:1-33) Elihu maintains that afflictions are to the godly disciplinary, in order to lead them to attain a higher moral worth, and that the reason for their continuance is not, as the friends asserted, on account…

Versión

Texto — Reina-Valera 1960

1Añadió Eliú y dijo:

2Espérame un poco, y te enseñaré; Porque todavía tengo razones en defensa de Dios.

3Tomaré mi saber desde lejos, Y atribuiré justicia a mi Hacedor.

4Porque de cierto no son mentira mis palabras; Contigo está el que es íntegro en sus conceptos.

5He aquí que Dios es grande, pero no desestima a nadie; Es poderoso en fuerza de sabiduría.

6No otorgará vida al impío, Pero a los afligidos dará su derecho.

7No apartará de los justos sus ojos; Antes bien con los reyes los pondrá en trono para siempre, Y serán exaltados.

8Y si estuvieren prendidos en grillos, Y aprisionados en las cuerdas de aflicción,

9Él les dará a conocer la obra de ellos, Y que prevalecieron sus rebeliones.

10Despierta además el oído de ellos para la corrección, Y les dice que se conviertan de la iniquidad.

11Si oyeren, y le sirvieren, Acabarán sus días en bienestar, Y sus años en dicha.

12Pero si no oyeren, serán pasados a espada, Y perecerán sin sabiduría.

13Mas los hipócritas de corazón atesoran para sí la ira, Y no clamarán cuando él los atare.

14Fallecerá el alma de ellos en su juventud, Y su vida entre los sodomitas.

15Al pobre librará de su pobreza, Y en la aflicción despertará su oído.

16Asimismo te apartará de la boca de la angustia A lugar espacioso, libre de todo apuro, Y te preparará mesa llena de grosura.

17Mas tú has llenado el juicio del impío, En vez de sustentar el juicio y la justicia.

18Por lo cual teme, no sea que en su ira te quite con golpe, El cual no puedas apartar de ti con gran rescate.

19¿Hará él estima de tus riquezas, del oro, O de todas las fuerzas del poder?

20No anheles la noche, En que los pueblos desaparecen de su lugar.

21Guárdate, no te vuelvas a la iniquidad; Pues esta escogiste más bien que la aflicción.

22He aquí que Dios es excelso en su poder; ¿Qué enseñador semejante a él?

23¿Quién le ha prescrito su camino? ¿Y quién le dirá: Has hecho mal?

24Acuérdate de engrandecer su obra, La cual contemplan los hombres.

25Los hombres todos la ven; La mira el hombre de lejos.

26He aquí, Dios es grande, y nosotros no le conocemos, Ni se puede seguir la huella de sus años.

27Él atrae las gotas de las aguas, Al transformarse el vapor en lluvia,

28La cual destilan las nubes, Goteando en abundancia sobre los hombres.

29¿Quién podrá comprender la extensión de las nubes, Y el sonido estrepitoso de su morada?

30He aquí que sobre él extiende su luz, Y cobija con ella las profundidades del mar.

31Bien que por esos medios castiga a los pueblos, A la multitud él da sustento.

32Con las nubes encubre la luz, Y le manda no brillar, interponiendo aquellas.

33El trueno declara su indignación, Y la tempestad proclama su ira contra la iniquidad.

JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY

Versículo 3

I. from afar--not trite commonplaces, but drawn from God's mighty works.

from afar--not trite commonplaces, but drawn from God's mighty works. ascribe righteousness--whereas Job ascribed unrighteousness (Job 34:10, Job 34:12). A man, in enquiring into God's ways, should at the outset presume they are all just, be willing to find them so, and expect that the result of investigation will prove them to be so; such a one will never be disappointed [BARNES].

Versículo 4

II. I will not "speak wickedly for God," as the friends (Job 13:4, Job 13:7-8) --that is, vindicate G…

I will not "speak wickedly for God," as the friends (Job 13:4, Job 13:7-8) --that is, vindicate God by unsound arguments. he that is perfect, &c.--Rather, as the parallelism requires, "a man of integrity in sentiments is with thee" (is he with whom thou hast to do). Elihu means himself, as opposed to the dishonest reasonings of the friends (Job 21:34).

Versículo 5

III. Rather, "strength of understanding" (heart) the force of the repetition of "mighty"; as "mighty" …

Rather, "strength of understanding" (heart) the force of the repetition of "mighty"; as "mighty" as God is, none is too low to be "despised" by Him; for His "might" lies especially in "His strength of understanding," whereby He searches out the most minute things, so as to give to each his right. Elihu confirms his exhortation (Job 35:14).

Versículo 6

IV. right . . . poor--He espouses the cause of the afflicted.

right . . . poor--He espouses the cause of the afflicted.

Versículo 7

V. (Pe1 3:12). God does not forsake the godly, as Job implied, but "establishes," or makes them sit …

(Pe1 3:12). God does not forsake the godly, as Job implied, but "establishes," or makes them sit on the throne as kings (Sa1 2:8; Psa 113:7-8). True of believers in the highest sense, already in part (Pe1 2:9; Rev 1:6); hereafter fully (Rev 5:10; Job 22:5). and they are--that they may be.

Versículo 8

VI. If they be afflicted, it is no proof that they are hypocrites, as the friends maintain, or that G…

If they be afflicted, it is no proof that they are hypocrites, as the friends maintain, or that God disregards them, and is indifferent whether men are good or bad, as Job asserts: God is thereby "disciplining them," and "showing them their sins," and if they bow in a right spirit under God's visiting hand, the greatest blessings ensue.

Versículo 9

VII. work--transgression.

work--transgression. that . . . exceeded--"In that they behaved themselves mightily" (literally, "great"); that is, presumptuously, or, at least, self-confidently.

Versículo 10

VIII. (Job 33:16-18, Job 33:23).

(Job 33:16-18, Job 33:23).

Versículo 11

IX. serve--that is, worship; as in Isa 19:23. God is to be supplied (compare Isa 1:19-20).

serve--that is, worship; as in Isa 19:23. God is to be supplied (compare Isa 1:19-20).

Versículo 12

X. (Job 33:18).

(Job 33:18). without knowledge--that is, on account of their foolishness (Job 4:20-21).

Versículo 13

XI. Same sentiment as Job 36:11-12, expanded.

Same sentiment as Job 36:11-12, expanded. hypocrites--or, the ungodly [MAURER]; but "hypocrites" is perhaps a distinct class from the openly wicked (Job 36:12). heap up wrath--of God against themselves (Rom 2:5). UMBREIT translates, "nourish their wrath against God," instead of "crying" unto Him. This suits well the parallelism and the Hebrew. But the English Version gives a good parallelism, "hypocrites" answering to "cry not" (Job 27:8, Job 27:10); "heap up wrath" against themselves, to "He bindeth them" with fetters of affliction (Job 36:8).

Versículo 14

XII. Rather (Deu 23:17), Their life is (ended) as that of (literally, "among") the unclean, prematurel…

Rather (Deu 23:17), Their life is (ended) as that of (literally, "among") the unclean, prematurely and dishonorably. So the second clause answers to the first. A warning that Job make not common cause with the wicked (Job 34:36).

Versículo 15

XIII. poor--the afflicted pious.

poor--the afflicted pious. openeth . . . ears-- (Job 36:10); so as to be admonished in their straits ("oppression") to seek God penitently, and so be "delivered" (Job 33:16-17, Job 33:23-27).

Versículo 16

XIV. Rather, "He will lead forth thee also out of the jaws of a strait" (Psa 18:19; Psa 118:5).

Rather, "He will lead forth thee also out of the jaws of a strait" (Psa 18:19; Psa 118:5). broad place--expresses the liberty, and the well-supplied "table" the abundance of the prosperous (Psa 23:5; Isa 25:6).

Versículo 17

XV. Rather, "But if thou art fulfilled (that is, entirely filled) with the judgment of the wicked (th…

Rather, "But if thou art fulfilled (that is, entirely filled) with the judgment of the wicked (that is, the guilt incurring judgment" [MAURER]; or rather, as UMBREIT, referring to Job 34:5-7, Job 34:36, the judgment pronounced on God by the guilty in misfortunes), judgment (God's judgment on the wicked, Jer 51:9, playing on the double meaning of "judgment") and justice shall closely follow each other [UMBREIT].

Versículo 18

16. (Num 16:45; Psa 49:6-7; Mat 16:26). Even the "ransom" by Jesus Christ (Job 33:24) will be of no a…

(Num 16:45; Psa 49:6-7; Mat 16:26). Even the "ransom" by Jesus Christ (Job 33:24) will be of no avail to wilful despisers (Heb 10:26-29). with his stroke-- (Job 34:26). UMBREIT translates, "Beware lest the wrath of God (thy severe calamity) lead thee to scorn" (Job 34:7; Job 27:23). This accords better with the verb in the parallel clause, which ought to be translated, "Let not the great ransom (of money, which thou canst give) seduce thee (Margin, turn thee aside, as if thou couldst deliver thyself from "wrath" by it). As the "scorn" in the first clause answers to the "judgment of the wicked" (Job 36:17), so "ransom" ("seduce") to "will he esteem riches" (Job 36:19). Thus, Job 36:18 is the transition between Job 36:17 and Job 36:19.

Versículo 19

17. forces of strength--that is, resources of wealth (Psa 49:7; Pro 11:4).

forces of strength--that is, resources of wealth (Psa 49:7; Pro 11:4).

Versículo 20

18. Desire--pant for. Job had wished for death (Job 3:3-9, &c.).

Desire--pant for. Job had wished for death (Job 3:3-9, &c.). night-- (Joh 9:4). when--rather, "whereby." cut off--literally, "ascend," as the corn cut and lifted upon the wagon or stack (Job 36:26); so "cut off," "disappear." in their place--literally, "under themselves"; so, without moving from their place, on the spot, suddenly (Job 40:12) [MAURER]. UMBREIT'S translation: "To ascend (which is really, as thou wilt find to thy cost, to descend) to the people below" (literally, "under themselves"), answers better to the parallelism and the Hebrew. Thou pantest for death as desirable, but it is a "night" or region of darkness; thy fancied ascent (amelioration) will prove a descent (deterioration) (Job 10:22); therefore desire it not.

Versículo 21

19. regard--literally, "turn thyself to."

regard--literally, "turn thyself to." iniquity--namely, presumptuous speaking against God (Job 34:5, and above, see on Job 36:17-18). rather than--to bear "affliction" with pious patience. Men think it an alleviation to complain against God, but this is adding sin to sorrow; it is sin, not sorrow, which can really hurt us (contrast Heb 11:25).

Versículo 22

20. God is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be praised for His might, shown in His works.

God is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be praised for His might, shown in His works. exalteth--rather, doeth lofty things, shows His exalted power [UMBREIT] (Psa 21:13). teacheth-- (Psa 94:12, &c.). The connection is, returning to Job 36:5, God's "might" is shown in His "wisdom"; He alone can teach; yet, because He, as a sovereign, explains not all His dealings, forsooth Job must presume to teach Him (Isa 40:13-14; Rom 11:34; Co1 2:16). So the transition to Job 36:23 is natural. UMBREIT with the Septuagint translates, "Who is Lord," wrongly, as this meaning belongs to later Hebrew.

Versículo 23

21. Job dared to prescribe to God what He should do (Job 34:10, Job 34:13).

Job dared to prescribe to God what He should do (Job 34:10, Job 34:13).

Versículo 24

22. Instead of arraigning, let it be thy fixed principle to magnify God in His works (Psa 111:2-8; Re…

Instead of arraigning, let it be thy fixed principle to magnify God in His works (Psa 111:2-8; Rev 15:3); these, which all may "see," may convince us that what we do not see is altogether wise and good (Rom 1:20). behold--As "see" (Job 36:25), shows; not, as MAURER, "sing," laud (see on Job 33:27).

Versículo 25

23. See--namely, with wondering admiration [MAURER].

See--namely, with wondering admiration [MAURER]. man may behold--rather, "(yet) mortals (a different Hebrew word from 'man') behold it (only) from afar off," see but a small "part" (Job 26:14).

Versículo 26

24. (Job 37:13). God's greatness in heaven and earth: a reason why Job should bow under His afflictin…

(Job 37:13). God's greatness in heaven and earth: a reason why Job should bow under His afflicting hand. know him not--only in part (Job 36:25; Co1 13:12). his years-- (Psa 90:2; Psa 102:24, Psa 102:27); applied to Jesus Christ (Heb 1:12).

Versículo 27

25. The marvellous formation of rain (so Job 5:9-10).

The marvellous formation of rain (so Job 5:9-10). maketh small--Rather, "He draweth (up) to Him, He attracts (from the earth below) the drops of water; they (the drops of water) pour down rain, (which is) His vapor." "Vapor" is in apposition with "rain," marking the way in which rain is formed; namely, from the vapor drawn up by God into the air and then condensed into drops, which fall (Psa 147:8). The suspension of such a mass of water, and its descent not in a deluge, but in drops of vapory rain, are the marvel. The selection of this particular illustration of God's greatness forms a fit prelude to the storm in which God appears (Job 40:1).

Versículo 28

26. abundantly--literally, "upon many men."

abundantly--literally, "upon many men."

Versículo 29

27. (Job 37:5). God's marvels in thunder and lightnings.

(Job 37:5). God's marvels in thunder and lightnings. spreadings, &c.--the canopy of thick clouds, which covers the heavens in a storm (Psa 105:39). the noise--"crashing"; namely, thunder. of his tabernacle--God being poetically said to have His pavilion amid dark clouds (Psa 18:11; Isa 40:22).

Versículo 30

28. light--lightning.

light--lightning. it--His tabernacle (Job 36:29). The light, in an instant spread over the vast mass of dark clouds, forms a striking picture. spread--is repeated from Job 36:29 to form an antithesis. "He spreads not only clouds, but light." covereth the bottom--roots. of the sea--namely, with the light. In the storm the depths of ocean are laid bare; and the light "covers" them, at the same moment that it "spreads" across the dark sky. So in Psa 18:14-15, the discovering of "the channels of waters" follows the "lightnings." UMBREIT translates: "He spreadeth His light upon Himself, and covereth Himself with the roots of the sea" (Psa 104:2). God's garment is woven of celestial light and of the watery depths, raised to the sky to form His cloudy canopy. The phrase, "cover Himself with the roots of the sea," is harsh; but the image is grand.

Versículo 31

29. These (rain and lightnings) are marvellous and not to be understood (Job 36:29), yet necessary. "…

These (rain and lightnings) are marvellous and not to be understood (Job 36:29), yet necessary. "For by them He judgeth (chastiseth on the one hand), &c. (and on the other, by them) He giveth meat" (food), &c. (Job 37:13; Job 38:23, Job 38:27; Act 14:17).

Versículo 32

30. Rather, "He covereth (both) His hands with light (lightning, Job 37:3, Margin), and giveth it a c…

Rather, "He covereth (both) His hands with light (lightning, Job 37:3, Margin), and giveth it a command against his adversary" (literally, the one "assailing" Him, Psa 8:2; Psa 139:20; Job 21:19). Thus, as in Job 36:31, the twofold effects of His waters are set forth, so here, of His light; in the one hand, destructive lightning against the wicked; in the other, the genial light for good to His friends, &c. (Job 36:33) [UMBREIT].

Versículo 33

31. noise--rather, He revealeth it (literally, "announceth concerning it") to His friend (antithesis …

noise--rather, He revealeth it (literally, "announceth concerning it") to His friend (antithesis to adversary, Job 36:32, so the Hebrew is translated, Job 2:11); also to cattle and plants (literally, "that which shooteth up"; Gen 40:10; Gen 41:22). As the genial effect of "water" in the growth of food, is mentioned, Job 36:31, so here that of "light" in cherishing cattle and plants [UMBREIT]. If English Version, "noise" be retained, translate, "His noise (thunder) announces concerning Him (His coming in the tempest), the cattle (to announce) concerning Him when He is in the act of rising up" (in the storm). Some animals give various intimations that they are sensible of the approach of a storm [VIRGIL, Georgics, I.373, &c.]. Next: Job Chapter 37

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