Job 34:13

"Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice."

Key Reflection

In Job 34:13, Elihu asserts that God is just and cannot act wickedly; He will not pervert justice. For the ancient Israelites, this declaration would have been profoundly significant, reinforcing their belief in a just and righteous sovereign who maintains order in both nature and human affairs. The original audience would have understood these words as a powerful affirmation of divine sovereignty and moral integrity, providing comfort that even amidst suffering, one could trust God's unwavering justice.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Who hath given him a charge over the earth? -That is, he is the great original Proprietor and Ruler of all. He has derived his authority to govern from no one; he is under subjection to no one, and he has, therefore, an absolute right to do his own pleasure. Reigning then with absolute and original authority, no one has a right to call in question the equity of what he does. The argument of Elihu here, that God would do right, is derived solely from his independence. If he were a subordinate governor, he would feel less interest in the correct administration of affairs, and might be tempted to commit injuries to gratify the feelings of his superior.

More from Job 34

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