Job 36:22

"Take heed, don’t regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction."

Key Reflection

In Job 36:22, the prophet Eliphaz urges his friend Job to be cautious and not dwell on sin or iniquity. This advice stems from a deeper understanding that Job's suffering is not due to his own wrongdoings but rather because of the afflictions chosen by God for him. The cultural context here reflects the ancient belief that one’s suffering could sometimes be a means of divine discipline, even if it may seem unjust or harsh. By focusing on this perspective, Eliphaz encourages Job to trust in God's sovereignty and purpose behind his trials, rather than blaming himself for them.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Behold, God exalteth by his power -The object of Elihu is now to direct the attention of Job to God, and to show him that he has evinced such power and wisdom in his works, that we ought not to presume to arraign him, but should bow with submission to his will. He remarks, therefore, that God “exalts,” or rather that God is “exalted,” or “exalts himself” (ישׂגיבyaśagiyb) by his power. In the exhibition of his power, he thus shows that he is great, and that people ought to be submissive to him. In support of this, he appeals, in the remainder of his discourse, to the “works” of God as furnishing extraordinary proofs of power, and full demonstration that God is exalted far above man.

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