and further, that in His anger He has not punished or taken much notice of folly! and further, that in His angerThis phrase suggests a continuation of thought, indicating that the speaker, Elihu, is building upon previous arguments. In the context of the Book of Job, Elihu is addressing Job's complaints about God's justice. The concept of God's anger is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with divine judgment and righteousness (e.g., Psalm 7:11). God's anger is not like human anger; it is a response to sin and injustice, reflecting His holiness and justice. He has not punished or taken much notice of folly! Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the justice of God. 2. Elihu A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He attempts to offer a different perspective on Job's suffering, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty. 3. God The Almighty, whose justice and ways are being questioned and discussed throughout the Book of Job. Elihu speaks about God's character and actions in this passage. 4. Folly Refers to human foolishness or sin. Elihu suggests that God has not immediately punished folly, which is a point of contention in understanding divine justice. 5. The Book of Job A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God. Teaching Points Understanding Divine PatienceGod's delay in punishment is not a sign of indifference but of His patience and mercy. Believers should recognize and appreciate God's longsuffering nature. Human Folly and Accountability While God may delay punishment, folly and sin are still serious matters. Christians are called to live wisely and avoid complacency in their spiritual walk. Trusting in God's Justice Even when justice seems delayed, believers can trust that God is ultimately just and will address all wrongs in His perfect timing. Reflecting on Personal Conduct This passage encourages self-examination. Are there areas in our lives where we are taking God's patience for granted? Encouragement in Suffering For those enduring trials, this verse reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect, even when we don't understand it. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elihu's perspective on God's delay in punishment challenge or affirm your understanding of divine justice?2. In what ways can we see God's patience in our own lives, and how should that influence our behavior? 3. How do other scriptures, like Psalm 103:8-10 and 2 Peter 3:9, help us understand the nature of God's patience and justice? 4. What practical steps can we take to avoid complacency in our spiritual lives, knowing that God is patient with our folly? 5. How can we find comfort in God's perfect timing and justice when we face personal suffering or witness injustice in the world? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 103:8-10This passage speaks of God's mercy and slowness to anger, similar to Elihu's assertion that God has not punished in His anger. Ecclesiastes 8:11 Discusses the delay of justice and how it affects human behavior, paralleling the idea that God has not immediately punished folly. 2 Peter 3:9 Highlights God's patience and desire for repentance, which aligns with the notion that God has not taken immediate action against folly.
People Elihu, JobPlaces UzTopics Acknowledged, Anger, Appointed, Arrogance, Arrogancy, Extremity, Full, Greatly, Heed, Job, Knoweth, Least, Notice, Nought, Punish, Punished, Punishes, Regard, Transgression, Visited, Wickedness, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Job 35:13Library Questions which Ought to be AskedELIHU PERCEIVED the great ones of the earth oppressing the needy, and he traced their domineering tyranny to their forgetfulness of God: "None saith, Where is God my Maker?" Surely, had they thought of God they could not have acted so unjustly. Worse still, if I understand Elihu aright, he complained that even among the oppressed there was the same departure in heart from the Lord: they cried out by reason of the arm of the mighty, but unhappily they did not cry unto God their Maker, though he waits … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Songs in the Night Spurgeon -- Songs in the Night 'Why Should I?' The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its Design The New Song Whether the Motive of Anger is Always Something done against the one who is Angry? Whether a Man May Merit Anything from God? Whether Beneficence is an Act of Charity? Whether a Human Action is Meritorious or Demeritorious Before God, According as it is Good or Evil? Whether Sin is Aggravated by Reason of Its Causing More Harm? An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and Exhorted to the Exercise of Habitual Love to Him, and Joy in Him. Whether a Man Can Merit Anything from God Whether it is Necessary for the Salvation of All, that they Should Believe Explicitly in the Mystery of Christ? "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. " Job Links Job 35:15 NIVJob 35:15 NLT Job 35:15 ESV Job 35:15 NASB Job 35:15 KJV Job 35:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |