Job 38:25 says, Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;  God is asking Job what are basically rhetorical questions.  If Job was going to question God, then Job would have needed to be the one who did these things.  Like Job, we cannot take credit for any part of creation and therefore have no right to question God.  Verse twenty-six continues, To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;  Throughout the remainder of the chapter, God continues to ask Job if he could sustain the workings of the world.  Job had been very vocal in his complaint against God, so God was clearly reminding Job that he was not the one to set the world in order.  God does not need people to make it rain.  Rain falls in the wilderness where there are no people.  Verse twenty seven says, To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?  God asks if Job can cause rain to fall so that the tender plants will spring up.  God controls both the rain and the plant.  Verse twenty-eight asks, Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?  Then verse twenty-nine continues, Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?  We watch the weather forecast today, where people use all their scientific methods to tell us what the weather is going to do, but even if the forecast is correct, we cannot take credit for the rain or the temperature.  Verse thirty says, The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.  God continues to remind Job that He, and not Job or anyone else, is in control of the weather.  Verse thirty-one asks, Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?  In verse thirty-two God continues, Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?  God asked if Job if he could take credit for not only there order of the earth, but of the universe as well.  Verse thirty three asks, Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?   Scientists today may feel that they know how the universe works, yet they continue to find things that are new to them, though they are well known to God.  Verse thirty-four asks, Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?  Then verse thirty-five continues, Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?  It would be wonderful if we could control the weather.  Crops would never fail and we could put our wildfires, for example.  Though we cannot do this, we should be content to put our faith in God no matter what happens.  In verse thirty-six God asks, Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?  Then continuing in verse thirty-seven, Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,  I believe that God was reminding Job that what wisdom and understanding he had of the world came from God.  We will never be wise enough to explain all the ways of the universe, but we can know the God Who created and sustains it all.  Verse thirty-eight asks, When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?   Again, this was just a question of controlling the rain.  Verse thirty-nine asks, Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,  Verse forty continues, When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?  When verse forty-one concludes, Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.  People may have the ability to destroy the animals, and to a certain extent we may be able to sustain a species, but it is God Who sustains them on a daily basis.  Imagine if we had to provide food for all the animals and birds.  We need only thank and praise the God Who does.

Job 38:16 says, Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?  God continues to ask Job if he thought he had the power and ability that God did.  I believe that if we are going to question God's right to act in the world that we need to know more and be more powerful than He is.  Otherwise, we need to accept that as God's followers He will never bring harm to us.  This is what God was addressing with Job.  Verse seventeen asks, Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?  Only God has power over death.  As followers of Christ, we may know that we have everlasting life, but we certainly do not understand everything that happens between our death and resurrection.  God alone can bring resurrection to anyone.  Job should have been content knowing this instead of questioning God, and so should we.  Verse eighteen asks, Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.  In Job's day, they certainly did not know the breadth of the earth.  Today, with satellites we may say that we can answer that question, but we cannot claim to know everything there is to know about the earth.  We can never understood all the ways that the world works, much less the universe.  We can never go anywhere that God isn't already there.   Verse nineteen asks, Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,  Though we may understand that the day is going to be light and the night is going to be dark, where do the light and darkness come from?  We can answer that the light comes from the sun and the light at night from the moon, but where did they come from and what causes them to be separated in such a precise manner?  I believe that God was reminding Job that he knew that God alone had this power, and that therefore Job had no right to question or doubt God.  Neither do we today.  Verse twenty says, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?  God asked Job if he knew the boundaries of the heavens.  The universe has been hurtling through space since creation and has never reached an end.  We may speak of going to Mars, but that is but a tiny step in the vastness of the universe.  Verse twenty-one asks,  Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?  God continues to question Job about his ability to understand everything in creation.  God asked if Job was there at the beginning of time or if he had lived long enough to explain creation.  As followers of Christ, the first thing we must acknowledge iris our limited understanding.  Verse twenty-two asks, Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,  We may not view snow, or hail especially, to be a treasure, but we also can not control them.  Verse twenty-three states, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?  Then verse twenty-four asks, By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?  God does indeed have power over the elements, and does part the night and day.  If God were to choose to destroy the world, He has it within His ability to do so.  God was reminding Job of God's power and of Job's need to just rely on God no matter what.

Job 38:1 says, Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,  Job was wanting an answer from God, and his friends really hadn't provided it.  Now, God Himself was answering Job from out of a whirlwind.  Though God could have spoken quietly to Job, I believe that He spoke this way so that all those around Job would know that He was the One speaking.  Verse two asks, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?  I believe that God was speaking first to Job, and then to God Job's friends.  When we are suffering in life, who are we to question God or attempt to give Him council.  We need to continue to live by faith.  Verse three says, Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.  I believe that we today might say that God told Job to man up.  God said to Job that He would demand of him.  God has every right to place a demand of obedience and faithfulness on His followers, and also a right to expect us to answer Him.  Verse four asks, Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.  God asked Job where he was when God created the earth.  God challenged Job to tell Him how the world was made if he knew.  People today who do not believe in God have theories about the formation, because they would never use Creation, of the world, but we as followers of Christ can never question that God created everything from nothing.  Verse five asks, Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?  God asked Job if God did not design the world, and the universe as well, then who did.  Even those who propose a cosmic accident as having been the origin of the world have to start with the existence of something and cannot explain the order of the universe.  In verse six God asks, Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;  I believe that God was asking Job who keeps the world suspended in space if God doesn't.  Even if we attempt to explain this as the law of nature, where does that law come from. Verse seven says, When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?  God was still asking Job where he was when God hung the stars in heaven and the angels rejoiced.  If Job, or anyone, should question God's sovereignty, then we should know more and be more powerful than He is.  Verse eight asks, Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?  God was the One Who divided the land and the seas, and God asked Job if God didn't do this, who did.  All these questions point back to the glory of God.  Verse nine says, When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingb and forit,   What makes the earth different from any other planet is its atmosphere, and God asked where this came from if not from Him.  Then, verse ten states,  And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,  God says that He set boundaries on the seas.  Verse eleven says, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?  This is a continuation of God's declaration that He controls the seas and limits their expanse.  If we are to question God, then we should be able to explain the way the universe works without Him.  Verse twelve asks, Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;  God asked Job if he had created day and night.  Once more, we cannot explain nor control the universe, but God knows all its mysteries and sustains it all by His power.  Verse thirteen says, That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?  God could indeed shake all the wicked out of the world, but He chooses to give them a way to redemption instead.  Verse fourteen says, It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. When verse fifteen states, And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.  I believe that God was saying that the fate of the wicked who will not turn to Him in repentance is already sealed.  No matter how strong they may think they are, their high regard for themselves will be broken.

Job 37:14 says, Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.  Elihu once more asks Job to consider the wondrous works of God.  If we are feeling deserted by God today, one of the things we need to do is to consider the wondrous works of God, and I believe most importantly His wondrous work of salvation.  Nothing that happens in the world can take God's salvation from us.  Verse fifteen asks, Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?  Though Elihu was speaking to Job and those around him, the question is just as relevant to us today.  Like Job, we cannot claim to understand everything about how God works in the world.  Verse sixteen asks, Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?  Those forecasting the weather today have computer models of what the weather is going to do, and they are very often wrong.  Elihu reminded Job that God knew what was going to happen whether He was the direct cause or just allowed it to happen.  Verse seventeen then asks, How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?  I believe that Elihu was asking if he still believed that God was the One Who brought him comfort when it came.  If we reach the point of only blaming God for bad things that happen in life and forget the good, then we are not being good witnesses for Him.  Verse eighteen asks, Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?  I believe that these questions were asked to cause Job to do what Elihu had said, and that was to stop and consider.  We today, especially when things are going badly, need to stop and consider all that God has done for us. We need to be secure and content in God's love for us.  We can never be more powerful than God.  Verse nineteen says, Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. We often do not even know what to say to God, but as His followers, He will give us the words.  Darkness, or evil, gets between God and us, but when He forgives us, the barrier is removed.  Verse twenty says, Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.  Elihu said that what he had said was unworthy of being heard by God.  Elihu had done well in his speech about God, but he knew that he was unworthy.  Verse twenty-one says, And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.  Elihu said that the bright light, God Himself, that had been hidden was about to be revealed to them clearly.  I believe that when God speaks, or reveals Himself to people, that there can never be any doubt that He is the One at work.  Verse twenty-two says, Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.  Elihu was almost finished speaking, because he saw the coming majesty of God revealed.  All the clouds of confusion would be swept away. When we are suffering or in doubt, we need to listen for the clear word of God, waiting patiently in faith.  Verse twenty-three says, Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.  As Elihu told those listening to him, we cannot find out God on our own.  God reveals Himself to all people at some point in their life, but they can never find God from their own ability.  We find God only in faith as He reveals Himself to us.  In verse twenty-four Elihu concludes, Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.  Elihu finished by saying that people should fear, or live in awe of the Holy Majesty of God.  We have nothing to say, no matter how wise we are, that will ever add anything to Who God is.

Job 37:1 says, At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.  Elihu was speaking about the power of God.  Elihu said that God's power, and magnificence, made his made his heart tremble.  We need that same feeling of awe in the presence of God today.  I believe that at times we act as though God is somehow limited in the world today.  Because of all the evil around us we act as though God has become almost powerless.  Verse two says, Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.  Elihu was asking Job to not just hear the voice of God, but to listen with understanding.  It is not enough to acknowledge God's work in the world with an impersonal attitude.  We must hear God as He speaks to us individually through the Holy Spirit.  Only when we have that personal relationship can we begin to fully understand God.  Verse three states, He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.  Elihu said that God doesn't just appear to a select few, but He declares Himself so the whole world can see Him.  Verse four says, After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.  Though at times God may speak as a still, small voice, at others He shakes the earth with His voice. We need to remember that God, by His voice, spoke all things into existence.  If God is speaking to us today, no matter how He is doing it, we must listen and heed His voice. Verse five says, God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.  Elihu said that God is at work in ways that we cannot even comprehend.  Job felt deserted by God, but this was in no way true. We cannot allow events in life to cause us to question God.  Verse six says, For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.  Once more, Elihu was stating that God is in control of His world.  Nothing is ever going to take God by surprise, nor will anything ever overpower Him.  Whether the moisture of the heavens falls as rain or snow, God is still the One behind them.  Verse seven says, He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.  Elihu said that when weather conditions become too extreme, whether from rain or snow, people are sealed off from their work.  Verse eight states, Then the beasts go into dens, and remain inside their places.  Elihu said even the beasts, or the animals, were affected by this server weather.  The next four verses speak of God's control of the weather.   Verse nine says, Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.  Then verse ten, By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.  So far, Elihu says that God can control whirlwinds, cold winds, frost, and rain.  Verse eleven continues, Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:  Finally verse twelve concludes, And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.  I personally do not believe that every weather event is a result of God's direct action, just as Job's suffering was not a result of the direct action of God.  Still, God does indeed have it in His power to control every aspect of not only the weather, but the entire universe.  Verse thirteen says, He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.  Elihu said that God could use the weather for correcting people or simply for sustaining the earth.  Once more, we simply have to acknowledge that God is in control no matter what happens.

Today, we will look at some events that occurred shortly after the birth of Jesus.  Luke 2:15 says, And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  The shepherds were in agreement after the angels went back into heaven.  They said that they would go to Bethlehem and see this thing that had come to pass, which God had made known to them.  The angels had told them what had happened, but they wanted to see it for themselves.  We might have a multitude of angels proclaiming the truth about Christ to us today, but it would not bring us the promised salvation without seeing Jesus for ourselves, or having that personal encounter in other words.  The shepherds could have said that what they had seen was impressive and simply gone on their way, but instead they put going to see the truth about Jesus ahead of everything else.  We need to be the same way, putting Jesus first, especially at Christmas time.  Too often, Christ gets lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas.  Verse sixteen says, And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  We are not told exactly how far the shepherds had to travel, but are told that they came as quickly as they could.  No matter how far a person may be spiritually from God, once hearing the good news of Christ, he or she should make haste to come to Him.  God will call all people to Him, but it is up to each individual to respond to that call, and there is never a good reason to delay.  The shepherds could have said that the announcement of the birth of Jesus was interesting or even exciting, but that they were too busy with too many responsibilities to let it affect them very much, but they didn't.  They took action, and so should we when we encounter Christ.  Verse seventeen says,  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  When the shepherds found Jesus, the told everyone about what they had seen and heard.  When we meet Jesus in a personal relationship, we need to make known what we know about Him.  The shepherds did not just see Jesus and go away quietly.  They had good news to share, and so do we.  Usually, today the day after Christmas is a day to return to our normal lives, but we should be even more ready to share the gospel of Christ.  Verse eighteen says, And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  What the shepherds told those that they encountered got people to thinking about Christ.  What we as followers of Christ tell people today should at least get them to thinking about Christ.  Verse nineteen says, But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  I cannot imagine all the thoughts that were going through Mary's mind.  She had been told that she would give birth to the Messiah, and the shepherds confirmed that this was what had happened.  Though some would make Mary almost a god, she was but a young woman who had something miraculous happen in her life.  I believe that as she kept all these things in her heart that she most likely had many questions about her ability to be fulfill her calling.  If we are followers of Christ today, He has called us for a purpose, and we may at times question our ability to carry out our calling.  At these times, we need to keep our relationship to Christ at the center of our thoughts.  Verse twenty says, And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.  The shepherds returned to work, but they were changed.  They were glorifying and praising God for all they had seen.  The day after Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, we as His followers should glorify and praise God for what He did for the world when He sent Christ to live and die to redeem us.  Though we should do this every day, we should especially do so at Christmas time, so that Christ is not forgotten as we celebrate His birth. 

Today being the day we celebrate Christmas, the day of the birth of Jesus, we will leave Job for the day and look at that glorious event.  In Luke 2:1 we read, And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  We know that Mary and Joseph had already been told of the miraculous birth that was to occur, but we must also acknowledge that God was at work through those who did not even believe in Him.  Caesar Augustus declared that people would have to travel to their home of birth to be taxed.  Verse two states, (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  Luke was simply providing a reference to help set the time frame in which this occured.  The birth of Jesus was an actual event that occurred at an actual time, which was set by God.  Today there is a movement to stop using the terms B.C. and A.D., which are based on the birth of Christ, but no matter what people call it, the birth of Christ is indeed the dividing point in history.  Verse three states, And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  Even that first Christmas was a day of travel.  We know this not only by this verse, but also because there was no place left to stay as we know.  Verse four states, And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, since he was of the lineage of David, as was Mary.  Verse five states, To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. We may think that the census that happens every ten years is an inconvenience, but at least they come to us where we are.  Imagine having to travel by donkey, and having no choice about it, when expecting a baby at any moment.  They were not traveling for pleasure or to visit relatives, but were instead having to leave home at the worst possible time.  Verse six says, And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  The time came for Mary to deliver her first born child, Whose birth had been foretold to Mary and Joseph.  I cannot imagine all the thoughts that were going through their minds.  Verse seven says, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  Not only did Mary and Joseph have to travel at this time, but at the end of their travel, there was no room for them to stay expect in a stable. We might be questioning God by this point.  Having been told that the baby would be the Son of God, we might expect Him to be born in a palace, but God's ways are not our ways.  After the birth of Jesus, Mary wrapped in in swaddling clothes.  I know there is a trend today to remove the swaddling from the verse, but I still believe that we should leave it in.  I personally think it denotes Mary's gentle care for Jesus.  Verse eight says, And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  It was just an ordinary night for a group of shepherds.  I believe that for the most part that life was boring and lonely for shepherds.  Verse nine declares, And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  Their routine night changed.  An angel appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shined on them.  Then, it says that they were sore afraid, or terrified.  Their job was to protect the sheep, and I believe at that point they weren't even sure how to protect themselves.  Verse ten says, And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  The angel told them he brought them good news of great joy for all people. God does not leave us in terror if we are only willing to listen to Him.  The birth of Christ is good news for all who will accept Him.  Verse eleven says, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  This is what we should be celebrating on Christmas day.  A Savior was born, who is Christ the Lord.  We should feel that same sense of the glory of God as we celebrate today.  Verse twelve says, And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  The shepherds were told where to find this Baby and how to identify Him.  We today will be called to this same Christ as were the shepherds, and I believe that we will know Him when we encounter Him.  We may refuse to believe, but there will be no doubt about Who Christ is when we meet Him, even without the angels.  Verse thirteen says, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  The one angel became a host of angels.  Verse fourteen states, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  They declared the purpose of the coming of Christ.  Christ came to bring glory to God and peace and good will to people.  This should be the way all Christians feel.  We should glorify God because He sent His Son to be our Savior.  This should lead to an attitude of peace toward all people.

Job 36:16 says, Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.  When a person is not following God, they are travelling the broad way of life.  Nothing is off limits in their approach to life.  We know that as followers of Christ we are called to follow the narrow way, the way that is limited to following God's direction.  Verse seventeen states, But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.  Elihu said that Job attempting to justify himself by his own actions put him among the wicked.  Even if we are followers of Christ, we are still capable of following our own will instead of God's will.  When we do, we can expect God to call us back to repentance.  Verse eighteen says, Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.  Elihu said that there was no earthly way to escape the wrath of God when He came in judgment.  No amount of money, or material wealth, can deliver us from God's judgment.  This thought is continued in verse nineteen, which says, Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.  Our riches cannot buy our ransom, but the free gift that Christ gave on the cross can and does to those who accept Him.  Verse twenty says, Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.  Verse twenty-one says, Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.  Elihu was asking Job to not fall into iniquity by holding his righteous to be above God's righteousness.  By saying that God was treating him unjustly, this is what Job was doing.  We can never accuse God of being unfair without being guilty of sin.  If we do accuse God of this, we are saying that we are more just in our relationship to God than He is in His relationship to us.  Verse twenty-two says, Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?  Elihu said that God teaches us from His exalted position.  There is no one who is capable of teaching God.  God does not leave us to discover the truth about Him on our own, but He reveals Himself to us.  Verse twenty-three asks, Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?  I believe that Elihu was asking Job why he thought he could accuse God of treating him unfairly.  If this were true, then God would indeed be guilty of iniquity.  Verse twenty-four says,  Remember that thou magnify his work, which men beheld.  If we are followers of Christ, we must acknowledge that our very existence is a testimony to God.  He created and sustains us.  Verse twenty-five says, Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.  The glory of God Is not hidden.  Everyone can see the power and magnificence of God simply by looking at His creation.  No matter how much people may claim that the universe is a cosmic accident, they have to acknowledge that everything is held in place by something.  We know that it is held together by God's power, if we are His followers.  In verse twenty-six Elihu declares, Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.  God is and always was.  We cannot point to a time or place when God came into existence, as some would do.  He was not born from other gods, but simply has always existed.  Verse twenty-seven says, For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:  Then verse twenty-continues, Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.  I believe that Elihu was simply stating that God is the ultimate authority of even the elements.  When the rain falls to refresh and renew the earth, we need to acknowledge it as the work of God.  I personally do not believe that all natural disasters are the direct action of God, but are a result of people's sin causing the perfection of God's creation to be thrown out of balance.  The next five verses continue to point out God's superiority to humanity.  Verse twenty-nine asks, Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?  Then verse thirty answers, Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.  All of creation is God's.  He created the heavens and the earth, and night and day, and He has never deserted it.  Verse thirty-one says, For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.  Then verse thirty-two states, With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.  We know that during their wilderness wanderings that God appeared to His people as a cloud by day.  This was not just a fortunate coincidence, but the work of God.  Verse thirty-three says, The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.  I believe that Elihu was saying that even the cattle could see God's work in the rain.  How much more should Job have been able to see this, as we as His followers should also be able to today.

Job 36:1 says, Elihu also proceeded, and said,  Elihu still had more to say to Job and those around him.  We need to share the entire truth of God with those around us, and not just quit at condemning them.  Verse two says, Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.  Elihu asked Job to listen awhile longer because he had yet to speak everything that God had for him to say.  We cannot be satisfied with partial truths about God, but must be willing to listen to Him continually.  Verse three says, I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.  Elihu said that he was speaking on behalf of God and therefore his knowledge came from afar.  If what we say, especially in the name of God, does not come from God, then we need to simply remain quite.  We cannot proclaim faith in God and blame Him for our suffering at the same time.  Verse four states, For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.  Elihu said that what he was saying would not be proven to be false, and that God was with Job.  God has a perfect knowledge and will always be with His people, even if we do not feel as though He is.  In verse five, Elihu declares, Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.  This needs to be our declaration as well.  God does not despise any.  God's strength and wisdom are far superior to anything man may devise so that we can be sure that He will always be with those that are His.  Verse six says, He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.  If the wicked do prosper and live long lives it is not because God has done these things directly.  God may allow them to live long, successful lives, but there is coming a day of judgment.  Also, no matter how poor a person may be, they have a right to come to God for forgiveness and deliverance.  Verse seven says, He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.  I believe that Elihu was saying that not all leaders are evil.  When the righteous person rules, their rule deals with more than the here and now.  Their rule is founded on the principles of God.  Verse eight says, And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;  Then in verse nine, Then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.  I believe that Elihu said that even with righteous rulers God would make them aware of their sins.  It is easy to let power corrupt, but those who follow God will be made aware when they allow this to start happening.  God will chastise His people if they fail to follow His will, even the righteous rulers.  Verse ten says, He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.  I believe that Elihu was saying that those who follow God will always be open to hearing Him, even if they are being chastised.  Job should have been listening for God to speak to him, but was instead accusing God of being unfair.  Verse eleven says, If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.  We could interpret this to mean that following God results in material blessings, but I believe that it means that we will be content in life as we follow God's will.  Verse twelve says, But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. Those who do not follow God will die without knowledge of salvation, which will be a terrible death.  Verse thirteen says, But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.  Hypocrites will not listen to God while claiming to follow Him.  Even if they are chastised by God, they still refuse to obey Him. Verse fourteen says, They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.  We know that many times sinful actions result in an early death, but even if I it does not, those who do live long lives do so among the unclean.  I believe that this means being spiritual unclean.  Verse fifteen says, He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.  I do not believe that Elihu was saying that being poor and oppressed was a sure sign of being in God's will.  A person can be poor and still not follow God, but God will always be ready to deliver them from the consequences of sin in their lives.  Rich or poor, all can come to God, and if they do, they will be blessed forevermore.

Job 35:9 says, By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.  Elihu now addresses Job's complaint that God does not hear the cries and complaints of the poor and suffering, those who are oppressed in the world.  Matthew Henry says that people feel that God does not hear their cries, or their prayers because they are not crying out in repentance.  They simply want God to show His blessing on them, when spiritually they are no better than their oppressors.  People too often look to God for only material reasons, and when they do they feel that God is not answering them.  We must maintain our faith in God no matter what.  If we are oppressed by the world, we must never allow that oppression to make us feel that God does not hear us.  In verse ten, Elihu states, But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;  I believe that Elihu was continuing to explain the problem with people who were oppressed feeling that God did not answer them, as Job had claimed in his life.  People were not really looking to God acknowledging that He would always be with those who truly believed in Him, but were only looking to Him to get them out of their current situation.  They were not acknowledging God for Who He is, the Creator and Sustainer of life.  Verse eleven asks, Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?  I believe that Elihu was asking what separates us from the rest of the animals of the world, and the implied answer would be our spiritual relationship with God.  Though there may be people today who want to elevate the status of other animals to the point of being equal with people, they will never be.  Who makes us wiser than the fowl of heaven?  God does, because He breathed His Spirit into people alone, and not all animals.  Verse twelve says, There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.   Elihu said that people suffered because of the pride of evil men.  If all people lived under the leadership of God, I do not believe that some would live a life of opulence while others starved.  Too often when they poor and suffering cry out, they are either ignored or despised.  Verse thirteen declares, Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.  Elihu said that God would not hear vanity, or empty words that meant nothing.  When we pray, the first thing we must acknowledge is that God is never going to be unjust in His treatment of people.  I believe that this even applies to the prayers for those who treat us unfairly or even actively persecute us.  I do not believe that we can ask God to forgive our sins and punish those of others and expect Him to do so.  Verse fourteen says, Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.  I believe that this is a truth that every person must acknowledge.  No matter how much people may declare that there is no God or even as His followers that we do not feel that He is treating us fairly, God will always be the ultimate judge of each individual.  Verse fifteen says, But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:  Elihu said that due to Job's lack of trust in God during his suffering that he felt that God was angry with him.  We must continue to put our faith in God's love and forgiveness of us, no matter what may be happening in the world.  If we don't, then we are guilty of sinning against God, and though God will not punish us in great extremity, which would be to allow us to be eternally separated from Him, He will not hear our empty prayers.   In verse sixteen, Elihu says, Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.  Elihu said that since Job was speaking without putting his faith in God to deal with him justly no matter what that Job was speaking a multitude of words without knowledge.  Even if we feel that we are being unfairly treated in life, we can never accuse God of treating us that way.  We must put our trust in God no matter what is happening in our lives.

Job 35:1 says, Elihu spake moreover, and said,  Elihu was not yet finished in his statements to Job.  He now was responding to some of the things that Job had claimed to be true.  If we are to evaluate the statements of other people, we need to be sure that we know what they really said.  Verse two asks, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God’s?  Elihu asked Job if he thought that it was right for Job to declare himself more righteous than God.  If we begin to claim that God is unfair in His treatment of us, this is really what we are claiming.  If God is unfair, then we by necessity must be more righteous than He is.  Elihu asked Job if he thought it was right for him to feel this way.  As followers of Christ, we will never be blameless if we claim that God is being unfair in His relationship to us, especially if that feeling is based on material things.  Verse three states, For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?  I believe that Elihu was saying that Job felt that there was no advantage to serving God if he was allowed to suffer so much.  If we are serving God only to receive material blessings, then we are ultimately going to face that question.  We must serve God because of Who He is, and not to gain material things from God.  In verse four Elihu said, I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.  Elihu said he would answer not only Job, but his friends as well.  Just as Job was wrong to question God, so were his friends were wrong to condemn Job as a hypocrite.  At times, both sides may be wrong in their assessment of each other.  His friends and Job both felt morally superior to the other.  Elihu was there to lead both sides to a better understanding of God.  We today should pray for God to send us a voice of reason if we are in dispute with fellow believers about the will and nature of God.  Verse five says, Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.  I believe that Elihu was saying that for Job's friends and Job to receive an answer they were going to have to look upward, or to God.  We are never going to find answers to spiritual questions in material things.  Only by looking to God will we find the truth.  Verse six asks, If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?  I believe Elihu was asking if Job, or anyone, were to commit the most horrible of sins and do so repeatedly how would that possibly make God any less than Who He is.  Our sins never decrease the majesty of God.  All sin can ever do is decrease the standing of the sinner before God.  I realize that sin may hurt those around us, but ultimately in a spiritual sense it is only between a person and God.  Verse seven asks, If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?  Elihu asked Job how instead of being the greatest sinner how being the most righteous person would affect God.  Our righteousness, no matter how great it may be, in no way makes God indebted to us.  We can never become righteous enough to stand before God without an Advocate.  In verse eight Elihu declares, Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.   I believe that Elihu was saying that even though our actions, whether wicked or righteous, might affect those around us, they in no way changed God.  If we are followers of Christ, the first thing we have to acknowledge is that we are sinners.  Then, the second is that we cannot redeem ourselves, but only through Christ can we be redeemed.  After that, we must live under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  We cannot feel that God owes us anything.

Job 34:29 says, When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:  I believe that Elihu was getting to the heart of the matter at this point.  If God brings quietness, or peace, into the heart of a person, then nothing is able to take that away.  I believe that this means that no matter what is happening to us in life, that if we are truly following God we will be at peace.  As Paul would later say, no matter what happened, he was content in his life because of his relationship to Christ.  Job should have been, and so should we.  Elihu said that if God hid His face, whether from a nation or an individual, that they would not find Him.  I don't believe that God ever hides Himself from His people, but we may not always understand how He is at work.  Verse thirty says, That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.  We could understand this to mean that Job was being punished because he was hypocritical, but I do not believe that is what Elihu was saying.  I believe that he was speaking of the ultimate fate of the hypocrite.  Verse thirty-one says, Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:  Elihu told Job that people should be willing to accept chastisement from God.  Though this is not what was happening to Job, I believe that Elihu was saying that Job should not claim that God was treating him unfairly.  We should never question God's love for us, no matter what.  In verse thirty-two Elihu continues, That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.  I believe that Elihu was telling Job that even if he did not see a reason for God's chastisement that he was to ask God to reveal it and then do it no more.  I believe that Elihu was saying that we may be guilty of some sin that we really aren't aware of and that we should be willing to accept God's chastisement without attempting to claim that God is punishing us unfairly.  Verse thirty-three says, Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.  Elihu said it was not up to Job or anyone else to decide the fairness of God.  We are limited in our understanding, and God is not.  We should never attempt to force our limited understanding on God, but instead should simply follow Him in faith.  Verse thirty-four says, Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.  I believe that Elihu was asking that if what he was saying was wrong for those who understood God to tell him how.  We should never be unwilling to allow another follower of Christ to show us if we are wrong in our understanding of God.  Verse thirty-four says, Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.  Job had pronounced himself innocent, but by his complaints against God he had proven himself guilty.  Verse thirty-six says, My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.  Elihu said he hoped that Job would be tried for his answer in which he attempted to justify himself before evil men.  I believe that Elihu was speaking of Job's attempt to justify himself at the expense of proclaiming God guilty of being unfair.  Verse thirty seven states, For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.  Elihu said that Job was guilty of rebelling against God by his claim that God was guilty of treating him wrong.  If we are suffering today, we need to never allow ourselves to be guilty of blaming God of treating us unfairly.

Job 34;17 says, Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?  I believe that Elihu was asking Job how he could question God's right to judge.  Even if we feel that our suffering is a direct result of God's actions, we still have no right to question God.  We must always put our faith in God's redeeming nature.  God is not out to destroy people, which could easily do, but instead has provided for their redemption.  Verse eighteen asks, Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?  I believe that Elihu was asking how those earthly rulers would respond to our condemning them as evil and unfit.  At the time that Elihu was speaking to Job, the rulers of nations had absolute power over their subjects.  Still, their power was nothing compared to the power of God, and Job was questioning God's right to judge him and claiming that God was unfair to Him.  If Job made the same claim about those earthly rulers, he could expect that they would not allow him to continue without consequences.  Fortunately, we do have the right to question those in power in America, but that is not true everywhere.  No matter where we are though, we never have the right to question God's fairness in his judgment of anyone.  Verse nineteen says, How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.  Elihu asked Job if earthly rulers would not allow people to speak or act badly toward them, then how much more did God have the right to expect His people to not speak badly against Him.  Elihu said that their material status did not affect God's judgment.  He does not judge the rich and powerful to be more important than the weak and suffering.  Verse twenty states, In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.  No matter how powerful a person may feel in this world, they cannot guarantee that they have even another second to live.  God alone can sustain life.  God will never need people to carry out His judgment, but He does choose to work through people generally.  Verse twenty-one says, For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.  We can be certain that God not only knows our actions, but He even knows the reasons behind those actions.  Verse twenty-two declares, There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.  As Elihu stated, there is no where to hide from God.  No matter how clever we may think we are in hiding our sins from the world, God always sees them.  Verse twenty-three says, For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God,  I believe that Elihu was just once more stating that God does not judge people unfairly.  This I believe means that if God's people are suffering that God is not the direct cause of that suffering.  Verse twenty-four says, He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.  No matter how powerful the rulers of the world may be, they are powerless before God if He brings His judgment on them.  I believe this would mean that not all rulers are placed in power by God.  Verse twenty-five says, Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.  We know that ultimately God will defeat all the evil kingdoms of the world, but it will not be until Christ returns in victory.  Verse twenty-six says, He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;  I believe that Elihu was saying that when God punishes those who rule in evil that there will be no doubt that He is the One doing it.  Verse twenty-seven says, Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:  We may feel that this is what is happening in the world today, but there are still some who are followers of Christ at work in the world.  We need to continue to work and witness for God.  Verse twenty-eight says, So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.  I believe that Elihu was saying that when the poor are oppressed that God takes notice.  One day, God will judge all people based on their relationship to Christ, and if we are truly followers of Christ, we will have concern for those who are less fortunate than us in the material things of this world.

Job 34:1 says, Furthermore Elihu answered and said,  Elihu had been addressing Job, but now he was ready to include Job's friends in what he had to say.  They may have felt that Elihu was going to agree with them and prove Job wrong, but they were mistaken.  In verse two Elihu asks, Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.  Elihu was asking those around Job, especially those who thought they were wise in their understanding of God, to listen to what he had to say.  At times, even Christians can have a faulty understanding of God and how he works in the world.  We should always be willing to listen to what other Christians have to say, and when we do, we may gain in our understanding of God.  Verse three says, For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.  I believe that Elihu was asking them to hear and evaluate what he was saying, or to get to the meat, or the underlying truth of his words.  Even when we are listening to what someone says about God, we must ensure that what they are saying is consistent with God's word.  Verse four says, Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. Elihu invited those around him, those that he had called wise men, to join him in his observations about God's truth.  Even as we listen to someone else speak about God, we as followers of Christ need to make sure that what they are saying is true.  If it is, we can then join them in agreement with what they have to say.  Verse five says, For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.  Elihu was stating what his friends and Job were in disagreement about.  Job had said he was righteous, but that God was not judging him fairly, and his friends said Job was hypocritical.  This was the heart of their disagreement.  We need to first identify what the problem is if we are going to shed the light of God on it.  Verse six says, Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.  Elihu said that Job still felt that God was punishing him unjustly and that he suffered which ever way he turned.  If everything in life falls apart around us as followers of Christ, we can never blame God and accuse Him of treating us unjustly.  Verse seven asks, What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?  Elihu recognized that Job was being treated badly by everyone around him.  Matthew Henry says that we could interpret this to mean that Job in his self-righteousness welcomed the scorn of others by his continued profession of innocence.  Verse eight states, Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.  Job did find himself in the company of wicked men often, and Elihu seemed to be implying that Job allowed this to influence his behavior.  Verse nine states, For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.  I believe that Elihu was saying that Job was questioning God based on his material and physical suffering, and by such was bringing dishonor to God among those who did not believe in Him.  We need to make sure that our attitude about God in any situation never brings dishonor to Him.  In verse ten, Elihu declares, Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.  Elihu said that Job's friends were wrong to think that God treated people unfairly and also that Job was wrong to question God.  We can always be sure that God will never act unfairly toward anyone.  We must simply always follow God in faith, no matter what is happening in life.  Verse eleven says, For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.  I believe that Elihu was saying that everyone would be judged by their own actions, and not just arbitrarily be blessed or cursed by God.  I know that there are some people today who believe that salvation is determined even before birth, with some chosen for salvation and others for condemnation, but this is not what God's word teaches us.  Verse twelve states, Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.  I believe that Elihu was saying that if people were judged for anything other than their own actions that God would be perverting justice.  Verse thirteen says, Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?  Elihu asked who had given God authority over the world.  The answer is that no one has that power.  God has dominion over the world because He created and sustains it.  Verse fourteen says, If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;  Then verse fifteen continues the thought saying, All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.  I believe that Elihu was saying that if God were to decide to simply punish everyone who deserved punishment that everyone would perish without hope.  Fortunately for us, God chooses instead to make redemption possible through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  In verse sixteen Elihu asks, If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.  Like Elihu, we cannot force people to listen to and understand when we speak the truth about God, but we need to pray that they will.

Job 33:25 says, His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth:  I believe that in this verse and the ones following in this chapter that Elihu was speaking of our restoration after this life, since he had just been referring to the Deliverer in verse twenty-four.  Even though Job was restored to his health and position, not all are in this life.  Still, we will be delivered, not to the old sinful body, but to a new and glorious one in the life to come.  Verse twenty-six says, He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.  Elihu stated that when we prayed to God, which is but communicating with Him, that we will see His face, because He has rendered us righteous.  We know that the concerns and sin of this world keeps us from seeing God face to face, but in the coming resurrection, this will not be true.  Again, we could apply this to our relationship with God today, but I believe that sin will always keep us from that face to face relationship with God.  Verse twenty-seven says, He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;  I believe that Elihu was speaking of acknowledging our sins as being worthless, even if they brought us riches in this world.  We must confess our sins to God, and acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves.  Verse twenty-eight says, He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.  Elihu said that even though we are hopeless and helpless on our own that we have hope through the mercy of God.  God will deliver us from the pit, or hell, and restore us to the light if we put our trust in Him.  Verse twenty-nine states, Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,  Elihu states that God had been and is working in the world to restore people to Himself.  Verse thirty says, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.  I believe that Elihu was saying what we as followers of Christ know, and that is that God has provided a way of deliverance, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ.  No matter what goes on in the world, God is always ready to restore anyone who puts their faith in Him.  Verse thirty-one says, Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.  Elihu asked Job to listen to what he had to say and to hold his peace, or not interrupt him in other words.  When we hear someone speaking the truth of God today, we need to listen attentively, even if they are younger than we are.  Verse thirty-two says, If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.  Elihu did ask Job to speak, but only if he had something to say the would dispute what he was saying as being wrong about God and His nature.  Elihu said that he wanted to justify Job.  I believe that Elihu meant that he wanted to show that Job was justified before God, no matter how much he might have lost materially.  We can never justify anyone else before God, but we can stand with them if they are suffering and remind them that God is still with them if they have put their faith in Him.  In verse thirty-three Elihu asks, If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.  If we have nothing of value to add to what someone is saying about God, we need to do as Elihu asked Job to do.  We need to be quiet and listen and learn.

Job 33:14 says, For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.  Elihu said that God did not answer us just once and hope that we got the answer, but that God was always answering us, which I believe is meant by answers us twice.  The problem is that we often fail to hear God's answer because it isn't what we want to hear.  No is an answer, but often if we want to hear yes, we fail to acknowledge the no.  Verse fifteen says, In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;  Then verse sixteen continues this statement saying, Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,  I believe that Elihu was saying that God speaks to us in many ways, even in our sleep.  In sleep, we should have tuned out the cares of the world and our minds should be at peace.  This does not mean that all dreams are God speaking to us, but we do know that God often spoke to His people in their dreams.  Verse seventeen says, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.  When we are asleep, we shouldn't concerned with what we are going to do next, nor are we filled we self pride.  Sleep should bring peace, and Elihu told Job that God sometimes spoke to His followers at this time.  Verse eighteen says, He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.  Elihu said that God would keep Job, and us also, from the pit. I believe that Elihu was speaking of the pit of hell.  No matter what happens in this life, God keeps the souls of believers safe from the pit of hell.  In verse nineteen Elihu says, He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:  Elihu said that often God chastises those who believe in Him but have strayed from His will.  Elihu did not say that this was what had happened to Job, but even had it been that Job should not question God's fairness.  Verse twenty says, So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.  Then verse twenty-one states, His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.  I believe that Elihu was saying that even if we reach the point of not wanting to eat and have wasted away to skin and bones, we still have no right to question God.  God will ultimately restore us.  Verse twenty-two says, Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.   Even as we approach the grave, or death, we must not question God.  Then, more than ever, we need to remain firm in our faith in God.  Verse twenty-three states,  If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:  Then verse twenty-four states, Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.  I believe that Elihu was speaking of the Messiah that God's people were looking for, and that we know was Jesus Christ.  He showed us how to live upright and likewise delivers us from the pit, which we could see as the grave, but I believe means hell itself.

Job 33:1 says, Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.  Elihu first addresses Job.  Job was the one that they were there to comfort and offer hope to.  Elihu did not demand that Job listen to what he had to say, but asked simply that Job would.  We cannot demand that people listen to us, even if we have told them that we feel lead by the Holy Spirit to speak.  Verse two says, Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.  Elihu said that now that he had started to speak, as he felt compelled to do, that Job should listen.  Job's friends would also hear what Elihu had to say.  Though we may be addressing on person in particular when we speak, God's truth applies to all those that hear.  There is not one truth of God for one person and another truth of God for another.  In verse three Elihu declares,  My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.  Elihu declares that what he was about to say that he spoke knowing that he could do so with a clear conscience.  If we have any doubt that what we are going to say is indeed inspired by God's Spirit, especially if we are attempting to correct someone about their relationship with God, then we would be better off remaining silent.  Verse four says, The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.  I believe that Elihu was acknowledging the power of God in his life.  Unless we know that God is the Creator and sustainer of life, we cannot be attuned to God's will.  In verse five Elihu says, If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.  Elihu said that if Job felt that he could honestly dispute what Elihu was saying or going to say that Job should be ready to answer him with a well thought out answer from God.  In verse six Elihu continues, Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.  I believe that Elihu was saying that he was there as a representative of God to answer Job's prayer to God.  If we have prayed to God for any reason, we must be open to the answer coming however God chooses to answer it.  Verse seven says, Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.   God does not want His people to live in terror of Him.  I believe that too often we as followers of Christ live as though we believe that God is just waiting for us to allow the smallest of sin to come into our lives so that He can crush us.  God instead experts us to follow Him out of love for Him, and not fear of Him.  Verse eight says, Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,  Elihu said he had heard what Job had said.  Elihu had actually listened to what Job had been saying, unlike his three friends who already had their minds made up about Job.  Verse nine states, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.  Elihu repeated what Job had said, if not literally, at least by implication.  Job had pronounced himself innocent, and therefore felt that God was treating him unjustly.  We can never stand totally innocent before God of our own merit.  We can only pronounce ourselves as saved sinners through Christ.  In verse ten, Elihu declares, Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,  Then he continues in verse eleven, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.  In these two verses, Elihu continues to repeat Job's claims that God was being unfair to him.  The only way God is ever unfair with those who believe in Him is by forgiving us when we have earned His punishment.  The unfair act was for Christ to die for our sins.  Then, in verse twelve Elihu states, Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.  I believe that Elihu was saying that Job might have been innocent, until he started to claim that God was unfair to Him.  We can never blame God with treating us unfairly.  Elihu gave Job the reason.  God is greater than man.  Then, verse thirteen states, Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.  Elihu told Job that he did not need to question God, and neither do we.  We can rest assured that whatever happens in life, that as followers of Christ, we are God's forevermore.

Job 32:11 says, Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.  Elihu continues to speak of his patience in listening to the debate between Job and his friends.  He not only heard what they were saying, but he listened attentively to what they said.  Too often, when people are in a dispute about an issue they never really consider what the other person has to say.  If our purpose is to prove another person wrong, then we will tend to dismiss what they are saying without really considering it.  Elihu said that he had considered what was said.  Verse twelve says, Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:  Elihu said that even though Job's friends had a lot to say that nothing they had said had answered Job's questions.  Just because we may be able to argue with someone about matters of faith does not mean that we can offer a better understanding unless we are relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding.  As followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit will always direct our understanding of God if we only listen.  Verse thirteen says, Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.  I believe that Elihu was saying that by their words and now their silence that they still believed that God was punishing, or had cast down, Job.  Job's condition had not changed in spite of His claim of innocence, so his friends seemed to assume that they were right.  Since they felt that Job was not going to listen to them, there was no need to continue arguing with Him.  We cannot assume that if a person is suffering and that if they pray, or call out to God, and nothing seems to happen that they must not be in a right relationship with God.  Once more, our material status does not indicate our spiritual status. Verse fourteen says, Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.  Elihu said that Job had not been speaking to him specifically, and that even though he was going to answer Job, it wasn't going to be with their words, or by their reasoning.  Verse fifteen states, They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.  Elihu left everyone speechless.  It may have been because he was bold enough to rebuff them, but I believe that they recognized the truth of what he was saying.  When we hear someone who is really speaking the truth of God, we need to just be quiet and listen.   In verse sixteen Elihu says, When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) Elihu did not enter the argument, but waited until Job and his friends were silent.  Verse seventeen states, I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.  Elihu said that once they were silent, he felt free to offer his opinion .  We may need to wait for the right moment to speak, even when speaking the truth.  People are more likely to listen when they have said what they wanted to say, especially if they feel they are right.  Verse eighteen says, For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.  I believe in this verse and the next four, Elihu was saying that he felt compelled by the Spirit of God to speak.  He felt full of insight into the question at hand. Verse nineteen says, Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.  Then, verse twenty, I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.  Like Elihu, if we feel that the Holy Spirit is leading us to speak, we should be refreshed by speaking.  Verse twenty-one declares, Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.  Then in verse twenty-two Elihu concludes, For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. I believe that Elihu was saying that he was not going to be silenced by anyone's status, but was going to follow the leadership of God.  If we begin to believe that someone's status should be more important than what God tells us is the truth, then God may indeed take us away as for as our witness goes.

Job 32:1 says, So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.  One by one, Job's friends had stopped talking, and now none of the three had anything left to say.  I don't believe that the statement that Job was righteous in his own eyes means that he had a false self-righteous, but that he was convinced that his relationship with God was pure.  We cannot hope to silence others because we are righteous by our own abilities, but we can silence them by our righteousness because of God's redemption.  Job had also quit speaking, so silence had ensued.  Then, there is a new speaker.  Verse two says, Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.  Elihu enters the conversation, and it says that his wrath was kindled against Job.  He had listened to all that the four of them had said, and was upset with Job because he felt that Job was justifying himself instead of justifying God.  If everything in the world is falling apart around us, we do not need to attempt to justify ourselves.  We need instead to acknowledge that no matter what happens in this life, that if we are followers of Christ, that God is always with us.  This is not because of our worthiness, but because of the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.  Verse three states, Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.  Elihu was not siding with Job's friends, but was upset with them as well.  Elihu said that they had condemned Job without proof.  They had no answer from God for their claims, but continued to hold their belief that God was punishing Job.  We need to be careful that we never allow preconceived ideas to influence our judgment of a situation, but must always allow God to guide us to the truth.  Verse four states, Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.  Elihu did not interrupt Job or his friends because he respected them as his elders.  Whether a person is older than us or not, we should always be willing to listen to what they have to say without interrupting or arguing with them.  Verse five says, When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.  I believe that Elihu expected Job's three friends, whom he saw as wiser than himself due to their age, to be able to give an accurate response to Job.  When they all remained silent, Elihu was angry with them.  We may feel that older Christians should always have the answers to the tough questions of faith, but that is not always true.  Verse six states, And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.  Elihu is identified by the fact of who his father was, but other than that we know nothing about Him.  He is not identified as a friend of Job's who came to comfort him, but he had evidently been there the whole time the discussion was going on between Job and his friends.  Elihu said that because of his youth he had been afraid to speak.  We need to realize that even if we are younger than another person, that even as we respect their age, we should never be afraid to speak what we understand to be the truth of God.  In verse seven, Elihu says, I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.  Elihu was saying that the longer a person lived, especially those who claimed to follow God, the more they should gain wisdom about God.  We know this is not always true.  Elihu states this in verse eight, when he declares, But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.  I believe that Elihu was speaking of the Holy Spirit giving us inspiration and understanding, and not just the number of years we have lived doing so.  No matter our age, if we are to grow in our understanding of God, it must be through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Verse nine states, Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. Elihu said that a person's status nor age always brought wisdom.  In verse ten Elihu then states, Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.  He said that since those who were older than him offered no insight that he would now speak.  Elihu was not approaching the situation as one who just couldn't wait to show up those who should have been wiser than he was, but instead as one who had to share God's truth when they failed to.  We should always share God's truth out of an attitude of respect and not of arrogance.

Job 31:33 says, If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:  Job again denies the sins that his friends had accused him of.  Job said that unlike Adam he had not attempted to hide his sins from God.  We know that Adam first tried to hide from God, and when that did not work, he tried to blame Eve, and then God Himself, for his sins.  I believe that Job was not saying that he had never sinned, or transgressed against God, but that when he did, he accepted responsibility for his sin.  We cannot hope to have our sins forgiven if we don't confess them to God, and sometimes even to those around us.  I do not believe that it is enough to say that our sins are already forgiven through our faith in Christ so we do not have to be concerned with them.  We need to always be ready to confess our sins, even after salvation.  Unconfessed sin will always stand between a right relationship with God and us.  We, like Job, need to never attempt to hide our sins from God nor blame them on others.  In verse thirty- four Job asks, Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door? Job really asked this as a rhetorical question.   His friends had accused him of acting in fear, but Job asked when this had happened.  Job said that he was not afraid of the multitudes and did not allow them to silence his witness for God.  Even if the whole world seems to turn against God, and therefore us as His followers, we cannot allow fear to silence us.  In verse thirty-five Job pleads, Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.  Job's greatest concern had always been that he had been abandoned by God.  He sincerely desired an answer from God, and he felt he wasn't getting it.  Just because God had yet to answer Job in the way Job felt He should did not mean that God did not hear His prayers.  We today may also feel that God is not listening when our prayers are not immediately answered in the way we want them to be. We can be assured that as followers of Christ, God not only hears but the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us, often before we even know what to pray.  We must never let our condition in the world to cause us to doubt God.  In verse thirty-six Job declares, Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.  Job said that if God answered him, that he would bind himself up in that answer and that it would be like a crown in his life.  Job was not speaking of the things of this world being a crown of success in his life, but of his relationship with God being restored.  In verse thirty-seven Job continues, I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.  Job said that if God would answer him, that he would follow God with every step he took, which he felt he had always tried to do.  Verse thirty one continues, If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;  Job felt that if he had done the things he was accused of that the land itself would have cried against him.  Verse thirty nine states,  If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:  I believe that Job was asking anyone who could prove that he had cheated them and not just make the claim to speak out.  Then, in verse forty Job declares, Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.  I believe that Job was saying that if he had done the things his friends had accused him of that he deserved to suffer.  What we must remember is that our relationship to God can never be based on material things, which Job's friends were claiming.  Job had stated his case, and now he had no more to say in his defense.  We also must ultimately quit attempting to prove our worthiness before God and simply rest assured in our faith.

Job 31: 24 says, If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;  As Job continues to answer the charges made against him, he now really says that he didn't put his faith in gold.  Even if we have riches beyond measure, we can never put our faith in them.  Like everything else but our relationship to God, they will pass away.  Verse twenty-five states, If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;  I believe that Job was stating that he did not find a reason for rejoicing because of his wealth.  He still saw it as a blessing from God.  If we are followers of Christ and become rich in material things, we can never allow them to be our source of rejoicing.  We need to remember that everything belongs to God, and He expects us to use what He blesses us with for His glory.  Verse twenty-six adds, If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;  I believe that Job was stating that he never worshipped false gods like the sun and moon, as many did in his day.  Verse twenty seven adds, And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:  Job said that he never even thought of worshipping the false gods nor paying homage to them.  We should be just as careful today that we do not even allow thoughts of worshipping false gods to enter our minds.  If we are not careful, we can begin to believe that the sun, moon, or stars somehow determine our fate.  Verse twenty eight states, This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.  I believe that Job was saying that if he was guilty of idolatry that he should be punished, even in the courts of the day.  Job said the reason for this was if he were worshipping idols, no matter what they might be, he was guilty of denying the one true God.  If we allow anything to come between God and us, we are guilty of the same thing.  Verse twenty-nine states, If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:  Job said that he did not rejoice in the destruction of his enemies, nor did he use their destruction to make him feel morally superior.  As followers of Christ today, we need to have that same attitude.  In verse thirty Job continues  Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.  Job said that not only did he not rejoice in the destruction of his enemies, but he didn't even allow his words to curse them, or wish for their destruction.  We today need to pray for the salvation of our enemies instead of praying for or even threatening their destruction.  Verse thirty one states, If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.  Job said that even though those who were around him wanted his, or their, enemies destroyed, he did not agree with them.  We, as followers of Christ, are not called to destroy people, but to lead them to forgiveness through Christ.  Verse thirty two says, The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.  Job said he treated the stranger with hospitality, not allowing them to sleep in the street.  Today, we somehow find it acceptable to have families living on the street, often feeling that somehow they deserve it.  This is not what God's word teaches us though.

Job 31:13 says, If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;  Job continues to speak of some of the things that he could have been hypocritical about.  He was now referring to his treatment of his servants.  It is easy to look down on people whom we feel are somehow beneath us.  Job was not saying he had acted this way, but that had he done so, then he should be held accountable.  In verse fourteen Job asks, What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?  Job said that had he been guilty of mistreating his servants, what could he say to God if God punished him.  As sinners, we can say nothing to God to justify ourselves before Him.  In verse four Job asks, Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?  I believe that Job was stating by this question that all people are created equal in God's sight.  Job had no justification if he looked down on those who were less fortunate than him, even his own servants.  We need to acknowledge that we are no more worthy of God's love than the poorest person in the world, and we should never treat anyone as unworthy in our dealings with them.  Verse sixteen says, If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;  Job was again sayin that he had helped the poor, in spite of being called a hypocrite.  In verse seventeen Job continues, stating, Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;  Job said if he had done these things he deserved God's punishment, but he knew that he hadn't.  If we do look at others, we need to be careful not to judge them by preconceived ideas, especially when it comes to their relationship to God.  Still, their actions should be an indication of their following of God.  If someone does everything is for self-satisfaction with no concern for others, then we would be wise to question their dedication to following God.  Verse eighteen says, (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb;)  Job said not only was he treating others fairly after he was older and had grown rich, but that he had done it all his life.  Verse nineteen states, If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;  Then continuing in verse twenty, If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;  Eliphaz in particular had accused Job of doing these things, and Job was basically saying where is the proof.  We certainly cannot afford to make false accusations against others, especially fellow believers.  Verse twenty one says, If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:  Job is simply continuing to ask for examples of where he had mistreated others.  Then, in verse twenty two he declares, Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.  Job said that if he had done these things, then he deserved punishment.  In verse twenty three he continues, For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.  Job said that he did not do these things just out of fear of God's punishment.  Though we should follow God because of His love for us, if we are being hypocritical in our relationship to Him, we should fear His coming judgment.

Job 31:1 says, I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?  I believe that Job was saying that he had made certain that he would never even look on his maid in an improper way.  We hear so much today about people acting improperly toward others in a sexual manner, but it all begins with looking at that person with an attitude of selfishness.  Job said he would not allow this to happen in his life, and we must also.  Verse two asks, For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?  Job said that he kept himself pure from lust, not just in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God as well.  We may fool the world, but we will never fool God.  Verse three asks, Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?  I believe that Job was asking why he was being punished, when that should be the fate of the wicked.  If we truly place our lives in God's hands, then we need never question what happens in life, but simply need to continue to live by our faith in God.  In verse four, Job asks, Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?  Job was once more asking if God did not know that Job was walking in righteousness. We can be certain that God does indeed watch our steps, whether we are walking in the truth of righteousness or the lies of deceit.  We will never fool God.  In verse five Job says, If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;  I believe Job was stating that if he had possibly done these things that he was unaware of it.  It is different to do something wrong without realizing it than to knowingly do something wrong and deny it.  Still in verse six Job says, Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.  Job asked that he be judged fairly by God.  We can be certain that God will always be fair in His judgment of people.  We can also be certain that God knows all our sins and our good deeds, but good deeds can never balance the scale against sin.  Only through faith in Christ can we be judged not as unguilty but as forgiven.  Verse seven says, If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;  Job still did not believe that he was guilty of these things, but knew that this was what his friends were saying that he did.  We need to be willing to take responsibility for our actions, even if we don't believe that we have done anything wrong.  Job was looking to God for a fair judgment and not listening to his friends judgment.  Verse eight says, Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.  Job acknowledged that sin should be punished.  We must first acknowledge that sin does need to be punished, not just in the lives of others, but in our lives as well.  We also need to acknowledge that God is the One to punish that sin.  In the next three verses Job was speaking about adultery in particular.  Verse nine states, If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door;  Job was basically declaring his innocence, not only in action but in thought as well.  He had never even been tempted to cheat on his wife.  In  verse ten Job says, Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.  Job said that had he been guilty of adultery, then his wife would be free to leave him for another.  I don't believe that he was saying that she would be free to commit adultery or placed in a position to be used by others.  Verse eleven declares, For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.  Job saw adultery as a very serious crime that should be judged.  Though he was correct in his assessment, he was wrong to say one sin should be judged more harshly than others.  All sins lead to separation from God, and all are forgiven equally by putting our faith in Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse twelve states, For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.  Job was stating the severity of adultery, but we need to apply this to all sins.  In worldly terms, some sins may be more worthy of punishment than others, but to God they are all punishable by death in the final judgment, but are equally all forgiven through Christ.  No matter the severity of the sin, God wants people to repent and be restored to Himself through Christ.