Psalm 89:14
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You.”

Proverbs 2:6
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”

Ecclesiastes 12:14
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”Elihu’s Call for Discernment
Elihu begins by urging his listeners to use discernment and wisdom in understanding God’s ways. “Hear my words, you wise men; give ear to me, you men of learning” (Job 34:2). This highlights the importance of seeking wisdom in spiritual matters.

God’s Justice is Unquestionable
Elihu asserts that God is inherently just and cannot do wrong. “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong” (Job 34:10). This reinforces the belief in God’s perfect justice.

God’s Sovereignty Over Creation
Elihu emphasizes God’s control over life and death, illustrating His supreme authority. “If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together, and mankind would return to the dust” (Job 34:14-15).

God’s Impartiality
Elihu points out that God shows no partiality and judges all people fairly. “He does not look favorably on the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of His hands” (Job 34:19).

The Consequences of Wickedness
Elihu warns that God sees all actions and will bring judgment upon the wicked. “For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step” (Job 34:21).Seek Wisdom and Discernment
Just as Elihu calls for discernment, we should seek God’s wisdom in understanding His ways and applying them to our lives.

Trust in God’s Justice
In times of personal or observed injustice, trust that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, even when it is not immediately apparent.

Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty
Recognize and submit to God’s authority over all aspects of life, understanding that He is in control.

Practice Impartiality
Reflect God’s impartiality in our interactions with others, treating everyone with fairness and respect.

Live Righteously
Be mindful that God sees all actions and strive to live in a way that honors Him, avoiding wickedness.1. Elihu
Elihu is the main speaker in Job 34. He is one of Job's friends who has waited to speak after Job and his three friends have finished their discussions. Elihu is portrayed as a younger man who is passionate about defending God's justice and righteousness. He believes that Job has spoken wrongly about God and seeks to correct him. Elihu's name in Hebrew (אֱלִיהוּא) can be translated as "He is my God."

2. Job
Although Job does not speak in this chapter, he is the subject of Elihu's discourse. Elihu addresses Job's previous statements and challenges his understanding of God's justice. Job is a central figure in the Book of Job, known for his suffering and his quest to understand the reasons behind it.

3. God
While God does not directly speak in this chapter, Elihu frequently references God, emphasizing His justice, power, and impartiality. Elihu argues that God is righteous and does not act wickedly, and he challenges Job's assertions about God's treatment of him.1. Earth
In Job 34:13, Elihu speaks of God’s sovereignty over the earth: "Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?" The Hebrew word used here is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which generally refers to the land or the earth as a whole, emphasizing God's dominion over all creation.

2. World
Also in Job 34:13, the term "world" is used: "Who appointed Him over the whole world?" The Hebrew word "תֵּבֵל" (tebel) is used here, which often denotes the inhabited world or the earth in its entirety, again highlighting God's authority over all living things.1. Elihu Calls for Attention
Elihu begins by calling for the wise and knowledgeable to listen to his words. He emphasizes the importance of discernment and understanding, akin to how the ear tests words and the mouth tastes food (Job 34:2-3).

2. Elihu Asserts God's Justice
Elihu argues that God is just and cannot do wrong. He states, "Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong" (Job 34:10). This reflects the Hebrew root "רָשַׁע" (rasha), meaning wickedness or wrongdoing, emphasizing God's inherent righteousness.

3. God Repays According to Deeds
Elihu explains that God repays people according to their actions, asserting that He is impartial and fair in His judgments (Job 34:11). The Hebrew root "פָּעַל" (pa'al) for "deeds" underscores the concept of actions or works.

4. God's Sovereignty Over Life
Elihu highlights God's sovereignty, stating that if God were to withdraw His spirit and breath, all flesh would perish (Job 34:14-15). This reflects the Hebrew "רוּחַ" (ruach) for spirit, indicating the life-giving breath of God.

5. God's Rule Over Nations and Leaders
Elihu declares that God is in control over nations and their leaders, and He can bring them low or exalt them according to His will (Job 34:24-25). This underscores God's ultimate authority and governance.

6. God's Omniscience
Elihu emphasizes that God sees all human actions and there is no darkness or deep shadow where evildoers can hide (Job 34:21-22). The Hebrew "חֹשֶׁךְ" (choshech) for darkness highlights the futility of hiding from God's sight.

7. Elihu's Call for Job to Repent
Elihu suggests that Job should acknowledge his sin and repent, implying that Job's suffering may be a result of his own actions (Job 34:31-33). This reflects a conservative view that suffering can be a consequence of personal sin.

8. Elihu's Confidence in God's Justice
Elihu concludes by expressing confidence in God's justice, asserting that Job has spoken without knowledge and that his words lack wisdom (Job 34:35). This reflects the Hebrew "דַּעַת" (da'at) for knowledge, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's ways.1. Elihu's Call for Discernment (Job 34:1-4)
Elihu invites his listeners to use discernment and wisdom in evaluating his words. He emphasizes the importance of testing words as one tests food, highlighting the need for careful judgment. The Hebrew root for "discern" (בִּין, bin) implies understanding and insight.

2. God's Justice and Righteousness (Job 34:5-12)
Elihu argues that God is just and cannot do wrong. He refutes Job's claim of being wronged by God, asserting that God repays people according to their deeds. The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores God's fair and righteous nature.

3. God's Sovereignty Over Creation (Job 34:13-15)
Elihu speaks of God's sovereign control over the earth and all life. He emphasizes that if God were to withdraw His spirit, all flesh would perish. The Hebrew term for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) conveys the idea of breath or life force, underscoring God's sustaining power.

4. God's Impartiality (Job 34:16-20)
Elihu highlights God's impartiality, stating that He shows no favoritism to princes or the rich over the poor. The Hebrew root for "impartial" (נָשָׂא, nasa) suggests lifting or carrying, indicating that God does not elevate one person over another unjustly.

5. God's Omniscience (Job 34:21-30)
Elihu asserts that God sees all human actions and knows their ways. He describes how God can bring down the mighty without inquiry, emphasizing His omniscience and ability to judge rightly. The Hebrew word for "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies a comprehensive understanding.

6. Elihu's Reproof of Job (Job 34:31-37)
Elihu criticizes Job for speaking without knowledge and accuses him of adding rebellion to his sin. He urges Job to repent and submit to God's correction. The Hebrew root for "reproof" (תוֹכַחַת, tokhahat) involves correction and discipline, reflecting Elihu's call for Job to acknowledge his errors.1. God's Justice and Righteousness
Job 34 emphasizes the justice and righteousness of God. Elihu asserts that God is incapable of doing wrong or acting unjustly. In verse 12, it states, "Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice." The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores the idea of divine fairness and moral order.

2. God's Sovereignty and Power
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and power over creation and human affairs. Elihu points out that God is in control of life and death, as seen in verse 14-15: "If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together, and mankind would return to the dust." The Hebrew word for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) conveys the life-giving breath of God.

3. Human Accountability
Elihu stresses that humans are accountable to God for their actions. In verse 11, it says, "For according to a man’s deeds, He repays him; according to a man’s ways, He brings consequences." This theme reflects the biblical principle of retribution, where actions have corresponding outcomes.

4. God's Impartiality
The impartiality of God is another key theme. Elihu argues that God shows no favoritism and treats all people equally. Verse 19 states, "who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands." The Hebrew term for "partiality" (נָשָׂא פָּנִים, nasa panim) indicates lifting up or showing preference, which God does not do.

5. The Folly of Questioning God
Elihu criticizes Job for questioning God's justice and wisdom. He suggests that it is foolish to contend with God, as seen in verse 37: "For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God." The Hebrew root for "rebellion" (פֶּשַׁע, pesha) implies a willful transgression or defiance against divine authority.1. Job 34:10 – If God never does wrong, why do the innocent still suffer without clear divine intervention?

2. Job 34:12 – Elihu insists God always acts justly; how does this align with texts describing God commanding destruction (e.g., Joshua 6)?

3. Job 34:21 – The passage implies God sees all human actions; is there historical or scientific evidence for universal divine oversight?

4. Job 34:29 – If God can remain silent, how can we reliably distinguish divine justice from random events or coincidences?

5. Job 34:31–32 – Elihu suggests people should submit and learn; how do we reconcile this with free will and instances where righteous behavior goes unrewarded?

1. How does Elihu defend God's justice in his speech?

2. How does Elihu's discourse in Job 34 challenge your understanding of God's justice?

3. In what ways do you question God's actions like Job did? How can Elihu's argument help you reassess your attitude?

4. How does Elihu portray the consequences of rebellion against God's justice?

5. If you were in Job's place, how would you have reacted to Elihu's arguments?

6. How does Job 34 shape your understanding of divine retribution?

7. How does this chapter speak to the problem of evil and suffering in the world?

8. What does Elihu's argument teach us about humility in our relationship with God?

9. How can we apply Elihu's advice to Job about learning from suffering in our lives today?

10. How do Elihu's words reflect on the balance of fear and love of God?

11. How does Job 34 add to your understanding of the Old Testament's depiction of God's character?

12. How can this chapter help us maintain faith during tough times?

13. In the light of this chapter, how can we make sense of innocent suffering?

14. Elihu emphasizes that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding. How can we trust God's decisions when we can't understand His reasoning?

15. How can we discern when to question or accept situations in our lives as God's will?

16. What does this chapter teach about the power and authority of God?

17. Elihu states that Job should be further tested because of his complaints. What does this suggest about how we should respond to our trials?

18. How does this chapter help you perceive adversity as a possible pathway to spiritual growth?

19. What is your understanding of the statement: "God is a fair judge who shows no partiality" in the light of this chapter?

20. How does Job 34 challenge you to respond when you or others experience unexplained suffering?