Indeed, God is great—
This phrase emphasizes the greatness of God, a central theme throughout the Bible. The greatness of God is often highlighted in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 145:3) and is a foundational aspect of His character. In the context of Job, Elihu is reminding Job and his friends of God's incomprehensible majesty and power. This greatness is not just in terms of power but also in wisdom, love, and justice. The Hebrew word for "great" here can also imply "mighty" or "exalted," underscoring God's supreme authority over creation.

beyond our knowledge;
This part of the verse speaks to the limitations of human understanding in comprehending the full nature of God. The Bible frequently acknowledges that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). This is a humbling reminder of the finite nature of human wisdom compared to divine wisdom. In the context of Job, it serves as a rebuke to those who presume to fully understand God's purposes or question His justice. The mystery of God's nature is a recurring theme, pointing to the need for faith and trust in His divine plan.

the number of His years is unsearchable.
This phrase highlights God's eternal nature, contrasting with the temporal existence of humans. The concept of God's eternity is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 90:2 and Revelation 1:8, where God is described as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The idea of God's unsearchable years also points to His omniscience and omnipresence, qualities that are beyond human comprehension. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where gods were often seen as part of the natural order, the biblical portrayal of God as eternal and unbounded by time was revolutionary. This eternal nature of God assures believers of His unchanging faithfulness and sovereignty throughout all generations.

1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogue with friends and his quest for understanding God's ways.

2. Elihu
A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a perspective on God's justice and greatness, emphasizing God's transcendence and wisdom.

3. God
The central figure in the book of Job, whose greatness and inscrutability are highlighted in this verse. God eventually speaks to Job, revealing His sovereignty and wisdom.

4. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the setting for the events of the book.

5. The Heavens
Often referenced in Job as a testament to God's creative power and majesty, underscoring His greatness and the limits of human understanding.God's Incomprehensible Greatness
God's greatness surpasses human understanding. We are called to trust in His wisdom, even when we cannot fully grasp His ways.

The Eternal Nature of God
God's years are unsearchable, reminding us of His eternal existence. This should inspire awe and reverence, knowing that He transcends time and space.

Humility Before God
Recognizing our limited understanding should lead us to humility. We should approach God with a heart willing to learn and submit to His will.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty or suffering, we can find comfort in knowing that God's plans are perfect and His purposes are beyond our comprehension.

Worship and Praise
Acknowledging God's greatness should lead us to worship. Our response to His majesty should be one of praise and adoration.Verses 26-33. - Elihu passes now to a description, which must be allowed to be eloquent, of the power and providence of God, and especially of his power in the natural world. It is suggested that the storm, which ultimately broke at the theophania (Job 38:1), was already beginning to gather, and turned the thoughts of Elihu in this direction. He begins with the consideration of how rain is generated, passes rapidly to the gathering of the clouds from all quarters, and thence to the loud crashing of the thunder, and the dazzling flashes of the lightning, which illumine even the lowest depths of the sea (ver. 30). The effects of the storm are then spoken of, in words the exact meaning of which is very obscure (vers. 31-33). Verse 26. - Behold, God is great, and we know him not. This is the final lesson which Elihu seeks to impress on his hearers. God is so great their fully to comprehend him transcends the power of the human understanding. However much we know of him, there is more that we do not know. His nature is unsearchable; his depths (1 Corinthians 2:10) are inscrutable; try as we may, we can never "find him out" (Job 37:23). Neither can the number of his years be searched out. Even his duration, being eternal, is beyond us. We cannot realize the thought of pre- and post-eternity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Indeed,
הֶן־ (hen-)
Interjection
Strong's 2005: Lo! behold!

God [is]
אֵ֣ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

great—
שַׂ֭גִּיא (gî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7689: Mighty

beyond
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

our knowledge;
נֵדָ֑ע (nê·ḏā‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3045: To know

the number
מִסְפַּ֖ר (mis·par)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration

of His years
שָׁנָ֣יו (šā·nāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

is unsearchable.
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no


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OT Poetry: Job 36:26 Behold God is great and we don't (Jb)