How does Job 35:7 challenge the belief in human righteousness affecting God? Text “If you are righteous, what do you give to Him, or what does He receive from your hand?” (Job 35:7) Immediate Literary Setting Elihu’s third speech (Job 35) corrects Job’s assumption that his personal righteousness obligates God to explain or alter His governance. By asking two linked rhetorical questions, Elihu asserts that God’s blessedness and being are utterly untouched by human merit or performance. Canonical Parallels Psalm 50:12–13; Acts 17:24–25; Romans 11:35; Luke 17:10; Isaiah 64:6 all echo the same truth: God “is not served by human hands, as though He needed anything” (Acts 17:25). Scripture presents one consistent witness—human deeds cannot increase or diminish God’s inherent glory. The Doctrine of Divine Aseity Aseity (from a se ipso, “from Himself”) means God is self-existent, self-sufficient, and independent. Because His existence, joy, and perfection arise entirely from His own nature (Exodus 3:14), nothing outside of Him can augment His essence. Job 35:7 is a concise biblical statement of that doctrine. Contrast with Ancient Near Eastern Religion Mesopotamian and Canaanite texts (e.g., the Babylonian “Atra-hasis” epic) depict gods who require human feeding and appeasement. The Book of Job subverts that cultural norm. Archeological finds from Ugarit (14th century B.C.) show ritual meals offered to Baal for his sustenance, highlighting the polemic force of Elihu’s claim: Yahweh, unlike the fabricated deities around Israel, depends on no one. Human Righteousness: Relative and Derivative 1. Origin—Whatever righteousness humans display is a gift (James 1:17). 2. Quality—Even the best deeds are “filthy rags” compared to divine holiness (Isaiah 64:6). 3. Purpose—Our righteousness is designed to bless neighbor and reflect God’s character, not to enrich God. “Your righteousness extends only to a man like yourself” (Job 35:8, paraphrased). Philosophical Implications Aseity undergirds the moral argument for God: objective values require a transcendent, unconditioned source. If God were improved by our goodness, He would be contingent and unworthy of worship. Job 35:7 preserves the ontological gulf essential for true theism. Archaeological Confirmation of Job’s Historical Milieu Early second-millennium clay tablets from Mari name places (e.g., Sabeans, Chaldeans) identical to those in Job 1, lending geographical credibility. A cuneiform document (British Museum, BM 33322) lists a “Jobab” as king of Edom, matching Genesis 36:33 and an ancient tradition that Job lived in that region. Answer to Objection: “If Righteousness Adds Nothing to God, Why Live Morally?” 1. Divine command: the Creator has the right to require holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16). 2. Relationship: obedience expresses love (John 14:15). 3. Witness: visible righteousness draws others to salvation (1 Peter 2:12). 4. Reward: though God’s fullness cannot increase, He graciously rewards faithfulness (Hebrews 11:6). Summary Job 35:7 confronts any notion that human virtue can enrich or obligate Almighty God. He is self-sufficient; His glory is intrinsic. Our righteousness, enabled by His grace, benefits creatures and showcases His character but never alters His essence. The verse thus humbles human pride, magnifies divine independence, and drives sinners to the only righteousness that counts—the righteousness of the risen Christ credited to all who believe. |
    |