What is the meaning of Job 35:1? And • The opening conjunction links this verse to the flow of Elihu’s earlier speeches (see Job 34:1: “Then Elihu continued…”). • Scripture underscores continuity; truth builds line upon line (Isaiah 28:10), reminding us that God’s revelation in Job unfolds progressively rather than in isolated statements. • By starting with “And,” the text invites us to read chapter 35 in light of chapters 32–34, where Elihu has already challenged Job’s assumptions about God’s justice (Job 33:12; 34:10). Elihu • Elihu is the youthful yet Spirit-filled voice who “burned with anger” because Job justified himself rather than God (Job 32:2). • His presence shows God’s concern to provide an additional witness before He speaks from the whirlwind (Job 38:1). • Unlike Job’s three friends, Elihu is not rebuked by the LORD in Job 42:7, indicating that his perspective aligns more closely with divine truth. • Elihu’s name surfaces repeatedly (Job 33:1; 34:1; 35:1; 36:1), emphasizing his role as a consistent messenger calling Job to humble trust in God’s righteousness (Proverbs 3:5-6). went on • The phrase signals perseverance; Elihu keeps pursuing Job’s heart rather than dropping a single rebuke and leaving (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2, “be prepared in season and out of season”). • His continued speech illustrates faithful confrontation done in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Elihu’s four speeches (Job 32–37) crescendo toward a vision of God’s majesty that prepares Job to meet the LORD Himself (Job 37:14-24). to say: • This introduces fresh counsel: Elihu will press Job about the futility of claiming righteousness against God (Job 35:2-3). • Key points he will “say” in the chapter: – Our sin or righteousness does not alter God’s character (Job 35:6-8; compare Psalm 50:12-13). – God hears sincere cries but resists empty pride (Job 35:12-13; Psalm 34:17-18). – Awe before the Creator is the proper response, not self-justification (Job 35:14; Hebrews 12:28-29). • The introductory phrase “to say” reminds us that God often uses human voices to declare His truth (Romans 10:14-15), yet the authority rests in the message rather than the messenger. summary Job 35:1 is more than a narrative segue; it binds Elihu’s ongoing, God-centered argument into the larger fabric of Job. The verse assures us that the upcoming words are a Spirit-guided continuation aimed at redirecting Job—and us—toward humble reverence, confident that every subsequent sentence will further unveil the unchanging justice and greatness of our Lord. |
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