What is the meaning of Job 35:4? I will reply Elihu’s opening pledge—“I will reply”—signals more than a young man eager to speak; it reveals confidence that God Himself is supplying an answer. Earlier he had confessed, “It is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding” (Job 32:8). Because truth comes from God, Elihu’s words remind us that • God never leaves sincere questions about His character unanswered (Jeremiah 33:3; James 1:5). • Scripture equips believers to speak wisely in difficult moments (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • A humble heart prepares the way for a God-given reply (Proverbs 15:28; Isaiah 66:2). The verse therefore assures every listener that the Almighty is not silent; He provides a timely, Spirit-directed response to honest struggle. to you Elihu next narrows his focus: “to you.” Job had insisted his innocence (Job 27:5–6) and questioned the benefit of righteousness (Job 35:3). Elihu’s direct address challenges Job’s conclusions without dismissing his pain: • God’s justice remains intact even when circumstances seem unfair (Psalm 19:9; Romans 9:14). • Personal suffering does not negate God’s righteousness; it can refine faith (1 Peter 1:6–7). • The Lord invites honest lament yet calls us to rest in His unchanging goodness (Psalm 73:13–17; Job 40:1–2). Elihu’s promise to answer Job personally models loving correction—truth spoken with compassion and clarity. and to your friends as well Finally, Elihu includes the trio of counselors: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Their speeches defended God’s justice but wrongly assumed automatic cause-and-effect between sin and suffering. By addressing them too, Elihu shows that: • Even well-meaning believers can misapply truth (Job 42:7; Matthew 22:29). • Correction is a community matter; all parties must submit to God’s word (Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 10:12). • The Lord desires unity around sound doctrine, not mere debate (Ephesians 4:14–15). Elihu’s inclusive reply warns every listener to measure counsel against God’s revealed character, not human tradition. summary Job 35:4 highlights God’s commitment to speak into confusion. Through Elihu, the Lord promises a reasoned, righteous answer—personally to Job and corporately to his friends. The verse reassures us that God addresses both the sufferer’s questions and the counselor’s assumptions, guiding all toward a fuller grasp of His justice, wisdom, and grace. |
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