Job 35:9
Men cry out under great oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the mighty.
Men cry out
The phrase "Men cry out" reflects a universal human experience of suffering and distress. In Hebrew, the word for "cry out" is "za'aq," which conveys a deep, desperate plea for help. This cry is not just a simple call but an intense, heartfelt outpouring of anguish. Throughout the Bible, crying out is often associated with seeking divine intervention, as seen in the Israelites' cries in Egypt (Exodus 2:23). It underscores the innate human recognition of a higher power in times of trouble.

under great oppression
The term "oppression" in Hebrew is "ashuq," which refers to being crushed or burdened by unjust treatment or hardship. Historically, oppression was a common experience in ancient societies, often at the hands of powerful rulers or invading armies. The Bible frequently addresses the plight of the oppressed, emphasizing God's concern for justice and righteousness. This phrase highlights the reality of suffering in a fallen world and the need for divine justice.

they plead for relief
The act of pleading for relief suggests a sense of hope and expectation. The Hebrew root "shava" implies a fervent appeal for deliverance or respite. This plea is directed towards a source believed to have the power to alleviate suffering. In the biblical context, such pleas are often directed towards God, who is seen as the ultimate deliverer and source of comfort. This reflects a faith that, despite present circumstances, there is a possibility of redemption and peace.

from the arm of the mighty
The "arm of the mighty" symbolizes power and authority. In Hebrew, "zeroa" (arm) often represents strength or force, while "gibbor" (mighty) refers to those who are powerful or influential. Historically, this could refer to kings, warriors, or oppressors who wielded significant control over others. The Bible frequently contrasts human might with divine power, reminding believers that God's strength surpasses all earthly authority. This phrase serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
- The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and suffering.

2. Elihu
- A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a different perspective on Job's suffering and God's justice.

3. Oppression
- The condition described in this verse, where people suffer under the power of the mighty.

4. The Mighty
- Those in positions of power who exert control and cause suffering to others.

5. Cry for Relief
- The response of those who are oppressed, seeking deliverance from their suffering.
Teaching Points
God's Awareness of Suffering
God is not indifferent to the cries of the oppressed. He hears and is aware of their suffering, as seen throughout Scripture.

The Role of Prayer in Oppression
Prayer is a powerful tool for those under oppression. It is a means of seeking God's intervention and justice.

Human Responsibility to the Oppressed
Believers are called to be advocates for justice, defending the oppressed and working towards their relief.

Understanding God's Justice
God's timing and ways of delivering justice may differ from human expectations, but His justice is perfect and sure.

Trusting God's Sovereignty
In times of oppression, trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for justice and righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 35:9 reflect the broader theme of suffering and justice in the Book of Job?

2. In what ways can believers today respond to the cries of the oppressed, both in prayer and action?

3. How does understanding God's awareness of oppression impact your view of current injustices in the world?

4. What lessons can we learn from the persistence of the oppressed in seeking relief, as seen in other biblical examples?

5. How can we reconcile the existence of oppression with the belief in a just and sovereign God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:7
- God hears the cries of the Israelites under Egyptian oppression, showing His awareness and concern for the oppressed.

Psalm 10:17-18
- The psalmist speaks of God hearing the desire of the afflicted and defending the fatherless and oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17
- A call to defend the oppressed, linking the theme of justice and care for those suffering.

James 5:4
- The cries of the oppressed workers reach the ears of the Lord, emphasizing God's attention to injustice.

Luke 18:1-8
- The parable of the persistent widow, illustrating the importance of persistent prayer and God's justice.
Elihu's Third Speech: the Profit of GodlinessE. Johnson Job 35:1-16
The Cry that is not unto GodR. Green Job 35:9-11
People
Elihu, Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Arm, Cause, Cruel, Cry, Crying, Grief, Load, Making, Mighty, Multitude, Oppressed, Oppression, Oppressions, Plead, Powerful, Reason, Relief, Sounds, Strong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 35:9

     5126   arm
     5569   suffering, hardship

Job 35:9-10

     6169   godlessness
     8779   materialism, nature of

Library
Questions which Ought to be Asked
ELIHU PERCEIVED the great ones of the earth oppressing the needy, and he traced their domineering tyranny to their forgetfulness of God: "None saith, Where is God my Maker?" Surely, had they thought of God they could not have acted so unjustly. Worse still, if I understand Elihu aright, he complained that even among the oppressed there was the same departure in heart from the Lord: they cried out by reason of the arm of the mighty, but unhappily they did not cry unto God their Maker, though he waits
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

Songs in the Night
"But none saith, Where is God my Maker, who giveth songs in the night?"--Job 35:10. ELIHU was a wise man, exceeding wise, though not as wise as the all-wise Jehovah, who sees light in the clouds, and finds order in confusion; hence Elihu, being much puzzled at beholding Job thus afflicted, cast about him to find the cause of it, and he very wisely hit upon one of the most likely reasons, although it did not happen to be the right one in Job's case. He said within himself--"Surely, if men be tried
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 44: 1898

Spurgeon -- Songs in the Night
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born at Kelvedon, Essex, England, in 1834. He was one of the most powerful and popular preachers of his time, and his extraordinary force of character and wonderful enthusiasm attracted vast audiences. His voice was unusually powerful, clear and melodious, and he used it with consummate skill. In the preparation of his sermons he meditated much but wrote not a word, so that he was in the truest sense a purely extemporaneous speaker. Sincerity, intensity, imagination and
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

'Why Should I?'
Thou saidst, What advantage will it be? What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.' (Job xxxv. 3, 4.) In reading these words I have no wish to enter into the controversy between Job and his friends as to the relationship of physical suffering to sin, but to emphasize a certain mental attitude which they indicate, and which often expresses itself in relation to other things. The human mind is so constituted that men will not commit
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its Design
. 1, 2.That true religion is very rare, appears from comparing the nature of it with the lives and characters of men around us.--3. The want of it, matter of just lamentation.--4. To remedy this evil is the design of the ensuing Treatise.--5, 6. To which, therefore, the Author earnestly bespeaks the attention of the reader, as his own heart is deeply interested in it.--7 to 12. A general plan of the Work; of which the first fifteen chapters relate chiefly to the Rise of Religion, and the remaining
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The New Song
Heinrich Suso Job xxxv. 10 O Lord, in my songs I have praised Thee For all that was sweet and was fair; And now a new song would I sing Thee, A song that is wondrous and rare. A song of the heart that is broken, A song of the sighs and the tears, The sickness, the want, and the sadness Of the days of our pilgrimage years. A song of the widows and orphans, Of the weary and hungry and sad-- Loud praise of the will Thou has broken, The will of the young and the glad. A song of the outcasts and martyrs,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Whether the Motive of Anger is Always Something done against the one who is Angry?
Objection 1: It would seem that the motive of anger is not always something done against the one who is angry. Because man, by sinning, can do nothing against God; since it is written (Job 35:6): "If thy iniquities be multiplied, what shalt thou do against Him?" And yet God is spoken of as being angry with man on account of sin, according to Ps. 105:40: "The Lord was exceedingly angry with His people." Therefore it is not always on account of something done against him, that a man is angry. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Man May Merit Anything from God?
Objection 1: It would seem that a man can merit nothing from God. For no one, it would seem, merits by giving another his due. But by all the good we do, we cannot make sufficient return to God, since yet more is His due, as also the Philosopher says (Ethic. viii, 14). Hence it is written (Lk. 17:10): "When you have done all these things that are commanded you, say: We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do." Therefore a man can merit nothing from God. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Beneficence is an Act of Charity?
Objection 1: It would seem that beneficence is not an act of charity. For charity is chiefly directed to God. Now we cannot benefit God, according to Job 35:7: "What shalt thou give Him? or what shall He receive of thy hand?" Therefore beneficence is not an act of charity. Objection 2: Further, beneficence consists chiefly in making gifts. But this belongs to liberality. Therefore beneficence is an act of liberality and not of charity. Objection 3: Further, what a man gives, he gives either as being
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Human Action is Meritorious or Demeritorious Before God, According as it is Good or Evil?
Objection 1: It would seem that man's actions, good or evil, are not meritorious or demeritorious in the sight of God. Because, as stated above [1202](A[3]), merit and demerit imply relation to retribution for good or harm done to another. But a man's action, good or evil, does no good or harm to God; for it is written (Job 35:6,7): "If thou sin, what shalt thou hurt Him? . . . And if thou do justly, what shalt thou give Him?" Therefore a human action, good or evil, is not meritorious or demeritorious
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Sin is Aggravated by Reason of Its Causing More Harm?
Objection 1: It would seem that a sin is not aggravated by reason of its causing more harm. Because the harm done is an issue consequent to the sinful act. But the issue of an act does not add to its goodness or malice, as stated above ([1736]Q[20], A[5]). Therefore a sin is not aggravated on account of its causing more harm. Objection 2: Further, harm is inflicted by sins against our neighbor. Because no one wishes to harm himself: and no one can harm God, according to Job 35:6, 8: "If thy iniquities
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man
THERE are not a few difficulties in the account, which Moses has given of the creation of the world, and of the formation, and temptation, and fall of our first parents. Some by the six days of the creation have understood as many years. Whilst others have thought the creation of the world instantaneous: and that the number of days mentioned by Moses is only intended to assist our conception, who are best able to think of things in order of succession. No one part of this account is fuller of difficulties,
Nathaniel Lardner—An Essay on the Mosaic Account of the Creation and Fall of Man

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and Exhorted to the Exercise of Habitual Love to Him, and Joy in Him.
1. A holy joy in God, our privilege as well as our duty.--2. The Christian invited to the exercise of it.--3. By the consideration of temporal mercies.--4. And of spiritual favors.--5. By the views of eternal happiness.--6. And of the mercies of God to others, the living and the dead.--7. The chapter closes with an exhortation to this heavenly exercise. And with an example of the genuine workings of this grateful joy in God. 1. I WOULD now suppose my reader to find, on an examination of his spiritual
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Whether a Man Can Merit Anything from God
Whether a Man can Merit Anything from God We proceed to the first article thus: 1. It seems that a man cannot merit anything from God. No one merits a reward by repaying what he owes to another. But we cannot even fully repay what we owe to God, by all the good that we do. For we always owe him more than this, as the philosopher says in 8 Ethics 14. Hence it is said in Luke 17:10: "when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether it is Necessary for the Salvation of All, that they Should Believe Explicitly in the Mystery of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not necessary for the salvation of all that they should believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ. For man is not bound to believe explicitly what the angels are ignorant about: since the unfolding of faith is the result of Divine revelation, which reaches man by means of the angels, as stated above [2287](A[6]; [2288]FP, Q[111], A[1]). Now even the angels were in ignorance of the mystery of the Incarnation: hence, according to the commentary of Dionysius (Coel.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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