God Disciplines to Save: Exploring Divine Justice in Job 36

Executive Summary

Job 36 presents Elihu’s continued discourse, further exploring the intricacies of divine justice. Elihu emphasizes God’s sovereignty, righteousness, and the purpose behind suffering. He argues that God disciplines to save, refining and instructing humanity through trials. This chapter highlights that suffering, while painful, is not necessarily a sign of God’s disfavor but can be a means of purification and growth. We will examine how God’s chastisement aims to turn us from wickedness and lead us to repentance and a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, Elihu paints a picture of a God who is both just and merciful, utilizing discipline as a tool for salvation. Understanding this perspective offers solace in times of adversity and encourages us to seek God’s wisdom amidst our trials. The message of Job 36: God Disciplines to Save resonates with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of suffering as a path to spiritual maturity.

Introduction: In this exposition of Job 36, we delve into the heart of Elihu’s argument, a profound assertion that God’s discipline is a pathway to salvation. We will unpack Elihu’s theological position, exploring the implications of a just and merciful God who utilizes suffering as a tool for spiritual refinement. The commentary aims to shed light on the Coptic Orthodox understanding of suffering, drawing from scripture, patristic teachings, and practical applications for contemporary life.

Commentary: Job 36, Verse by Verse

Job 36:1 (KJV): Elihu also proceeded, and said,

Job 36:1 (NKJV): Elihu also proceeded, and said:

Elihu continues his discourse, indicating a sustained argument and unwavering conviction in his perspective. He approaches the matter with the confidence of one who believes he possesses deeper insight into God’s ways. This persistence underscores the importance of earnestly seeking God’s wisdom, even when faced with complex theological questions. St. Athanasius the Apostolic emphasizes this dedication to understanding divine mysteries, stating, “Οὐκ ἔστιν οὖν ἄξιον, ἀγαπητοί, δειλιάσαι, οὐδὲ ἀπολιπεῖν τὴν ἀλήθειαν.” (It is therefore not fitting, beloved, to be afraid, nor to abandon the truth) (Ad Episcopos Aegypti et Libyae, 13). The call to persevere in understanding God applies today as much as ever. ✨

Spiritual Application: Endure in seeking understanding of God’s purpose even amidst confusion and doubt.

Job 36:2 (KJV): Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.

Job 36:2 (NKJV): Bear with me a little, and I will show you that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.

Elihu requests patience, asserting that he speaks not from his own wisdom, but “on God’s behalf.” This declaration highlights the role of the theologian as a conduit of divine truth. It reflects the Coptic Orthodox understanding of clergy and teachers as those called to accurately represent God’s will. St. Cyril of Alexandria speaks of the priest as the mouth of God, “Στόμα γάρ ἐστι τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ ἱερεύς.” (For the priest is the mouth of God). This underscores the responsibility to speak with discernment and a genuine desire to reveal God’s nature.📖

Spiritual Application: Approach discourse with humility, seeking to represent God’s perspective rather than one’s own.

Job 36:3 (KJV): I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

Job 36:3 (NKJV): I will fetch my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

Elihu’s “knowledge from afar” suggests a comprehensive understanding, perhaps drawn from wisdom traditions or divine revelation. Ascribing “righteousness to my Maker” is a crucial declaration, affirming God’s inherent justice, even when His actions are perplexing. This notion aligns with the Coptic Orthodox belief in God’s unfailing righteousness. The Deuterocanonical book of Wisdom (5:17) states, “He will take his zeal as a complete set of armor and will arm all creation to punish his enemies.” This demonstrates God’s perfect justice and righteousness.🛡️

Spiritual Application: Affirm God’s righteousness, even when His ways are mysterious. Remember that His justice is perfect, though we may not understand it.

Job 36:4 (KJV): For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.

Job 36:4 (NKJV): For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

Elihu emphasizes the truthfulness of his words, suggesting that “he that is perfect in knowledge” (God Himself) is guiding him. This points towards the importance of divine inspiration in understanding God’s will. We can’t understand God or His workings without the grace and illumination of the Holy Spirit. This resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the source of divine wisdom. St. Basil the Great wrote, “Τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον πηγὴ ἁγιότητος.” (The Holy Spirit is the source of holiness). (De Spiritu Sancto, 9). This Holy Spirit empowers us to grasp truth.

Spiritual Application: Pray for divine guidance and illumination in understanding God’s truth.

Job 36:5 (KJV): Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

Job 36:5 (NKJV): Behold, God is mighty, but does not despise anyone; He is mighty in strength of understanding.

This verse highlights God’s power (“mighty”) and His compassion (“despiseth not any”). This is a crucial assertion, especially in the face of suffering. Elihu assures that God’s power does not lead to indifference but is tempered by His love. This belief resonates with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on the Philanthropic God, “Φιλάνθρωπος”. God is not a distant, uncaring force, but actively engaged in His creation. This echoes the Psalms (Psalm 145:8) that states “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”🕊️

Spiritual Application: Remember that God’s power is coupled with compassion and love, offering comfort in times of distress.

Job 36:6 (KJV): He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.

Job 36:6 (NKJV): He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed.

This verse highlights divine justice. God does not allow wickedness to prosper indefinitely and provides justice for the oppressed. This reinforces the importance of righteousness and the eventual triumph of good over evil. We find support for this in the story of the great flood of Noah (Genesis 6-9) where God judges the wickedness of humanity. This reinforces the inherent goodness of God’s justice.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s justice, even when wickedness seems to prevail. Maintain hope that God will deliver the oppressed.

Job 36:7 (KJV): He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.

Job 36:7 (NKJV): He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; But they are on the throne with kings, For He has seated them forever, And they are exalted.

God watches over the righteous, elevating them and establishing them. This verse emphasizes God’s providential care for those who live according to His will. This can be understood both literally, in terms of earthly rulers, and metaphorically, in terms of spiritual authority. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the Saints serve as an example of those who have been exalted due to their righteousness.👑

Spiritual Application: Seek righteousness, knowing that God watches over those who strive to live according to His will. Follow the example of the Saints who model righteousness.

Job 36:8-10 (KJV): And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

Job 36:8-10 (NKJV): And if they are bound in fetters, Held in the cords of affliction, Then He tells them their work and their transgressions—That they have acted proudly. He also opens their ear to instruction, And commands that they turn from iniquity.

These verses explain the purpose of suffering: to reveal sin and prompt repentance. God uses affliction to draw people back to Himself. “He openeth also their ear to discipline” is crucial, highlighting that suffering can be a learning experience, a form of divine instruction. This is a core theme in Coptic Orthodox asceticism: recognizing and repenting of our sins. The Desert Fathers, such as St. Anthony the Great, emphasize the value of solitude and self-examination for this purpose. 📜

Spiritual Application: View suffering as an opportunity for self-examination and repentance. Listen for God’s voice in the midst of adversity.

Job 36:11 (KJV): If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

Job 36:11 (NKJV): If they obey and serve Him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.

Obedience and service to God lead to prosperity and joy. This verse presents a conditional promise, emphasizing the blessings that follow righteous living. This is not a guarantee of a life without problems, but that true joy stems from obedience to God. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that, in serving God, we are released from the bondage of our passions, and can experience true joy. ✨

Spiritual Application: Strive for obedience and service to God, trusting that He will bless your life with true joy and prosperity.

Job 36:12 (KJV): But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

Job 36:12 (NKJV): But if they do not obey, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.

Conversely, disobedience leads to destruction and ignorance. This verse highlights the consequences of rejecting God’s instruction and choosing a path of wickedness. “Die without knowledge” suggests a spiritual death, a separation from God’s wisdom and grace. St. Isaac the Syrian speaks extensively on the danger of spiritual ignorance, stating that it is the root of all sin.💀

Spiritual Application: Recognize the dangers of disobedience and strive to live in accordance with God’s will, lest you perish without true knowledge of Him.

Job 36:13-14 (KJV): But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.

Job 36:13-14 (NKJV): But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath; They do not cry out when He binds them. They die in youth, And their life is among the perverted prostitutes.

These verses depict the fate of the “hypocrites in heart” who accumulate wrath. Their lack of repentance and their early demise serve as a warning against insincerity and wickedness. “They cry not when he bindeth them” shows a complete absence of humility and recognition of their errors. This is a key element of true repentance in the Coptic tradition: to acknowledge your sins and cry out to God for forgiveness. 😭

Spiritual Application: Avoid hypocrisy and cultivate a sincere heart before God. Do not harden your heart in the face of correction, but cry out to Him for mercy.

Job 36:15 (KJV): He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.

Job 36:15 (NKJV): He delivers the poor in their affliction, And opens their ears in oppression.

God delivers the afflicted and opens their ears even in oppression. This verse reiterates God’s compassion for the suffering and His ability to teach them through adversity. The phrase “opens their ears” suggests that suffering can lead to a greater receptivity to God’s voice. This is a central tenet of Coptic Orthodox spiritual warfare: to understand and use the suffering the enemy inflicts to draw closer to God.👂

Spiritual Application: Trust that God can use even your suffering to open your ears to His voice and deliver you from affliction.

Job 36:16-23 (KJV): Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?

Job 36:16-23 (NKJV): Also He would have removed you out of dire distress, Into a broad place where there is no restriction; And what is set on your table would be full of richness. But you are filled with the judgment due the wicked; Judgment and justice take hold of you. Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with one blow; Then a great ransom cannot deliver you. Will your riches be valued? No, not gold nor all the forces of strength. Do not desire the night, When people are cut off in their place. Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, For you have chosen this rather than affliction. Behold, God is exalted by His power; Who teaches like Him? Who has prescribed His way for Him? Or who can say, ‘You have done wrong’?

Here, Elihu warns Job against complacency. Even though he’s in pain, Elihu cautions him against choosing iniquity over affliction, emphasizing God’s ultimate power and justice. No one can question God’s actions. Elihu emphasizes that riches and power are of no value in the face of God’s judgment. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of earthly possessions as fleeting and ultimately secondary to spiritual wealth. St. Macarius the Great speaks of the importance of detaching from worldly things to attain spiritual freedom. This detachment is necessary to focus on the eternal.

Spiritual Application: Beware of complacency and pride. Remember that true wealth lies in a relationship with God, not in earthly possessions or power. Seek God’s wisdom above all else.

Job 36:24-25 (KJV): Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.

Job 36:24-25 (NKJV): Remember to magnify His work, Of which men have sung. Everyone has seen it; Man looks on it from afar.

Elihu urges Job (and all people) to acknowledge and praise God’s works. God’s creation is visible to all, but it requires a spiritual eye to truly appreciate its significance and the wisdom of its Creator. This calls for active reflection on God’s presence in the world. Within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we constantly give thanks for God’s blessings. Every prayer begins with “Thank you, my Master,” acknowledging God’s goodness and the works He has performed.🙌

Spiritual Application: Take time to appreciate God’s creation and to magnify His works. See the beauty and wisdom of God in the world around you.

Job 36:26-33 (KJV): Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

Job 36:26-33 (NKJV): Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered. For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy? Look, He scatters His light upon it, And covers the depths of the sea. For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance. He covers His hands with lightning, And commands it to strike. His thunder declares His way; Even the cattle, concerning what is coming.

The chapter concludes with an exaltation of God’s incomprehensible greatness and His control over nature. The natural world is a testimony to God’s power and wisdom, but ultimately beyond human comprehension. The mysteries of the natural world point to the greater mystery of God. Contemporary science reveals the incredible complexities of the water cycle and weather patterns, which God still controls. This can lead to a greater respect for the divine. 🌧️

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge the limits of human understanding and marvel at God’s infinite wisdom. Seek to understand Him through His creation, but recognize that He will always remain beyond our full comprehension.

Subtopic: God’s Discipline and Spiritual Growth

Elihu’s discourse highlights a crucial theme: the purpose of suffering in spiritual development. God’s discipline is not arbitrary punishment but a loving correction aimed at refining our character and drawing us closer to Him.

• Correction, not Punishment: God’s discipline is intended to correct our behavior and attitudes, not to inflict punishment.
• Opportunity for Repentance: Suffering can provide an opportunity to recognize our sins and turn back to God.
• Spiritual Growth: Overcoming trials can strengthen our faith and build spiritual resilience.
• Deeper Relationship with God: Affliction can drive us to seek God’s comfort and guidance, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
• Humility: Suffering can humble us, breaking down pride and self-reliance.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does God allow suffering in the lives of the righteous?

A: God allows suffering to test and refine our faith, to teach us humility, and to draw us closer to Him. Suffering is not necessarily a punishment, but a tool for spiritual growth, as Elihu argues in Job 36. It ultimately strengthens our character and leads to greater spiritual maturity.

Q: How can I discern God’s purpose in my suffering?

A: Seek God through prayer and Scripture, examine your heart for areas of sin or pride, and ask for guidance from trusted spiritual mentors. The purpose is often revealed through introspection and God’s guidance, leading us to repentance or spiritual growth.

Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox perspective on suffering?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church views suffering as a means of purification and spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to draw closer to God, to develop humility, and to conform ourselves to the image of Christ. Suffering is not sought after but embraced for its potential benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Job 36, through Elihu’s pronouncements, offers profound insights into the nature of divine justice. The chapter underscores that God Disciplines to Save, using trials and tribulations as instruments for correction, refinement, and ultimate redemption. God’s discipline, therefore, is not an act of vengeful punishment, but a manifestation of His love and mercy. This passage challenges the simplistic notion of suffering as a sign of God’s disfavor. Rather, it suggests that through adversity, we can experience profound spiritual growth, deepen our relationship with the Divine, and ultimately turn away from iniquity. By understanding that our suffering has the potential to be a pathway to salvation, we can find solace in times of hardship and seek God’s wisdom in navigating the complexities of life.

Tags

Job 36, Elihu, God’s Discipline, Suffering, Divine Justice, Coptic Orthodox Theology, Repentance, Salvation, Spiritual Growth, Affliction

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Explore Job 36’s profound message: God Disciplines to Save. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on divine justice, suffering, and spiritual growth. Discover hope and understanding.