Job Chapter 35 — Elihu on God's Transcendence
Elihu argues that God is beyond being affected by human behavior and explains that God may remain silent when people cry out without genuine seeking.
1Moreover Elihu answered,
2“Do you think this to be your right,
3that you ask, ‘What advantage will it be to you?
4I will answer you,
5Look to the skies, and see.
6If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him?
7If you are righteous, what do you give him?
8Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are,
9“By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out.
10But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker,
11who teaches us more than the animals of the earth,
12There they cry, but no one answers,
13Surely God will not hear an empty cry,
14How much less when you say you don’t see him.
15But now, because he has not visited in his anger,
16therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Job 35:5-7
“Look to the skies, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you. If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? ... If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?”
This passage highlights Elihu's central argument that God's nature is independent of human actions.
Job 35:10-11
“But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches us more than the animals of the earth...’”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's character and wisdom rather than just relief from suffering.
Job 35:13
“Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.”
Elihu uses this to explain why some prayers for help seem to go unanswered.
Chapter Summary
In Job Chapter 35, Elihu continues his address to Job by challenging the idea that righteousness provides a personal advantage that God is somehow obligated to reward. Elihu instructs Job to look at the heavens, illustrating that God is so high above humanity that human sin does not harm Him, nor does human righteousness add anything to Him. Instead, Elihu asserts that human conduct only affects other people. He then addresses the common complaint regarding why God does not always answer the cries of the oppressed. Elihu suggests that many people cry out merely because of their suffering rather than truly seeking 'God my Maker.' He concludes that God does not listen to 'empty cries' and rebukes Job for what he perceives as arrogant and unlearned speech regarding God's silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elihu argues that God is transcendent and unaffected by human behavior. He explains that while human sin or righteousness affects other people, it does not change God's status or diminish His sovereignty.
According to the text, Elihu believes God ignores 'empty cries' from those who are proud or who only cry out because of physical pain without truly seeking God their Maker.
The phrase refers to the comfort, hope, and divine guidance God provides to individuals during their darkest or most difficult circumstances.
Study Note
Elihu's use of 'God my Maker' in verse 10 reflects a shift toward acknowledging God's creative role and the distinction between humans and animals.
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