Job 36:22

So we may divide the address into two parts, each with further divisions as the thought moves on. God's dealings among men (Job 36:1-21). His ways in nature (Job 36:22-37:24).

The chapter division in the King James Version is at fault. These closing verses of the thirty-sixth chapter begin the final section of Elihu's testimony. This man's witness to the ways of God in creation is great beyond words, both in its wording and in its reverence. They show that he does not speak of himself, but that the One who is perfect in knowledge speaks through him.

Elihu turns again to speak of the greatness and glory of God as He is, and no longer of Job's own inner need. If a man recognises God for who He is, this has a vital effect on how he responds. God is all-powerful, so He must have the place of highest exaltation. Who else, then, could teach as He does? (v.22). On the one hand, who has ever given God an assignment? On the other hand, who dares to tell Him He has done wrong? (v.23). Only contemptible pride could ever have such an attitude.

The point pressed here is the teaching of God. It is not merely that God saves a soul from going down into the pit — the point is that God teaches. "Who has prescribed for him his way, or who can say, 'You have done wrong'?" It means, Who can say it to God?

He speaks as the interpreter who was needed, "one of a thousand." He exposes Job's rashness, and shows that his friends could not solve the problem. He supplies the key: God uses trial and suffering for the blessing of souls. In Job 33 he shows this for people in general, to deliver a man from going down to the pit. In Job 36 it is to open the ears of the righteous to instruction, since they might go badly wrong and fall.

Job ought to understand that "He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous" — "He opens their ears to instruction" — "He delivers the afflicted by their affliction." Here is where Job had failed. He had been busy justifying himself, instead of having his ear opened to discipline. A soul makes an immense advance when it comes to this and sees things as from God's side. When I have a true sense of what He is, the effect must be to humble myself under His mighty hand, and to wait on Him.

The transition from the previous verses to what is to come is very beautiful. In these first three subdivisions we begin with "Behold" (vv. 22, 26, 30). Who is a great God like Him? Who teaches like Him, both in the mind of man and in nature? Can we charge such a One with evil? Instead, let us magnify His works — the theme of men in their song.

The word "Bethel," on the lips of the Lord and in the ear of Jacob, had done wonders. "A word in season, how good it is!" — surely we may remember that again. "Behold, God is exalted in His power; who is a teacher like Him?"