Commentary on Job 35:6

Introduction:

Job 35:6 states, "If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?" This verse presents a profound inquiry into the nature of sin, the relationship between humanity and God, and the implications of human actions on divine reality. In examining this passage, we will draw insights from public domain commentaries by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

Understanding the Context

Job 35 is part of a discourse by Elihu, a younger companion of Job who arises to address the long-standing debates about suffering, justice, and God's sovereignty. Elihu diverges from Job's friends, asserting that God's ways are higher than human understanding and that human sin does not affect God in the way one might usually assume.

Exegesis of Job 35:6

Elihu's Argument: In this verse, Elihu indicates that human transgressions do not alter God's essence or diminish His authority. Matthew Henry explains that Elihu aims to uphold God’s majesty and remind Job that his sins do not truly add or take away from God’s perfections. This perspective is crucial for understanding the nature of God’s justice and might.

Consequences of Sin: Albert Barnes adds that while sin can have dramatic consequences for the sinner, it does not impact God Himself. Sin can create a separation in the relationship between humans and God, but it does not change God’s being or character. Humans risk their own loss and suffering through sin, not divine retribution that alters God's nature.

Theological Insights

• The Sovereignty of God:

  Job 35:6 emphasizes God's sovereignty and unfathomable nature. Adam Clarke notes that God is self-sufficient and unaffected by human sin. This view encourages believers to recognize that their actions must be viewed within the framework of God's eternal plan, reminding them of their creaturely limitations.

• The Illusion of Control:

  Job's contemplation of his suffering leads Elihu to highlight the futility of thinking that human actions can impact God. In this light, Henry writes about the absurdity of attempting to manipulate a divine being who is beyond human comprehension.

• The Relationship Between Sin and Suffering:

  The verse also draws attention to the relationship between sin and its repercussions in the life of an individual, emphasizing that while God maintains His justice, He allows humans to experience the consequences of their actions. The idea echoes through biblical texts that communicate God's justice and mercy in tandem.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, and theologians, this verse encourages a profound contemplation of human sin and its implications. Here are some practical applications:

• Self-Examination: The verse invites believers to examine their lives, understanding that their sins influence their communion with God but do not affect God's fundamental nature.
• Understanding Divine Justice: Believers must grapple with the balance between God's overarching justice and mercy, as highlighted in Elihu's speeches.
• Encouraging Repentance: Those who study this passage should be encouraged to approach God with humility and a desire for repentance, recognizing the weight of sin in their lives.
• Sovereignty in Suffering:

  Believers should be encouraged to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that their suffering does not alter God's plan or diminish His glory.

Conclusion

Job 35:6 stands as a reflective statement on the nature of sin, human action, and divine sovereignty. It invites readers to explore profound theological truths about God’s independence from human failings while still calling them to live in righteousness. These insights have far-reaching implications for contemporary faith life, encouraging believers to align their lives with God's will rather than getting caught up in the false belief that their shortcomings could somehow impact God Himself.