Commentary on Job 35:7

Job 35:7 states, "If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?" This verse appears in the speech of Elihu, one of Job's interlocutors, and captures a fundamental question regarding the nature of God's justice and human righteousness. Through this commentary, we will explore key insights provided by esteemed biblical scholars and commentators in the public domain.

Contextual Background

The Book of Job is a poetic text that wrestles with profound questions of suffering, justice, and the character of God. Elihu, who speaks in chapters 32-37, presents a different perspective from that of Job’s other friends. He asserts that God’s ways are beyond human understanding and emphasizes the importance of divine sovereignty.

The Nature of Righteousness

In this verse, Elihu challenges Job’s conception of righteousness. As Matthew Henry elaborates, the essence of Elihu’s question is that righteousness does not benefit God inherently. God's omnipotence means that He is self-sufficient and not in need of anything from humans.

• Human Behavior: Henry points out that Job's righteousness does not affect God directly. Rather, it impacts humanity itself. Righteous actions foster social cohesion and personal integrity.
• Divine Nature: By asserting that righteousness does not add to God's glory, Elihu emphasizes that God's nature is unchangeable and self-sustaining.

Implications for Suffering

Albert Barnes notes that Elihu’s argument serves to mitigate the self-centered approach Job took towards his suffering. Job seemed to argue that his righteousness should compel God to treat him fairly. Barnes posits that Elihu is correcting this thought by emphasizing that God is not under obligation to reward or punish based on human standards of justice.

• Suffering and Divine Justice: Barnes highlights that human righteousness does not dictate God’s justice. God’s ways may not align with human expectations, yet His decisions are always just and wise.
• Call to Humility: The passage serves as an admonition to recognize the limits of human understanding. A believer should approach God with a sense of humility, acknowledging His sovereignty over human ethics and justice.

The Reception of Righteousness

Adam Clarke offers additional insights by examining the reciprocal nature of human interaction with God. He posits that while humans may seek to understand what they can contribute to God, Elihu's assertion points to the reality that God’s existence is not contingent upon human actions.

• Theological Insights: Clarke argues that God does not derive benefit from human righteousness; rather, it is the humans themselves who benefit from living righteously through the peace and joy it brings.
• God's Sovereign Will: Clarke emphasizes that God’s governance of the world is rooted in His wisdom and that our perceptions of merit and reward are often flawed.

Theological Reflection

This verse ultimately invites deeper reflection on the relationship between humanity and divinity. It challenges contemporary believers to reconsider the transactional view of righteousness – that following God’s law will automatically yield blessings. Understanding that God operates outside of human measures of justice compels a reassessment of motivations for righteousness and the nature of God's grace.

Application for Pastoral Ministry

For pastors and leaders, this commentary prompts vital considerations regarding how the doctrine of God's sovereignty relates to pastoral care and counseling. It is essential to guide congregants away from a consumer mentality about faith, towards a more profound understanding of God’s character.

• Encouraging Authentic Faith: Encourage believers to pursue righteousness for its own sake, rather than for perceived rewards or relief from suffering.
• Preaching on God's Sovereignty: Use this passage to teach on the greatness of God, reminding the congregation that His plans and purposes are often beyond human comprehension.

Conclusion

Job 35:7 serves as a profound reminder of the nature of our relationship with God. It illustrates the futility of viewing righteousness as a currency that obligates God. The insights provided by Henry, Barnes, and Clarke remind us of the need for humility, a deeper trust in divine wisdom, and an understanding of the intrinsic value of living righteously, not for reward, but for the sake of embodying God's principles in a fallen world.