Commentary on Job 36:3

Verse: "I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker."

Introduction

The verse in Job 36:3 presents a profound declaration regarding knowledge, righteousness, and the divine nature of God. In these few words, Elihu, a young man who speaks up in the discourse, asserts his intent to convey a deeper understanding of God's character and His ways. This commentary synthesizes insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, providing a comprehensive analysis suitable for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars.

Elihu's Role and Purpose

Elihu offers a different perspective than that of Job's other friends. While they focus on the immediate consequences of sin and suffering, Elihu aims to point to God's righteousness and wisdom in the midst of affliction. His call to knowledge from afar indicates a broader vision, transcending the immediate context of Job's suffering.

• Matthew Henry: Henry notes that Elihu's statement reflects an understanding that true wisdom comes from God alone. He emphasizes that seeking knowledge from a distance suggests an objective stance, attempting to understand divine justice independent of personal emotions or experiences.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes highlights Elihu's confidence in retrieving knowledge from the divine source, which signifies the importance of obtaining biblical truth and revelation, rather than relying on human understanding alone.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses the notion that Elihu's pursuit of knowledge is untainted by the bitterness that plagued the earlier interlocutors in the dialogue. He portrays Elihu as a seeker of truth who is intellectually rigorous in asserting God's righteousness.

Ascribing Righteousness to God

In Job 36:3, the phrase "will ascribe righteousness to my Maker" is central to Elihu's argument. This reflects a crucial theological stance: God is inherently righteous and just, regardless of human suffering. The claim serves multiple purposes:

• Affirmation of Divine Justice: Elihu contends that God operates from a position of perfect justice. The implication is that even in suffering, God's righteousness remains unassailable. Henry affirms, "In all His ways, God is righteous, and to deny this is to invalidate His authority."
• Counter to Misconceptions: Job's suffering leads him to question God's justice. Elihu aims to correct this misconception by emphasizing God's impartiality and commitment to righteousness. Barnes reiterates that God's dealings are grounded in His holiness.
• Encouragement for the Sufferer: The acknowledgment of God's righteousness serves as a source of comfort for believers. Clarke remarks on how recognizing God's attributes in difficult times can restore hope and provide clarity.

Knowledge from Afar

The pursuit of knowledge from a distance implies a deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the divine. Elihu’s intention to "fetch" knowledge suggests that honesty and integrity in biblical understanding are vital. Key insights include:

• God’s Sovereignty: By looking beyond immediate circumstances, believers are invited to witness God's sovereign plan. Henry posits that God’s ways often surpass human comprehension, making it essential to approach Him with an attitude of humility and inquiry.
• Theological Reflection: There’s a call for deeper theological reflection. As Barnes explains, understanding the breadth of theological principles leads to more profound theological knowledge, which is essential for navigating life’s complexities.
• Revelation and Experience: Clarke discusses the balance of revelation through Scripture and personal experience in discerning divine truths. Knowledge from afar encompasses both theoretical understanding and experiential testimony.

Application for Modern Readers

This verse resonates significantly for contemporary believers, especially during times of trial:

• Encouraging Study: The call to fetch knowledge serves as an encouragement for believers to engage with Scripture and sound theological resources actively. Those in ministry can benefit from Elihu's approach, seeking to deepen their understanding of God's righteousness.
• Perspective on Suffering: Acknowledging God's righteousness in suffering challenges modern views on divine justice. It encourages believers to maintain faith in God’s goodness despite outward circumstances. Understanding this attribute can foster resilience.
• Promotion of Righteous Living: Ascribing righteousness to God calls believers to reflect God's character in their lives. As Henry notes, when God’s righteousness is internalized, it results in a life that emulates that righteousness.

Conclusion

Job 36:3 encapsulates a prayerful assertion of God's righteousness and wisdom. Elihu acts as a mediator of divine truth, encouraging readers to pursue comprehensive knowledge of God. Through insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, it becomes evident that understanding God's righteousness aids believers in navigating suffering while encouraging a life of faith and integrity. As contemporary readers engage with this passage, they are reminded to seek divine knowledge earnestly, thereby ascribing righteousness to their Maker.