Anchor My Faith

Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,063 words, 6 minutes read time

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The Majesty, Justice, and Sovereignty of God

Section 1: Job 35:1–16 – Elihu Speaks About God’s Justice

Overview:
Elihu challenges Job’s statements about his righteousness and suffering. He argues that human righteousness or sin does not change God’s essential nature, because God is far above humanity. Elihu explains that people often cry out because of suffering but fail to seek God with humility and worship. He suggests that Job’s complaints have lacked understanding and reverence. Though Elihu’s perspective is incomplete, he correctly emphasizes God’s greatness and humanity’s dependence upon Him.

Theological Themes:

• God’s transcendence above humanity.
• Human dependence on God despite limited understanding.
• The danger of pride in suffering.
• God’s justice and wisdom exceed human reasoning.

Key Verse:
Job 35:10 – “But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What point is Elihu making about human righteousness and sin?
   Answer: He emphasizes that God’s nature is not dependent on humanity; God remains sovereign and perfect regardless of human behavior.
2. Why does Elihu believe people often miss God in suffering?
   Answer: Because they focus more on relief from pain than seeking God with humility and trust.
3. What can believers learn from this chapter about responding to hardship?
   Answer: Suffering should move us toward worship, dependence, and trust in God rather than pride or accusation.

Section 2: Job 36:1–21 – Elihu Describes God’s Discipline and Greatness

Overview:
Elihu continues by defending God’s justice and wisdom. He explains that God disciplines people not to destroy them but to turn them away from sin and draw them back to Himself. Affliction can become a means of instruction and spiritual growth. Elihu warns Job not to let anger or bitterness lead him away from trusting God. He reminds Job that God is exalted in power and acts with perfect justice, even when His purposes are difficult to understand.

Theological Themes:

• God’s discipline as an expression of His wisdom.
• Suffering as a means of spiritual instruction.
• God’s perfect justice and power.
• The call to humility and repentance.

Key Verse:
Job 36:15 – “He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How does Elihu view suffering in this passage?
   Answer: He sees suffering as a tool God may use to correct, teach, and restore people.
2. Why does Elihu warn Job against bitterness?
   Answer: Because bitterness can harden the heart and pull a person away from trusting God’s wisdom.
3. What does this chapter teach about God’s discipline?
   Answer: God’s discipline is purposeful and meant to draw people closer to Him, not merely punish them.

Section 3: Job 36:22–33 – God’s Greatness Displayed in Creation

Overview:
Elihu turns Job’s attention to the majesty of God revealed in creation. He describes God as exalted beyond human understanding, governing the clouds, rain, thunder, and storms with wisdom and power. Nature itself testifies to God’s greatness and authority. Elihu reminds Job that humanity can observe God’s works but cannot fully comprehend His ways. The approaching storm becomes a dramatic backdrop preparing for God Himself to speak in the next chapters.

Theological Themes:

• God’s greatness revealed through creation.
• Human limitations in understanding God fully.
• God’s sovereign control over nature.
• Creation as a testimony to God’s power and wisdom.

Key Verse:
Job 36:26 – “Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Elihu focus on creation in this section?
   Answer: To remind Job of God’s immense wisdom and power displayed throughout the natural world.
2. What does nature reveal about God according to Elihu?
   Answer: It reveals His sovereignty, majesty, order, and sustaining power over all things.
3. How should recognizing God’s greatness affect our response to suffering?
   Answer: It should lead us to humility and trust, knowing God’s wisdom exceeds our understanding.

Section 4: Job 37:1–13 – God’s Voice in the Storm

Overview:
Elihu vividly describes thunder, lightning, snow, rain, and storms as manifestations of God’s majestic voice and authority. He portrays creation responding instantly to God’s commands. The weather demonstrates both God’s power and His purposes; whether for correction, provision, or love. Elihu encourages Job to pause and consider the wondrous works of God instead of questioning Him. The storm imagery builds anticipation for God’s direct appearance.

Theological Themes:

• God’s sovereign rule over creation.
• Nature as a display of divine power and authority.
• God’s purposes in both judgment and blessing.
• Awe and reverence before God’s majesty.

Key Verse:
Job 37:5 – “God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Elihu compare thunder to in this chapter?
   Answer: He compares it to the powerful voice of God declaring His authority over creation.
2. What purposes does Elihu say storms may serve?
   Answer: They may bring correction, provision, or demonstrate God’s steadfast love.
3. Why is awe before God important during suffering?
   Answer: Reverence helps us remember that God is infinitely greater than our circumstances and fully worthy of trust.

Section 5: Job 37:14–24 – The Incomparable Majesty of God

Overview:
Elihu concludes his speech by urging Job to stand still and consider God’s wondrous works. He asks a series of questions about creation that highlight human ignorance and God’s infinite wisdom. Elihu emphasizes that no one can fully understand the Almighty, who is perfect in power, justice, and righteousness. Therefore, humanity should fear and honor Him rather than presume to question Him arrogantly. Elihu’s speech prepares the way for God’s appearance in the whirlwind.

Theological Themes:

• The incomprehensible wisdom of God.
• Human limitation and humility before the Creator.
• God’s justice and righteousness are perfect.
• Reverence and fear of the Lord.

Key Verse:
Job 37:23 – “The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Elihu ask Job questions about creation?
   Answer: To show Job the limits of human understanding compared to God’s infinite wisdom.
2. What does Elihu conclude about God’s character?
   Answer: God is all-powerful, perfectly just, and completely righteous in all His ways.
3. How should believers respond to God’s greatness?
   Answer: With humility, worship, reverence, and trust, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.