He openeth also their ear - He gives them to understand the reason why they are thus corrected, and commands them to return from those iniquities which have induced him to visit them with afflictions and distresses. read more
If they obey and serve him - There may appear in the course of Providence to be some exceptions to this general rule; but it is most true, that this is literally or spiritually fulfilled to all the genuine followers of God. Every man is happy, in whatsoever circumstances, whose heart is unreservedly dedicated to his Maker. read more
But if they obey not - This also is a general rule, from which, in the course of Providence, there are only few, and those only apparent, deviations. Instead of they shall perish by the sword, the meaning of the Hebrew יעברו בשלח beshelach yaaboru , is, "By a dart they shall pass by." They shall be in continual dangers, and often fall before they have lived out half their days. Mr. Good translates: They pass by as an arrow. The Vulgate: Transibunt per gladium . "They shall pass away by... read more
But the hypocrites in heart - חנפי chanphey , the profligates, the impious, those who have neither the form nor the power of godliness. The hypocrite is he who has the form but not the power, though he wishes to be thought as inwardly righteous as he is outwardly correct; and he takes up the profession of religion only to serve secular ends. This is not the meaning of the word in the book of Job, where it frequently occurs. They cry not - " Though he binds them, yet they cry not."... read more
They die in youth - Exactly what the psalmist says, "Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days," Psalm 55:23 . Literally, the words of Elihu are, "They shall die in the youth of their soul." Their life is among the unclean - בקדשים bakedeshim , among the whores, harlots, prostitutes, and sodomites. In this sense the word is used, though it also signifies consecrated persons; but we know that in idolatry characters of this kind were consecrated to Baal and... read more
And openeth their ears in oppression - He will let them know for what end they are afflicted, and why he permits them to be oppressed. The word יגל yigel might be translated he shall make them exult, or sing with joy, in oppression; like the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace. read more
Even so would he have removed thee - If thou hadst turned to, obeyed, and served him, thy present state would have been widely different from what it is. read more
But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked - As thou art acting like the wicked, so God deals with thee as he deals with them. Elihu is not a whit behind Job's other friends. None of them seems to have known any thing of the permission given by God to Satan to afflict and torment an innocent man. read more
Because there is wrath - This is a time in which God is punishing the wicked; take heed lest thou be cut off in a moment. Redeem the time; the days are evil. Then a great ransom - When he determines to destroy, who can save? read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 36:9
He showeth them their work - He shows them the exceeding sinfulness of sin. That they have exceeded - יתגברו yithgabbaru , "that they have strengthened themselves," and did not trust in the living God; and therefore they would not help themselves when trouble came. read more