Job 34:33 - Exposition

Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it. The two clauses should be taken together, and the translation should run, "Should God recompense" ( i.e. make his awards) "according to thy pleasure'" or "as thou wiliest?" Elihu turns to Job and directly addresses him, "Can he expect that God will make his decrees—condemn and absolve men—just as Job thinks right?" Whether thou refuse ; rather, since thou refusest them. Job had refused to acknowledge the justice of God's awards and decisions. Or whether thou choose; and not I rather, but thou must choose , and not I. It is Job who must determine how he will act. Elihu, a friend, can only point out and recommend a course, as he had done in verses 31, 32. It is for Job himself to determine what course he will take. Therefore speak what thou knowest ; i.e. "Say what thou hast determined on."