Job 36

Passage overview

Psalm 36 is divided broadly into three parts. First, the psalmist describes the characteristics of the wicked and the state of their hearts (verses 1–4). Next, he beautifully sings of God’s character—his love and justice, his faithfulness and protection (verses 5–9). Finally, he asks for God’s goodness and protection and closes with praise (verses 10–12). In this way, Psalm 36 invites us to reflect on the true peace and safety that come through our relationship with God, by contrasting darkness (the wicked) and light (God).

1verseElihu also continued, and said,

2verse“Bear with me a little, and I will show you; for I still have something to say on God’s behalf.

3verseI will get my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

4verseFor truly my words are not false. One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

5verse“Behold, God is mighty, and doesn’t despise anyone. He is mighty in strength of understanding.

6verseHe doesn’t preserve the life of the wicked, but gives justice to the afflicted.

7verseHe doesn’t withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne, he sets them forever, and they are exalted.

8verseIf they are bound in fetters, and are taken in the cords of afflictions,

9versethen he shows them their work, and their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.

10verseHe also opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity.

11verseIf they listen and serve him, they will spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

12verseBut if they don’t listen, they will perish by the sword; they will die without knowledge.

13verse“But those who are godless in heart lay up anger. They don’t cry for help when he binds them.

14verseThey die in youth. Their life perishes among the unclean.

15verseHe delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear in oppression.

16verseYes, he would have allured you out of distress, into a wide place, where there is no restriction. That which is set on your table would be full of fatness.

17verse“But you are full of the judgment of the wicked. Judgment and justice take hold of you.

18verseDon’t let riches entice you to wrath, neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.

19verseWould your wealth sustain you in distress, or all the might of your strength?

20verseDon’t desire the night, when people are cut off in their place.

21verseTake heed, don’t regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction.

22verseBehold, God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?

23verseWho has prescribed his way for him? Or who can say, ‘You have committed unrighteousness’?

24verse“Remember that you magnify his work, about which men have sung.

25verseAll men have looked on it. Man sees it afar off.

26verseBehold, God is great, and we don’t know him. The number of his years is unsearchable.

27verseFor he draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from his vapor,

28versewhich the skies pour down and which drop on man abundantly.

29verseIndeed, can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunderings of his pavilion?

30verseBehold, he spreads his light around him. He covers the bottom of the sea.

31verseFor by these he judges the people. He gives food in abundance.

32verseHe covers his hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark.

33verseIts noise tells about him, and the livestock also, concerning the storm that comes up.

Explanation of the Main Content

  • Verses 1–4: The psalmist realizes that there is no fear of God in the depths of the wicked’s hearts. They trust only themselves, deceive with evil words, and plot evil without doing good.
  • Verses 5–9: A dramatic description of God continues. God’s kindness, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgment are sung grandly, and we see that those under his protection experience abundant blessings.
  • Verses 10–12: The psalmist asks that God’s grace and justice continue to come, and he prays that he would be protected from the hands of the proud and from the wicked. In the final verse, he adds that the wicked will ultimately fall and will not be able to rise again, and he concludes.

Points for Reflection

  • How are God’s love and truth being revealed in my life?
  • In a world where evil and good coexist, who is the one I should rely on?
  • If I believe I am under God’s protection, what kind of peace and assurance can I experience today?

Apply It to Me

  • I look back to see whether there are times when fear of God decreases even in my own inner self.
  • I take time to trust and give thanks more specifically for God’s kindness and truth and for his righteousness in my life.
  • In the face of difficulties or temptation, I make a firm decision to ask God again for my protection and guidance, and to entrust myself to him.

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