Chapter 35 is Elihu’s third speech. Here he addresses another implication he believes is present in Iyov’s complaints:
“What is the benefit of righteousness?”
Elihu thinks Iyov has come close to saying:
“I have been righteous, yet I suffer. What advantage was there in serving God?”
Elihu’s response is that God is so exalted above humanity that human righteousness does not enrich Him, nor does human sin diminish Him.
Elihu’s Charge Against Iyov (35:2-3)
Elihu says:
“Do you think this is just?”
He paraphrases Iyov’s argument:
“My righteousness is greater than God’s judgment.”
And:
“What profit is there? What advantage is there if I avoid sin?”
Elihu is not claiming Iyov literally spoke these exact words. Rather, he is drawing out what he sees as the implication of Iyov’s frustration.
Look Up to the Heavens (35:5-8)
Elihu invites Iyov to look upward:
“Look unto the heavens and see.”
The heavens are vastly above man.
Then he argues:
If you sin:
“What do you do to Him?”
If you multiply transgressions:
“What harm do you do to Him?”
If you are righteous:
“What do you give Him?”
In other words, God is not dependent upon human behavior.
Our actions matter, but not because God needs them.
Rather:
Your wickedness affects human beings.
Your righteousness benefits human beings.
Verse 8 summarizes:
“Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself, and your righteousness a human being.”
This is Elihu’s way of emphasizing God’s transcendence.
Why Prayers Sometimes Go Unanswered (35:9-13)
People cry out under oppression:
“Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out.”
Yet often:
“They are not answered.”
Why not?
Elihu says the problem is that many cry from pain but do not genuinely seek God.
They ask:
“How do I escape suffering?”
Instead of:
“Where is God my Maker?”
According to Elihu, not every cry is the same.
Some cries seek relief.
Some seek God Himself.
God Teaches Humanity (35:10-11)
Elihu describes God as:
“My Maker, who gives songs in the night.”
Even in darkness and suffering, God remains the source of wisdom.
He teaches humanity beyond what animals know:
“He teaches us more than the beasts of the earth.”
Suffering should become an occasion for learning and spiritual growth.
Pride Blocks the Answer (35:12-13)
Some cry out and receive no answer:
“Because of the pride of evil men.”
Elihu believes pride can prevent a person from receiving God’s response.
God does not answer:
“Empty vanity.”
The implication is that humility is necessary to hear what God is saying.
Even If You Cannot See Him (35:14)
Elihu says to Iyov:
“Even though you say you do not see Him.”
God’s judgment still stands before Him.
Therefore:
“Wait for Him.”
Trust even when the answer is not visible.
This begins to move toward the message God Himself will later emphasize.
Elihu’s Criticism of Iyov (35:15-16)
Elihu concludes that Iyov has misunderstood the situation.
He suggests that because judgment has not yet fully arrived, Iyov mistakenly assumes that God does not notice.
Therefore:
“Iyov opens his mouth in vanity.”
“He multiplies words without knowledge.”
Like the friends, Elihu ultimately criticizes Iyov, though for different reasons.