Do not rush toward despair; trust God’s timing to redeem hardships for His greater purposes.
“Do not long for the night, When people vanish in their place.” (Job 36:20)
In this section of the book of Job, Elihu warns Job against seeking an escape from his suffering by desiring the night, a poetic way of referring to death or final judgment. Rather than yearning for darkness, Elihu urges Job to recognize that difficult circumstances can be unique opportunities to draw closer to God by faith. The user-provided commentaries on Job highlight how suffering can be part of a divine plan that defies a purely transactional view of God, showing instead that such trials can deepen His followers’ relationship with Him and reveal His wisdom more clearly.
By saying “Do not long for the night” (Job 36:20), Elihu emphasizes that rushing toward an end—either through despair or impatience—misses the good that can come from waiting on God’s timing and redemptive work. The broader story of Job shows that, although Job endured severe trials, those trials often paved the way for a stronger and fuller understanding of the Almighty. As the user-provided commentary on Job points out, this time on earth gives us a once-in-an-existence opportunity to know God by faith, which can lead to a deeper blessing than if we only believed by sight.
Elihu’s instruction also challenges readers to resist self-pity that can arise in prolonged suffering. Instead, it encourages clinging to trust in God’s purposes, even when they remain hidden. In the end, Job learns that God is not distant, but near in every trial, graciously working out His plans for those who remain steadfast. This principle echoes through the rest of Scripture, from the Psalms to the life of Christ, showing that God’s presence can transform suffering into spiritual growth and renewed hope.
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Job 36:20 meaning
“Do not long for the night, When people vanish in their place.” (Job 36:20)
In this section of the book of Job, Elihu warns Job against seeking an escape from his suffering by desiring the night, a poetic way of referring to death or final judgment. Rather than yearning for darkness, Elihu urges Job to recognize that difficult circumstances can be unique opportunities to draw closer to God by faith. The user-provided commentaries on Job highlight how suffering can be part of a divine plan that defies a purely transactional view of God, showing instead that such trials can deepen His followers’ relationship with Him and reveal His wisdom more clearly.
By saying “Do not long for the night” (Job 36:20), Elihu emphasizes that rushing toward an end—either through despair or impatience—misses the good that can come from waiting on God’s timing and redemptive work. The broader story of Job shows that, although Job endured severe trials, those trials often paved the way for a stronger and fuller understanding of the Almighty. As the user-provided commentary on Job points out, this time on earth gives us a once-in-an-existence opportunity to know God by faith, which can lead to a deeper blessing than if we only believed by sight.
Elihu’s instruction also challenges readers to resist self-pity that can arise in prolonged suffering. Instead, it encourages clinging to trust in God’s purposes, even when they remain hidden. In the end, Job learns that God is not distant, but near in every trial, graciously working out His plans for those who remain steadfast. This principle echoes through the rest of Scripture, from the Psalms to the life of Christ, showing that God’s presence can transform suffering into spiritual growth and renewed hope.