God is both the righteous Judge and merciful Protector, ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished and the afflicted are ultimately vindicated.
Elihu declares of the LORD, “He does not keep the wicked alive, But gives justice to the afflicted” (v.6). These words highlight God’s unwavering commitment to moral order. In the context of Job 36, Elihu is defending God’s righteousness in the face of Job’s suffering. By proclaiming that God withholds life from the wicked, Elihu underscores God’s ultimate power over all creation and His ability to bring about righteous consequences when people hurt others. Moreover, the promise that the LORD gives justice to the afflicted brings comfort to those who are oppressed or hurting. In the broader story of Job—likely set during the patriarchal age around 2100 to 1900 BC—this message was intended to assure Job that God sees affliction, cares for the afflicted, and will ultimately put everything right.
The phrase “He does not keep the wicked alive” (v.6) displays God’s role as the all-powerful Judge who exercises authority over both the righteous and sinful. Throughout Scripture, the theme remains consistent that God will act against evildoers and protect the helpless (Psalm 34:17). Although one may not see immediate justice, Elihu’s words are a reminder that time does not erase wrongdoing in God’s eyes. This assurance echoes forward into the teachings of Jesus, where He warns of the judgment awaiting those who refuse to turn from evil (Matthew 25:31-46).
When Elihu adds that God “gives justice to the afflicted” (v.6), it further stresses that the LORD responds to the cries of those who suffer, like Job. Elihu implies that while wickedness may have moments of earthly success, it cannot sustain itself in the face of God’s dominion. The afflicted can find hope because the Lord promises justice, even if it comes later than they desire. This promise resonates through the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to trust in God’s timing (Romans 12:19).
Set to dark mode
Job 36:6 meaning
Elihu declares of the LORD, “He does not keep the wicked alive, But gives justice to the afflicted” (v.6). These words highlight God’s unwavering commitment to moral order. In the context of Job 36, Elihu is defending God’s righteousness in the face of Job’s suffering. By proclaiming that God withholds life from the wicked, Elihu underscores God’s ultimate power over all creation and His ability to bring about righteous consequences when people hurt others. Moreover, the promise that the LORD gives justice to the afflicted brings comfort to those who are oppressed or hurting. In the broader story of Job—likely set during the patriarchal age around 2100 to 1900 BC—this message was intended to assure Job that God sees affliction, cares for the afflicted, and will ultimately put everything right.
The phrase “He does not keep the wicked alive” (v.6) displays God’s role as the all-powerful Judge who exercises authority over both the righteous and sinful. Throughout Scripture, the theme remains consistent that God will act against evildoers and protect the helpless (Psalm 34:17). Although one may not see immediate justice, Elihu’s words are a reminder that time does not erase wrongdoing in God’s eyes. This assurance echoes forward into the teachings of Jesus, where He warns of the judgment awaiting those who refuse to turn from evil (Matthew 25:31-46).
When Elihu adds that God “gives justice to the afflicted” (v.6), it further stresses that the LORD responds to the cries of those who suffer, like Job. Elihu implies that while wickedness may have moments of earthly success, it cannot sustain itself in the face of God’s dominion. The afflicted can find hope because the Lord promises justice, even if it comes later than they desire. This promise resonates through the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to trust in God’s timing (Romans 12:19).