God’s power surpasses our understanding, and His justice never fails.
Elihu, a young man among Job’s friends who speaks after the older companions have finished, describes the indescribable majesty of God when he declares: “The Almighty—we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power And He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness.” (v.23) Writers place Job’s life after the days of the patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (roughly 2000-1500 BC), but the story’s exact dates are uncertain. In this verse, Elihu points out that God’s power is beyond human comprehension, emphasizing that even the most dedicated search cannot fully unearth God’s ways or the fullness of His being. This idea of exalted might is also found in the psalmists’ declarations that no one can measure God’s greatness (Psalm 147:5).
When Elihu states that the Almighty “will not do violence to justice,” he affirms God’s unchanging virtue, reminding his listeners that the Lord only exercises His power in harmony with righteousness and fairness. This truth resonates in the New Testament when Jesus stands as the perfect incarnation of God’s justice and mercy, demonstrating the same principles of holiness and compassion (John 1:14). God’s just nature offers security and comfort to those who trust Him, because His limitless power is always used consistently with His moral standards.
Furthermore, this verse underscores the central biblical theme that humans, by themselves, cannot fully grasp God’s essence but can revere Him for His excellence and trust Him for His righteousness. This foundational truth is a reminder that while people in Job’s time, as well as believers today, may struggle with questions of suffering and injustice, they are assured that God’s character remains good and dependable. Knowing that God’s power is always perfectly just invites believers to place their faith in Him even when they do not fully understand His ways.
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Job 37:23 meaning
Elihu, a young man among Job’s friends who speaks after the older companions have finished, describes the indescribable majesty of God when he declares: “The Almighty—we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power And He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness.” (v.23) Writers place Job’s life after the days of the patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (roughly 2000-1500 BC), but the story’s exact dates are uncertain. In this verse, Elihu points out that God’s power is beyond human comprehension, emphasizing that even the most dedicated search cannot fully unearth God’s ways or the fullness of His being. This idea of exalted might is also found in the psalmists’ declarations that no one can measure God’s greatness (Psalm 147:5).
When Elihu states that the Almighty “will not do violence to justice,” he affirms God’s unchanging virtue, reminding his listeners that the Lord only exercises His power in harmony with righteousness and fairness. This truth resonates in the New Testament when Jesus stands as the perfect incarnation of God’s justice and mercy, demonstrating the same principles of holiness and compassion (John 1:14). God’s just nature offers security and comfort to those who trust Him, because His limitless power is always used consistently with His moral standards.
Furthermore, this verse underscores the central biblical theme that humans, by themselves, cannot fully grasp God’s essence but can revere Him for His excellence and trust Him for His righteousness. This foundational truth is a reminder that while people in Job’s time, as well as believers today, may struggle with questions of suffering and injustice, they are assured that God’s character remains good and dependable. Knowing that God’s power is always perfectly just invites believers to place their faith in Him even when they do not fully understand His ways.