36:3 my knowledge from far away As opposed to Job, who according to Elihu speaks without knowledge (34:35), Elihu claims his knowledge comes from God.

36:4 truly my words are not falsehood Job has accused his friends of speaking falsely (13:4). Using the same Hebrew word, sheqer, Elihu assures Job that his words are true.

one who has perfect knowledge Elihu is probably not referring to himself here, but to God, who he considers the source of his wisdom. He later describes God as “perfect in knowledge” (37:16). Elihu is confident that his words are trustworthy because he speaks for God.

36:5 Look, God is mighty Elihu’s main point in this speech. He describes God’s might and power over creation as well as His discipline.

does not despise anyone Job felt God was despising him. He sarcastically asked God if He enjoyed despising his own creation (10:3). Elihu tells Job that God does not despise anyone.

36:6 He does not keep the wicked alive Elihu echoes the position of Job’s other friends. God punishes the wicked while providing justice for the needy.

36:7 He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous Job earlier complained that God watched him too closely (7:20; 10:14). Elihu likely associates the close watch with God’s protection (Psa 33:18–19).

36:8 they are tied up with fetters Elihu describes a situation where the righteous slip in some way, becoming chained because of sin (compare Psa 107:10–16).

36:9 their work to them, and their transgressions When the righteous do sin, Elihu argues that God reveals this to them. God uses affliction to show them their arrogance.

36:10 he opens their ear to the discipline God uses the affliction of the righteous to open their ears and cause them to repent of their sin. Like Eliphaz, Elihu believed God’s discipline was a blessing.

36:13 cherish anger Elihu continues to describe those who do not respond to God’s discipline. Instead of crying for help, they become angry.

36:14 male shrine prostitutes Not only does Elihu argue that the unrepentant die young, but he also suggests they die among the male cult prostitutes (in Hebrew, qedeshim) who served worshipers in temples or shrines of fertility gods (see Deut 23:18 and note; 1 Kgs 14:24 and note). Elihu suggests the unrepentant will die in shame.

36:15 He delivers the afflicted by his misery God uses suffering as discipline to deliver people.

36:18 it is wrath, so that it will not incite you into mockery The Hebrew text here may be understood as Elihu warning Job against responding to God’s judgment with anger like the godless (Job 36:13) or a warning that wealth can be deceptive (compare 27:19–23).

36:20 You must not long for the night Elihu rebukes Job for longing for death (3:3–26; 6:8–9; 10:18–22).

36:21 this you have been tried Elihu warns Job to recognize the purpose of his suffering rather than choosing to sin by questioning God.

36:22 God is exalted in his power Elihu reiterates God’s mighty power. See note on v. 5. The Hebrew term “exalted”—sagav, a common description of God (Psa 148:13; Isa 33:5)—is also used to describe impenetrable walls of a city (Prov 18:11).

36:23 You have done wrong Because God is in an exalted position of authority, Elihu criticizes Job for questioning His justice and making demands of Him (see Job 6:4 and note).

36:26 we do not know him Such an unknowable God should be praised rather than challenged.

36:30 he scatters his lightning around him Lightning represents God’s power and glory (Psa 77:18). It was seen on Mount Sinai as God gave Moses the law (Exod 19:16; 20:18). It is sometimes a weapon God sends out to destroy His enemies (2 Sam 22:15; Psa 144:6).

36:31 he judges people by them Elihu argues that God uses storms both to judge and to provide (Job 37:13).