Job 36:23
Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
פָקַ֣ד
Who hath enjoined
H6485
פָקַ֣ד
Who hath enjoined
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עָלָ֣יו
H5921
עָלָ֣יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
him his way
H1870
דַּרְכּ֑וֹ
him his way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וּמִֽי
H4310
וּמִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Cross References
Job 8:3Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?1 Corinthians 2:16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Job 34:10Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Romans 11:34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern monarchs claimed absolute sovereignty and accountability to none. Elihu applies this principle infinitely higher to God—the King of the universe requires no permission, answers to no counsel, and cannot be charged with wrongdoing. This radical monotheism distinguished Israel's theology from polytheistic systems where gods could be questioned, manipulated, or held accountable.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance honest lament and questioning with maintaining reverence for God's sovereignty?
- What's the difference between accusing God of wrongdoing and wrestling with difficult theodicy questions?
- How does God's absolute sovereignty comfort us even when we don't understand His ways?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who hath enjoined him his way? (מִי־פָקַד עָלָיו דַּרְכּוֹ, mi-fakad alav darko)—Elihu transitions from warning to exalting God's sovereignty. The verb paqad (to appoint, command, oversee) appears in questions demanding the answer 'No one!' God requires no supervisor or advisor. His derek (way, path, manner) needs no outside direction. This echoes Isaiah 40:13: 'Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?' Romans 11:34 quotes this, marveling at God's inscrutable wisdom.
Or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? (וּמִי־אָמַר פָּעַלְתָּ עַוְלָה, u-mi amar pa'alta avlah)—The verb amar (to say, declare) with pa'al (to do, work, accomplish) and avlah (unrighteousness, injustice) poses a rhetorical question: who dares accuse God of wrongdoing? Elihu suggests Job's complaints come dangerously close to this blasphemy. Yet the book's conclusion vindicates Job's protests as honest lament, while condemning the friends' false certainties (42:7). God can handle our questions—what He cannot abide is speaking falsely about Him to defend Him (13:7-8).