Job 36:3
I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
Original Language Analysis
אֶשָּׂ֣א
I will fetch
H5375
אֶשָּׂ֣א
I will fetch
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 6
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
לְמֵרָח֑וֹק
from afar
H7350
לְמֵרָח֑וֹק
from afar
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
3 of 6
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
וּ֝לְפֹעֲלִ֗י
to my Maker
H6466
וּ֝לְפֹעֲלִ֗י
to my Maker
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
4 of 6
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
Cross References
James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.Psalms 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.Psalms 11:7For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.Job 8:3Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Daniel 9:14Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.Daniel 9:7O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature included theodicy—Mesopotamian texts like "Ludlul Bel Nemeqi" and "Babylonian Theodicy" grappled with divine justice and human suffering. Job stands apart by refusing easy answers while maintaining God's righteousness. Elihu's approach—attempting systematic vindication of God—reflects wisdom tradition's apologetic impulse, though God's speeches will demonstrate theodicy's insufficiency.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the proper place for theodicy (defending God's ways) versus simply trusting Him?
- How does Elihu's confident vindication of God compare to God's self-vindication in chapters 38-41?
- When does defending God's character cross into presumption that we can fully explain His ways?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu announces his intention: "I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker." The verb nasa (נָשָׂא, "fetch") means to carry or bear. The phrase "from afar" (l'merachok, לְמֵרָחוֹק) suggests comprehensive scope. The verb natan (נָתַן, "ascribe") means to give or attribute. Elihu claims his knowledge is expansive and his purpose theodicy—vindicating God's righteousness. From a Reformed perspective, theodicy (justifying God's ways) is precarious enterprise. Romans 9:20 asks, "Who art thou that repliest against God?" While defending God's character is legitimate, presuming we can fully explain His ways risks overstepping. Elihu's confidence that he can vindicate God reveals hubris. God needs no defense—He will vindicate Himself (Job 38-41). Our task is faithfulness and trust, not comprehensive explanation. Yet Elihu's desire to affirm God's righteousness is commendable even if his execution is flawed.