Job 34:37
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Job 34:37
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Chapter Context
Job 34 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, creation. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 34:37
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Analysis
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin (כִּי־יֹסִיף עַל־חַטָּאתוֹ פֶשַׁע, ki-yosiph al-chattato pesha)—The verb yasaph (יָסַף, "to add") indicates compounding. The noun pesha (פֶּשַׁע, rebellion, transgression) is stronger than chatta't (חַטָּאת, sin, missing the mark). Elihu accuses Job of adding deliberate rebellion to sin. The phrase he clappeth his hands among us (בֵּינֵינוּ יִסְפּוֹק, benenu yispoq) uses saphaq (סָפַק, "to clap"), possibly meaning mockery or defiant gesture. The phrase multiplieth his words against God (וְיֶרֶב אֲמָרָיו לָאֵל, ve-yerev amarav la-El) accuses Job of excessive speech against God.
Elihu misunderstands Job's lament as rebellion. Yet God will vindicate Job (42:7). This teaches discernment: honest questioning isn't rebellion. The Psalms model bringing raw emotions to God (Psalms 13, 22, 88). Lament is faith's cry when praise seems impossible. Jesus Himself cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). The gospel permits—even requires—brutal honesty before God. Christ bore actual rebellion (Isaiah 53:5, "the chastisement of our peace was upon him") so our honest struggles wouldn't be counted as rebellion.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern piety typically demanded stoic acceptance of divine decrees. Lament was permitted but within limits—excessive questioning risked blasphemy. Biblical faith uniquely permits profound lament and questioning (Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Psalms) while maintaining ultimate submission. Elihu reflects conventional piety that mistakes honesty for rebellion. Jesus's Gethsemane prayer ("if it be possible, let this cup pass," Matthew 26:39) models combining honest desire with submission ("nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt").
Reflection
- How do we distinguish between faithful lament and sinful rebellion against God?
- What does Jesus's cry of dereliction (Mark 15:34) teach about bringing pain to God?
- How can we create spaces where honest struggle with God is welcomed rather than condemned?
Word Studies
- Transgression: פֶּשַׁע (Pesha) H6588 - Transgression, rebellion
Cross-References
- Word: 1 Samuel 15:23
- Parallel theme: Job 27:23