Job 34:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 34:4
4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Chapter Context
Job 34 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, redemption, judgment. 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 34:4
4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Analysis
Elihu invites collaboration: "Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good." The verb bachar (בָּחַר, "choose") means to select or decide. The noun mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, "judgment") refers to justice or the right course. The verb yada (יָדַע, "know") means to discern or understand. Elihu proposes corporate discernment—together determining truth. From a Reformed perspective, this models ecclesial decision-making: believers reasoning together under Scripture's authority. Acts 15 demonstrates apostolic practice of corporate deliberation. Yet Elihu's proposal also reveals presumption: humans cannot independently "choose" justice—it must be revealed by God. The difference between Elihu's approach and the Jerusalem Council is Scripture's role: Acts 15 discerned God's will through prophetic word, not mere consensus. Wisdom requires both community and submission to divine revelation.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's elders made corporate decisions at city gates (Deuteronomy 21:19). Wisdom literature valued consultation (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22). However, true discernment required Torah as standard (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Elihu's proposal reflects cultural practice but lacks explicit grounding in divine revelation—a weakness God's speeches will remedy by divine self-disclosure.
Reflection
- How does corporate discernment in the church relate to Scripture's authority?
- What is the proper relationship between community wisdom and divine revelation in theological decision-making?
- How can we avoid Elihu's presumption that we can independently determine what is good?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Good: 1 Thessalonians 5:21