Job 36:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 36:31
31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
Chapter Context
Job 36 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, righteousness, holiness. 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 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 36:31
31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
Analysis
For by them judgeth he the people (כִּי־בָם יָדִין עַמִּים, ki-vam yadin ammim)—The phrase "by them" likely refers to meteorological phenomena (rain, lightning, clouds) as instruments of divine judgment. The verb din (דִּין, "to judge, govern") has both judicial and providential senses. The phrase he giveth meat in abundance (יִתֶּן־אֹכֶל לְמַכְבִּיר, yitten-okhel lemakvir) uses okhel (אֹכֶל, food) and kabiyr (כַּבִּיר, abundant, mighty). Weather serves both judgment (withholding rain, sending destructive storms) and blessing (providing rain for crops).
This dual nature of divine providence—blessing and judgment—appears throughout Scripture. Deuteronomy 11:13-17 promises rain for obedience, drought for disobedience. Amos 4:7-9 describes God withholding rain as judgment. Yet Matthew 5:45 emphasizes indiscriminate provision: rain on just and unjust. The tension resolves eschatologically: common grace now provides for all, but final judgment separates (Matthew 25:31-46). The gospel reveals ultimate judgment fell on Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), ensuring believers receive only providential care, never condemnation (Romans 8:1).
Historical Context
Ancient covenant theology explicitly linked weather to obedience. Leviticus 26:3-4 promises rain and crops for obedience; vv. 18-20 threaten drought for disobedience. Deuteronomy 28:12, 23-24 repeats this covenant structure. Prophets interpreted drought as divine judgment (Jeremiah 14:1-9, Haggai 1:10-11). Jesus and NT writers shift focus from national-temporal blessings to spiritual-eternal (Matthew 6:19-33, Philippians 4:11-13). Yet natural disasters still display God's sovereignty, calling to repentance (Luke 13:1-5, Revelation 16:8-9).
Reflection
- How do we understand God's use of natural phenomena for both blessing and judgment?
- What is the relationship between God's providential care and His judicial activity?
- How does the gospel transform our interpretation of natural disasters and blessings?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 37:13, Psalms 136:25, Acts 14:17