In Job 35 How Can We Reconcile The Idea Of Gods Greatness With Our Personal Suffering?
Reconciling God's Greatness with Personal Suffering: A Study of Job 35
The Book of Job is renowned for its candid exploration of human suffering and the apparent silence of God. In Job 35, Elihu, one of Job’s friends, addresses the perplexing relationship between God’s greatness and human pain. This study will examine how God's sovereignty and transcendence relate to our personal suffering, and how faith can endure—even thrive—in the face of unanswered questions.
1. The Context of Job 35
Job, a righteous man, has suffered immense loss and physical affliction. His friends attempt to explain his suffering, often mistakenly linking it to hidden sin. In chapter 35, Elihu responds to Job’s claim that there’s no benefit in trying to please God, given his innocent suffering.
Thinkest thou this to be thy right, Or sayest thou, My righteousness is more than God's, That thou sayest, What advantage will it be unto thee? And, What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned? - Job 35:2-3 ASV
Elihu challenges Job’s perspective, pointing to the greatness and transcendence of God.
2. God’s Transcendence and Human Actions
Elihu emphasizes that God is far above humanity. Our actions—good or evil—do not alter God's nature or diminish His greatness. However, they do impact ourselves and those around us.
If thou hast sinned, what effectest thou against him? And if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? Or what receiveth he of thy hand? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; And thy righteousness may profit a son of man. - Job 35:6-8 ASV
This passage teaches that God is not dependent on us; His glory and majesty are unchanging. Yet, He is not indifferent: He is aware of our suffering and righteousness, though He is not manipulated by our actions.
3. The Cry of the Suffering and God’s Response
Elihu notes that people often cry out in their pain, seeking relief, but do not always seek God for who He is.
But none saith, Where is God my Maker, Who giveth songs in the night, Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, And maketh us wiser than the birds of the heavens? - Job 35:10-11 ASV
The challenge is to seek God not just for relief, but for relationship and wisdom. God is both sovereign and personal, giving “songs in the night” even amid suffering.
4. Trusting God’s Wisdom in Suffering
Job’s suffering was not a punishment, but an avenue for God’s purposes to be revealed. The ultimate answer to suffering, as the book unfolds, is not found in easy explanations, but in trusting God’s character and sovereignty.
And Jehovah answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; For I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. - Job 38:1-4 ASV
God’s answer is not a direct explanation, but a revelation of His greatness and wisdom—calling Job (and us) to humility and faith.
5. The Gospel Perspective: Christ and Suffering
From the perspective of the New Testament, we see that God’s greatness is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who entered into suffering with us and for us.
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. - Hebrews 4:15 ASV
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. - Romans 8:18 ASV
Thus, believers are invited to trust in God’s greatness, knowing that our suffering is not meaningless. Through Christ, God is both transcendent and intimately present with us.
Conclusion
Reconciling God’s greatness with our suffering requires humility and faith. God is infinitely above us, yet He cares deeply, ultimately revealed in Christ. Our pain is not overlooked, and God invites us to seek Him—not just for relief, but for Himself, trusting that His wisdom and love surpass our understanding.