Reading through chapters 34 and 35 today (an off day in the schedule), I noticed two important Biblical truths that Elihu brings up that are repeated by a few of the New Testament authors. First, in 34:14-15, Elihu asserts that if God wanted to and would stop working and holding the earth and all in it together, everything would turn back to dust. Elihu is showing and reminding his listeners of the power of God behind the scenes. The author of Hebrews picks this theme up in the first chapter stating that it is the power of Jesus from God that is sustaining all things and holding together all things on this earth (Hebrews 1:3). This truth is still just an important for us today. Whether it is a hurricane, a beautiful sunset, a normal day working our jobs, or a car accident going to soccer practice, God is holding this all together, even when things seem to be out of control and unpredictable.
Elihu also points out in chapter 35 that “the arrogance of the wicked” is not heard by God (even though He does hear, he chooses not to). Elihu is reminding his listeners that God wants to help and listen to the humble and will not respond when the arrogance and pride of person does not allow them to respond to God correctly. James picks this theme up in his epistle when he quotes Proverbs, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34). This truth is still just as important for us today in the church also. God wants to help us and guide us. But when we become arrogant and look only to ourselves, whether in pride or self-humiliation, God will not respond. We need to truly be humble putting our identity in Jesus and serving others for God.
Elihu also points out in chapter 35 that “the arrogance of the wicked” is not heard by God (even though He does hear, he chooses not to). Elihu is reminding his listeners that God wants to help and listen to the humble and will not respond when the arrogance and pride of person does not allow them to respond to God correctly. James picks this theme up in his epistle when he quotes Proverbs, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34). This truth is still just as important for us today in the church also. God wants to help us and guide us. But when we become arrogant and look only to ourselves, whether in pride or self-humiliation, God will not respond. We need to truly be humble putting our identity in Jesus and serving others for God.
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