God, the perfect judge: Job 34

One of Job's complaints was that God punishes the righteous and lets the wicked go free. Job, though he was righteous, suffered greatly while many others, who were more wicked than himself, lived lives of ease. Job questioned the fairness of God's judgment. But Elihu rebukes Job for his judgment of God.

"And will you condemn the righteous mighty One, who says to a king, "Worthless one,' to nobles, "Wicked ones'; who shows no partiality to princes nor regards the rich above the poor, for they all are the work of His hands?" (Job 34:17-19)

Elihu questions Job as to why God should stand condemned in regard to His judgments. He reminds Job that God does judge and has judged in the past. God does not let sin go unpunished, but equally judges the rich and the poor, the mighty and the wicked. One has only to look back though history to see that God does in fact judge the wicked. Nation after nation have been overthrown by God. God will only allow a wicked society to exist for so long before He will come and visit it with judgment. God is a righteous God and He judges in righteousness. And His judgment is to this end, "So that godless men would not rule nor be snares of the people." (Job 34:30) Elihu goes on to justify God's judgment.

God judges according to our works: "For He pays a man according to his work, and makes him find it according to his way." (Job 34:11) God's judgment is not based upon personal preference. God does not show favoritism or partiality. But His judgment is upon our works. Any judgment we receive from God, we rightly deserve.

God judges His creation: "Who gave Him authority over the earth? And who has laid on Him the whole world?" (Job 34:13) He is our creator, and as creator, He has the right to judge us. It is not like God came along and found us and decided to play boss over our lives. He created us, He commands us, and He has the right to judge us for our disobedience. "For they all are the work of His hands?" (Job 34:19)

God judges with perfect knowledge: "For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. For He does not need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment. He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, and sets others in their place." (Job 34:21-24) God does not need to try a man to know what is in his heart. If we are tried, it is not for God's benefit but ours, so that we might know what's in us. God sees all and knows all. God's judgment goes beyond "reasonable doubt."

God's judgment is absolute: "When He keeps quiet, who then can condemn? And when He hides His face, who then can behold Him." (Job 34:29) God judges with absolute authority and power. God alone is judge. If He chooses not to condemn, then how can we condemn. If He chooses to punish, then how can we deliver one from His hand. We should cease trying to be God, determining who should be judged and who should go free, for there is one Judge and He is in heaven.

God is the perfect judge, and for that, I'm thankful.

David Robison