Job 34:22
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There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Elihu, it is likely, paused awhile, to see if Job had any thing to say against his discourse in the foregoing chapter; but he sitting silent, and it is likely intimating his desire that he would go on, he here proceeds. And, I. He bespeaks not only the audience, but the assistance of the company (Job 34:2-4). II. He charges Job with some more indecent expressions that had dropped from him (Job 34:5-9). III. He undertakes to convince him that he had spoken amiss, by showing very fully, 1. God's incontestable justice (Job 34:10-12, Job 34:17, Job 34:19, Job 34:23). 2. His sovereign dominion (Job 34:13-15). 3. His almighty power (Job 34:20, Job 34:24). 4. His omniscience (Job 34:21, Job 34:22, Job 34:25). 5. His severity against sinners (Job 34:26-28). 6. His overruling providence (Job 34:29, Job 34:30). IV. He teaches him what he should say (Job 34:31, Job 34:32). And then, lastly, he leaves the matter to Job's own conscience, and concludes with a sharp reproof of him for his peevishness and discontent (Job 34:33-37). All this Job not only bore patiently, but took kindly, because he saw that Elihu meant well; and, whereas his other friends had accused him of that from which his own conscience acquitted him, Elihu charged him with that only for which, it is probable, his own heart, now upon the reflection, began to smite him.
Open source ↗34:22 The wicked might try to hide in darkness (Jer 23:24), but they will fail (Ps 139:11-12; cp. Amos 9:2-3). God brings everything to light (1 Cor 4:5).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.
May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it.
Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
For to them, deep darkness is their morning; surely they are friends with the terrors of darkness!
And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’
Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity.