“Surely God is mighty.
He does not despise anyone.
He is mighty in strength of understanding.
He does not keep the wicked alive.
He gives the afflicted their right.
He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous.
With kings upon the throne
He sets them forever.
They are exalted.
If they are bound in fetters,
And caught in the cords of affliction,
Then he declares to them their work.
He declares their transgressions.
They are behaving arrogantly.
He opens their ears to instruction.
He commands that they return from iniquity.
If they listen,
If they serve him,
They complete their days in prosperity.
They complete their years in pleasantness.
But if they do not listen,
They shall perish by the sword.
They die without knowledge.”
Elihu ascribes to God the qualities that he believes a divine power should have. The almighty God does not despise anyone. He is mighty in strength and understanding. He does not keep the wicked alive. He watches the righteous. The kings have their thrones forever. However, if there are transgressions as when they act arrogantly, God would open their ears to instruction. He commands them to open their ears to instructions on how to return from their iniquity. If they listen properly and serve God, they will complete their years in pleasant prosperity. If they do not listen they will perish by the sword without any knowledge. The choice was simple, follow God, and all will be good. Go against God, and you will die.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 