Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 34. We continue with Elihu’s soliloquy.

Iyov believed that the righteous suffer because God has left the world to mazalos and astrological forces. God is just, and would never allow bad things to happen to good people. To defend God’s just nature, Iyov concluded that He left the world.

The Malbim explains that Elihu asserts that God turning the world over to mazalos would actually be considered a lack of justice on Hashem’s part. It’s precisely because God is just and fair that He interacts with the world. Furthermore, why would God turn over governance of the world to cruel forces? Why wouldn’t He just deal with the world Himself, judging each person according to his deeds? And could it be that God is powerless to interact with the world?

Secondly, Elihu takes issue with Iyov’s claim that God doesn’t punish the wicked. It’s not proper to even ask why He doesn’t punish them. God is fully aware of their deeds, and they will get the judgment that awaits them. However, God hides their punishment so that being uncertain whether or not it came from God leaves them with free choice.

Additionally, God will sometimes use a rasha as a tool in order to punish good people. Hashem will at times use His Divine Providence to punish the world through reshaim. Hashem doesn’t only speak through the wicked, but He’ll also use them to annihilate and punish people.

Therefore, inasmuch as we don’t really fully understand the way God runs the world, it’s enough for us to know that “Hashem is slow to anger and collects what’s due to Him.”

In verses 1 through 9, Elihu recaps some of Iyov’s words. In verse 5 Elihu says for Iyov has said “I am righteous, but God has denied me my due.” Elihu establishes that Iyov has accused God of injustice by denying God’s Hashgacha Pratis in the world.

In verses 10 through 15 Elihu explains that God would never pervert justice.

Verses 11 and 12 say: “Ki fo’al adam yishalem lo, u’ch’orach ish yamtsienu. Af amnam El lo yarshea, v’Shakai lo y’aves mishpat – He pays a person according to his deeds. He provides for man according to his ways. The fact is that God would not do evil, nor would the Almighty pervert justice.”

This is the foundation of true Emunah. God is good! He is not out to punish you or to get you. God would not do evil, and the world is a good place. This is something we often overlook. We need to really understand and reflect upon the goodness of God.

In verses 16 through 30, Elihu explains that God treats everyone equally. Of course, the “King” is good and treats all fairly. God doesn’t have favorites.

Verse 21 says: “For God’s eyes are on man’s ways, and He sees his every step.” The Malbim says that Elihu is explaining that Hashem indeed punishes the wicked, but in a hidden manner. “He hides His face.” If Hashem were to punish them publicly, people would lose their free choice to serve Him because the right choice would be self-evident. When people see the proliferation of evil in the world, it actually enhances our ability to choose God as Supreme above all.

From verses 31 until the end of the perek, Elihu explains that it would be wise for a sinner to accept his punishment so that he can return to the proper path in life.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily as we continue Elihu’s grand speech.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.