Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 36. We continue with Elihu’s rebuke to Iyov.

This response of Elihu is broken into two parts. In this perek, Elihu will explain to Iyov that his suffering was a test from Hashem. In the upcoming chapters, he will directly confront Iyov about attempting to understand matters which are beyond human comprehension.

Rashi and the Ralbag note that the previous 3 speeches of Elihu addressed his friends, but in this 4^th response he will speak to Iyov. The Ramban explains that Elihu added it to reiterate his previous points about why a tzaddik may suffer and a rasha may prosper.

Verse 2 says, “Katar li z’er v’achaveka ki od le’Elohai milim – bear with me a bit and I will tell you something, because there is still more to be said for God.”

The Malbim explains that until now Elihu addressed the points in the previous debates. Now Elihu will inform Iyov of the true cause of his suffering.

The Malbim continues that we already know from the beginning of the story that this was all supposed to be a test for Iyov. Elihu will explain that Hashem will send tests to people to reveal what’s in their heart and actualize their spiritual potential.

At times, a wealthy person might serve God, but when Hashem tests that individual with poverty he will “kick” Hashem and become resentful. This reveals that the person isn’t spiritually whole. The opposite is true as well. If the individual maintains his steadfast belief in God, continuing to serve Him, he is revealed as truly an eved Hashem.

This is exactly what we find by Avraham, who experienced 10 difficult tests. This was all done to raise Avraham level after level to reveal the spiritual potential which had been dormant.

On a deeper level, Rebbe Nachman explains, based on this passuk in Lekutei Maharan, lesson 6, that Elihu was teaching Iyov the foundation of teshuva, which is to wait patiently for God’s kindness to shine upon you.

Katar li zeh v’achveha, wait patiently for an answer as to how God runs the world. Rebbe Nachman says that this is synonymous with the highest level of all the 10 sefiros of Keter. Katar has the same letters as Keter, a crown. To reach the highest level of serving Hashem one needs to be patient, to withstand all the ups and downs in life until one reaches that level.

In verses 5 through 13, Elihu goes into the nature of tests. He explains that Hashem watches over the righteous, rebuking and testing them to bring them to a higher level.

Verse 7 says, “He never removes His eyes from a righteous person, but seats him on a throne with kings, He seats them forever and they are exalted.” This shows clearly that there is Divine providence in the world.

It’s interesting, because the Malbim explains that Elihu is pointing out truths that are embedded in the human soul. We know these truths deep down inside of ourselves because Hashem created us knowing them.

The Malbim shows, through these pessukim, the basic truth that there is a God Who encompasses everything and is perfect. God will never dislike a person who sincerely walks with Him. God is the source of all good and hates evil. His law is perfect and doesn’t contain any defect, because God is perfect. There is individual Divine providence, Hashgacha Pratis, and God will never withdraw His providence from a righteous person.

In verses 15 through 23, Elihu explains that Iyov was tested so he that wouldn’t become content and complacent with his lot in life and begin to sin. Keep in mind that Iyov was fabulously wealthy and his children held huge parties every day.

Verse 18 says, “For you experienced this wrath lest you be led astray by your contentment, and then much ransom could not deflect you.”

In verse 24 until the end of the perek, Elihu rebukes Iyov for trying to understand God’s ways, which are beyond his understanding, bringing the example of rainfall to show how incomprehensible they are.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily as we learn the last perek in Elihu’s response, after which we’ll hear from God Himself!

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.