But no one asks,This phrase highlights a common human tendency to overlook God in times of distress. It suggests a lack of seeking or questioning about God's presence and role in our lives. In the context of Job, it reflects the silence or absence of inquiry among those who suffer, pointing to a spiritual neglect or forgetfulness. This can be compared to other biblical instances where people fail to seek God, such as in
Isaiah 9:13, where the people do not turn to Him who strikes them.
‘Where is God my Maker,
This phrase emphasizes God's role as the Creator, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible, starting fromGenesis 1:1. It underscores the personal relationship between God and humanity, as He is not just a distant creator but "my Maker." This personal connection is echoed inPsalm 139:13-14, where the psalmist acknowledges God's intimate involvement in the creation of each individual. The question "Where is God?" also reflects a search for divine presence and guidance, a theme seen in the laments of the Psalms.
who gives us songs in the night,
This phrase suggests that God provides comfort and hope even in the darkest times. "Songs in the night" can be seen as a metaphor for joy or peace amidst suffering, akin to the peace that surpasses understanding mentioned inPhilippians 4:7. Historically, night symbolizes times of trouble or uncertainty, yet God provides solace. This is reminiscent of Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison at midnight (Acts 16:25), demonstrating faith and divine comfort despite dire circumstances. The idea of God giving songs also points to the transformative power of worship and praise in overcoming despair.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogues with friends and his quest for understanding God's ways.
2.
ElihuA younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a different perspective on Job's suffering, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty.
3.
GodReferred to as "my Maker" in this verse, highlighting His role as the Creator and Sustainer of life, who provides comfort even in dark times.
4.
Songs in the NightA metaphor for divine comfort and hope provided by God during times of trouble and distress.
5.
The Book of JobA poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that addresses the nature of suffering and the righteousness of God.
Teaching Points
God as Our MakerRecognize God as the Creator who knows us intimately and cares for us deeply, even in our darkest moments.
Divine Comfort in TrialsTrust that God provides comfort and hope ("songs in the night") during times of suffering and uncertainty.
Seeking God in Difficult TimesEncourage believers to actively seek God and His presence when facing challenges, rather than turning away in despair.
The Role of Worship in SufferingEmphasize the power of worship and praise as a means to connect with God and find peace amidst trials.
Understanding God's SovereigntyAcknowledge God's ultimate control and justice, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 35:10?
2.How does Job 35:10 encourage us to seek God during difficult times?
3.What does "God my Maker" reveal about our relationship with Him?
4.How can we practically "sing in the night" during personal trials?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize God's presence in our suffering?
6.How can acknowledging God as Creator strengthen our faith in adversity?
7.Why does Job 35:10 emphasize God as the giver of songs in the night?
8.How does Job 35:10 challenge our understanding of God's presence in suffering?
9.What historical context influences the message of Job 35:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 35?
11.Why does Job 35:9 imply people cry out but receive no answer, contradicting verses elsewhere describing divine rescue?
12.In Job 10:16, why does Job perceive God as a ruthless adversary when other parts of the Bible portray Him as compassionate?
13.In light of Job 35:16, why would a merciful God remain silent if Job's pleas are without merit, given other scriptures showing God responding to human need?
14.In Job 10:5, Job asks if God experiences time like a human--how does this align with the idea of God's eternal nature in other Scriptures?What Does Job 35:10 Mean
But no one asksElihu points out that, when trouble closes in, people commonly complain instead of turning upward.
•Psalm 14:2 recounts God looking “to see if any understand, if any seek God,” yet finding few.
•James 4:2 echoes the same problem: “You do not have, because you do not ask.”
•Jeremiah 2:32 laments that God’s people “forget Me days without number.”
The first step in relief is simply to ask; ignoring God hardens the heart and prolongs misery.
Where is GodThis question probes relationship, not geography. It signals a heart that realizes God is personal and near.
•Psalm 42:2 cries, “When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?”
•Isaiah 55:6 urges, “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”
•Hebrews 11:6 promises that “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Asking “Where is God?” turns grief into pursuit, shifting focus from self-pity to hope.
my MakerElihu anchors the search in creation language, reminding Job that the One he seeks formed him.
•Psalm 95:6 invites, “Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.”
•Isaiah 17:7 foresees a day when people “will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.”
Calling God “my Maker” acknowledges absolute dependence and invites His sovereign care.
who gives us songsGod does more than mend; He fills the rescued heart with worship.
•Psalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
•Zephaniah 3:17 shows God Himself “rejoicing over you with singing.”
•Ephesians 5:19 urges believers to speak “to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in your hearts.”
Every melody born of redemption is a gift from the Giver of songs.
in the nightNight represents both literal darkness and the darkest seasons of the soul. God plants songs right there.
•Psalm 42:8: “In the night His song is with me.”
•Acts 16:25 pictures Paul and Silas “praying and singing hymns to God” at midnight in prison.
•Psalm 30:5 assures, “Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
When daylight fades, God proves His presence by giving praise instead of panic.
summaryJob 35:10 rebukes a forgetful heart: suffering people often grumble yet fail to seek the God who created them and stands ready to hand them night-time songs of courage. Elihu’s words invite us to ask, to seek the nearness of our Maker, and to trust Him to exchange our darkest hours for worship-filled nights.
(10)
But none saith.--Some render this, "But he who giveth songs in the night saith not, Where is God my Maker,"
i.e.,the selfish and luxurious oppressor, who spendeth the night in feasting and revelry. This is an intelligible meaning. On the other hand, though the phrase, "who giveth songs in the night," has become proverbial, and, with the meaning assigned to it, is very beautiful, it may be doubted whether it is so obvious or natural in this place. This is a matter for individual taste and judgment to decide. If it is understood of God, it ascribes to Him the turning of sorrow into gladness, and the night of affliction into joy--an office which is, indeed, frequently assigned to God, but of which the appropriateness is not so manifest here. The decision of this question will perhaps partly depend upon the view we take of the words which follow--"Where is God my Maker?"--whether they are part of the cry of the oppressed or whether they are the words of Elihu. If the latter, then they become more intelligible; if otherwise, it is difficult to see their special appropriateness in this particular place. Perhaps it is better to regard them as the words of Elihu.
Verse 10. -
But none saith, Where is God my Maker? The oppressed, in many cases, do not appeal to God at all. They mutter and complain and groan because of their afflictions; but they have not enough faith in God to cry to him. Or, if they do so cry, it is not in a right spirit; it is despondingly, despairingly, not confidently or cheerfully.
God is one who giveth songs in the night. The truly pious man sings hymns of praise in his affliction, as Paul and Silas did in the jail at Philippi, looking to God with faith and a lively hope for deliverance.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But noוְֽלֹא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noone asks,אָמַ֗ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Where [is]אַ֭יֵּה(’ay·yêh)Interrogative
Strong's 335:Where?, how?Godאֱל֣וֹהַּ(’ĕ·lō·w·ah)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 433:God -- a deity, the Deitymy Maker,עֹשָׂ֑י(‘ō·śāy)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makewho gives usנֹתֵ֖ן(nō·ṯên)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setsongsזְמִר֣וֹת(zə·mi·rō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2158:A songin the night,בַּלָּֽיְלָה׃(bal·lā·yə·lāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915:A twist, night, adversity
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OT Poetry: Job 35:10 But none says 'Where is God my (Jb)