Behold, God is exalted in His power.This phrase emphasizes the supreme and unmatched power of God. In the context of the Book of Job, this statement is part of Elihu's speech, where he seeks to highlight God's majesty and authority. The term "exalted" suggests a position of high status and reverence, aligning with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over creation (
Psalm 97:9). The power of God is evident throughout the Bible, from the creation narrative in Genesis to the miracles performed by Jesus in the New Testament. This power is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, demonstrating God's ability to govern the universe with justice and wisdom. The phrase invites readers to recognize and revere God's omnipotence, which is a central tenet of faith.
Who is a teacher like Him?
This rhetorical question underscores God's unparalleled wisdom and ability to instruct. In the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, teachers were highly respected figures, often associated with wisdom and understanding. By comparing God to a teacher, the text elevates His role as the ultimate source of knowledge and guidance. This is echoed in other scriptures, such asIsaiah 40:13-14, which speak of God's wisdom as beyond human comprehension. The phrase also foreshadows the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as "Rabbi" or "Teacher" in the Gospels (John 13:13). Jesus' teachings, parables, and actions reveal divine truths and provide a model for living according to God's will. This connection highlights the continuity of God's teaching role throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. The central figure in the Book of Job, he undergoes severe trials and suffering.
2.
ElihuA younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a perspective on Job's suffering, emphasizing God's greatness and justice.
3.
GodThe Almighty Creator, whose power and wisdom are beyond human understanding. In this verse, His exalted nature and role as the ultimate teacher are highlighted.
4.
UzThe land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the setting for the events of the Book of Job.
5.
The Heavenly CourtThe setting at the beginning of the Book of Job where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness, leading to Job's trials.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and PowerRecognize that God's power is unmatched and His sovereignty is absolute. In our lives, we should submit to His will, trusting in His perfect plan.
God as the Ultimate TeacherUnderstand that God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Seek His guidance through prayer and scripture, especially in times of confusion or doubt.
Humility in LearningApproach God with humility, acknowledging that our understanding is limited. Be open to His teaching, even when it challenges our preconceived notions.
Trust in God's WisdomTrust that God's wisdom surpasses human understanding. In difficult times, rely on His insight rather than solely on human reasoning.
Reflecting God's AttributesStrive to reflect God's attributes of wisdom and understanding in our interactions with others, serving as a testament to His influence in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 36:22?
2.How does Job 36:22 emphasize God's supreme authority in our daily lives?
3.What does "exalted in His power" reveal about God's nature and character?
4.How can we recognize God's teaching in our personal experiences?
5.Which other scriptures highlight God's unmatched power and wisdom?
6.How should God's authority influence our decision-making and actions today?
7.How does Job 36:22 demonstrate God's supreme authority and power over creation?
8.What does Job 36:22 reveal about God's role as a teacher?
9.How does Job 36:22 challenge human understanding of divine wisdom?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 36?
11.In Job 25:4, how can anyone be vindicated before God if even those closest to Him are considered unclean?
12.In Job 22:2-3, if God gains nothing from human righteousness, how do we reconcile this with other passages emphasizing God's delight in obedience?
13.In Job 36:5, how can God 'despise no one' if other scriptures depict His wrath and judgment against certain people?
14.1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 - If prophecies were never to be dismissed, how do we address contradictory or failed prophecies throughout Christian history?What Does Job 36:22 Mean
BeholdThe very first word functions like a divine finger pointing us toward something we dare not miss. Scripture often uses “behold” to jolt us awake to God’s activity.
•Psalm 46:8 calls, “Come, behold the works of the LORD,” urging the same alert posture.
•Isaiah 40:26 invites, “Lift up your eyes on high and see. Who created these?” Creation itself is the exhibit that demands our attention.
Job 36:22 opens with the same drumbeat: pause, look, let your heart stand still before what follows.
God is exaltedElihu’s declaration is not wishful thinking; it is reality.
•Isaiah 57:15 affirms that the LORD “dwells in a high and holy place,” highlighting His transcendence.
•Psalm 97:9 states, “For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.”
Because God is already enthroned above every rival, He is never in danger of diminution. Our recognition of His exaltation does not add to His greatness—it simply aligns us with truth.
in His powerThe verse ties God’s lofty position directly to His might. His power is neither abstract nor limited.
•Jeremiah 32:17 marvels, “Nothing is too difficult for You!” Creation, providence, and redemption all witness to that.
•Job 26:14 concedes, “These are but the fringes of His ways,” reminding us we have seen only a glimpse.
•Psalm 62:11 echoes, “Power belongs to God,” settling any debate about where ultimate strength resides.
Practical consequences:
- His sovereign power means no circumstance is beyond His control.
- His exalted power is also benevolent; He wields it for His people (Romans 8:28 stands in the background here).
When suffering tempts us to doubt,Job 36:22 pulls us back to the bedrock: God rules, and His rule is mighty.
Who is a teacher like Him?Having established God’s supremacy, Elihu pivots to His role as instructor. Power and pedagogy meet in the same Person.
•Psalm 32:8 promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.”
•Isaiah 54:13 looks ahead: “All your sons will be taught by the LORD.”
•John 6:45 confirms, “They will all be taught by God.”
Because none surpasses Him in wisdom, submission is the only sensible response. Even Job—who longed for answers—needed to sit under the tuition of the Almighty rather than debate Him.
What makes God’s teaching unique?
- He alone knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).
- He speaks truth without mixture of error (John 17:17).
- He pairs instruction with enabling grace (James 1:5 invites us to ask for wisdom He delights to give).
Hearing His lessons may come through His written Word, the inner testimony of the Spirit, or circumstances He arranges, yet the source remains the same unrivaled Teacher.
summaryJob 36:22 captures four realities in one breath: wake up and look; recognize God’s supreme position; trust His unmatched power; and yield to His perfect instruction. In days of ease or seasons of pain, the verse anchors us to the God who is simultaneously exalted, omnipotent, and personally committed to teaching His children the way of wisdom.
(22)
Behold, God exalteth by his power.--The rest of Elihu's speech is splendidly eloquent. He dilates on the power and majesty of God, and appears to be speaking in contemplation of some magnificent natural phenomenon--as the tempest, or hurricane, or whirlwind--out of which the Lord ultimately spake (
Job 38:1). It is probable that this storm was beginning to gather, and that it suggested the glorious imagery of Elihu's speech. The points are that (1) God is the source of greatness; (2) that there is no teacher like Him (
Job 36:22); (3) that He is absolute as well as almighty (
Job 36:23); (4) that He is unsearchable and eternal (
Job 36:26).
Verse 22. -
Behold, God exalteth by his power; rather,
behold,
God doeth loftily in his power (see the Revised Version). Who teacheth like him? This has been called "the key-note of Elihu's whole discourse" (Cook). The entire providential government of the world by God he views as didactic, as a series of moral lessons addressed to men by their Maker (see
Job 33:14, 16;
Job 35:11;
Job 36:9, etc.). If the lessons intended are taken to heart, then all goes well with men; if they are rejected, then very sad and terrible results follow (
Job 36:12).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Behold,הֶן־(hen-)Interjection
Strong's 2005:Lo! behold!Godאֵ֭ל(’êl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410:Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almightyis exaltedיַשְׂגִּ֣יב(yaś·gîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7682:To be, lofty, inaccessible, safe, strongin His power.בְּכֹח֑וֹ(bə·ḵō·ḥōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3581:A small reptile (of unknown species)Whoמִ֖י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixis a teacherמוֹרֶֽה׃(mō·w·reh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3384:To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teachlike Him?כָמֹ֣הוּ(ḵā·mō·hū)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3644:Like, as, when
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OT Poetry: Job 36:22 Behold God is exalted in his power (Jb) 
