This verse from Job 34:37 is part of Elihu's speech to Job. Elihu is attempting to rebuke Job for what he perceives as Job's arrogance and disrespect towards God in the face of his suffering. Let's break down the verse:
"For he adds rebellion to his sin...": This suggests that Job's original suffering (which Elihu assumes is due to some sin) has now been compounded by his rebellious attitude. Instead of humbly accepting his fate or repenting, Job is, according to Elihu, digging himself deeper into trouble.
"He claps his hands among us...": This phrase is somewhat metaphorical. Clapping hands can express several things, but in this context, it most likely signifies contempt, mockery, or celebration of wrongdoing. It suggests that Job is openly and publicly displaying his defiance and irreverence. He's not just privately questioning God; he's flaunting his disagreement or anger. The "among us" implies that Job's behavior is being witnessed and is offensive to those present (likely Elihu and his other friends).
"and multiplies his words against God.”: This part emphasizes the volume and intensity of Job's complaints. Elihu believes Job is constantly uttering accusations and criticisms against God. The word "multiplies" suggests a constant stream of negative and disrespectful statements.
In summary, Elihu accuses Job of not only being guilty of some sin that caused his suffering but also of compounding his guilt by:
Rebelling against God and his situation.
Publicly and contemptuously displaying his defiance.
Continuously uttering disrespectful words against God.
Important Note: It's crucial to remember that the book of Job is a complex exploration of suffering and faith. Elihu's perspective is just one viewpoint within the book, and it's not necessarily presented as the correct or definitive one. In fact, God rebukes Elihu later in the book. Elihu's words highlight a common (but not always accurate) human tendency to attribute suffering to personal sin and to judge those who question God in the face of adversity. The book of Job ultimately challenges this simplistic view.
This verse from Job 34:37 is part of Elihu's speech to Job. Elihu is attempting to rebuke Job for what he perceives as Job's arrogance and disrespect towards God in the face of his suffering. Let's break down the verse:
"For he adds rebellion to his sin...": This suggests that Job's original suffering (which Elihu assumes is due to some sin) has now been compounded by his rebellious attitude. Instead of humbly accepting his fate or repenting, Job is, according to Elihu, digging himself deeper into trouble.
"He claps his hands among us...": This phrase is somewhat metaphorical. Clapping hands can express several things, but in this context, it most likely signifies contempt, mockery, or celebration of wrongdoing. It suggests that Job is openly and publicly displaying his defiance and irreverence. He's not just privately questioning God; he's flaunting his disagreement or anger. The "among us" implies that Job's behavior is being witnessed and is offensive to those present (likely Elihu and his other friends).
"and multiplies his words against God.”: This part emphasizes the volume and intensity of Job's complaints. Elihu believes Job is constantly uttering accusations and criticisms against God. The word "multiplies" suggests a constant stream of negative and disrespectful statements.
In summary, Elihu accuses Job of not only being guilty of some sin that caused his suffering but also of compounding his guilt by:
Rebelling against God and his situation.
Publicly and contemptuously displaying his defiance.
Continuously uttering disrespectful words against God.
Important Note: It's crucial to remember that the book of Job is a complex exploration of suffering and faith. Elihu's perspective is just one viewpoint within the book, and it's not necessarily presented as the correct or definitive one. In fact, God rebukes Elihu later in the book. Elihu's words highlight a common (but not always accurate) human tendency to attribute suffering to personal sin and to judge those who question God in the face of adversity. The book of Job ultimately challenges this simplistic view.