Job 36:24, "Remember that you magnify his work, whereof men have sung," is part of Elihu's speech to Job. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Remember..." Elihu is urging Job to consider something important. He wants Job to reflect on the point he's about to make.
"...that you magnify his work..." This is the core of the verse. "Magnify" here means to exalt, praise, or extol. Elihu is saying that Job should praise and give honor to God's actions and creations. Instead of focusing on his own suffering and questioning God (as Job has been doing), Job should be focusing on the greatness of God's works.
"...whereof men have sung." This adds a layer of context. It implies that God's works are so impressive that people throughout history have composed songs, hymns, and poems to celebrate them. The natural world, God's provision, God's power – these are things that have inspired countless acts of praise.
In essence, Elihu is telling Job:
> "Don't get so caught up in your personal troubles that you forget the glorious and praiseworthy things God has done. Remember to praise and celebrate God's works, things that people have been singing about for generations."
Context within the book of Job:
This verse is part of Elihu's attempt to correct Job's perspective. Job, in his suffering, has been questioning God's justice and righteousness. Elihu is arguing that Job is focusing too much on himself and his situation and failing to appreciate the immense wisdom and power of God displayed in the world around him. He argues that by magnifying God's work, Job will gain a better understanding of God's character and a more balanced perspective on his own suffering. Elihu believes that Job needs to shift his focus from his problems to God's magnificence.
Job 36:24, "Remember that you magnify his work, whereof men have sung," is part of Elihu's speech to Job. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Remember..." Elihu is urging Job to consider something important. He wants Job to reflect on the point he's about to make.
"...that you magnify his work..." This is the core of the verse. "Magnify" here means to exalt, praise, or extol. Elihu is saying that Job should praise and give honor to God's actions and creations. Instead of focusing on his own suffering and questioning God (as Job has been doing), Job should be focusing on the greatness of God's works.
"...whereof men have sung." This adds a layer of context. It implies that God's works are so impressive that people throughout history have composed songs, hymns, and poems to celebrate them. The natural world, God's provision, God's power – these are things that have inspired countless acts of praise.
In essence, Elihu is telling Job:
> "Don't get so caught up in your personal troubles that you forget the glorious and praiseworthy things God has done. Remember to praise and celebrate God's works, things that people have been singing about for generations."
Context within the book of Job:
This verse is part of Elihu's attempt to correct Job's perspective. Job, in his suffering, has been questioning God's justice and righteousness. Elihu is arguing that Job is focusing too much on himself and his situation and failing to appreciate the immense wisdom and power of God displayed in the world around him. He argues that by magnifying God's work, Job will gain a better understanding of God's character and a more balanced perspective on his own suffering. Elihu believes that Job needs to shift his focus from his problems to God's magnificence.