An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

Here Elihu applieth the matter yet closer to Job; I have advised thee, to take heed, not to regard iniquity, and my admonition is not without cause; I do not speak at random, for I tell thee plainly, thou hast chosen this rather than affliction; that is, thou hast regarded iniquity. To choose is to regard.

Here Elihu applieth the matter yet closer to Job; I have advised thee, to take heed, not to regard iniquity, and my admonition is not without cause; I do not speak at random, for I tell thee plainly, thou hast chosen this rather than affl•ction; that is, thou hast regarded iniquity. To choose is to regard.

This thou hast chosen rather that affliction. This, What? This sin, impatient complaining and expostulating with God,¹ this sin thou hast chosen. The word which we translate to choose, denotes a very serious and exact work of the soul. Choice is a deliberate act; we choose upon discussion and debate; choice is made upon trial and proof. Thus the word is used (Exod. 17.9.) Joshua was to take chosen, approved, experienced men, to go to the war against Amalek. David gathered all the chosen men of Israel (2 Sam. 6.1.) And thus the Lord spake to the house of Jacob by the Prophet (Isa. 48.10.) I have chosen thee; Where? I have chosen thee in the fire of affliction. Affliction is a trier, and either discovers who are fit to be chosen, or sits and prepares them to be chosen. This thou hast chosen Rather than affliction.

This thou hast chosen rather that affliction. This, What? This sin, impatient complaining and expostulating with God,¹