The Bible Recap

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Episode: Day 013 (Job 35-37) - Year 8
Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble continues through the Book of Job, focusing on chapters 35–37. The primary theme centers on Elihu’s final speech, examining both its theological truths and its shortcomings. Tara-Leigh reflects on Elihu's tone, motivation, and overall message, drawing out lessons about suffering, anger, God's providence, and the posture of humility before God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Elihu’s Final Speech: Tone and Content

• Tara-Leigh observes a shift in Elihu's approach:

  • "Even though he started off a little more humble yesterday, he's become far more self assured the longer he talks, growing harsher in his rebuke of Job and even bordering on cruelty." [00:25]
  • Elihu claims divine authority:
    "In 36:2 he claims to be speaking on God's behalf, and in verse 4 he refers to himself as perfect in knowledge. Wow, those are some pretty big claims to make, just like Job's other friends." [00:41]

• Elihu’s Theological Accuracy and Error:

  • He points out valid truths, such as:
    • Our actions don't affect God’s status or perfection. [00:53]
    • Righteousness isn't a bargaining chip with God. [01:08]
  • Where Elihu errs, Tara-Leigh notes, is assuming motives in Job that are not there:
    • "But where Elihu goes wrong is in assuming that Job was trying to use his righteousness as a bartering tool." [01:17]

2. Reflection on Anger: Self-righteousness vs. Righteous Indignation

• Tara-Leigh highlights Elihu’s statement that “godless people cherish anger” [Job 36].
  • She connects this with the initial mention of Elihu’s anger and distinguishes righteous and unrighteous anger:
    • "God is angry at sin, for instance. That's righteous anger... But if we're honest, most of the things that we get angry about are selfish, which means it would be unrighteous anger." [01:38]
    • The spiral of cherishing anger leads to self-righteousness, unforgiveness, and bitterness, closing the heart to others and God. [02:21]
    • She speculates that Elihu may be falling into this very trap, as his argument "keeps ramping up more and more." [02:53]

3. God’s Purpose in Affliction

• Elihu repeats themes about God using adversity for good:

  • "He delivers the afflicted by their affliction. He opens their ear by adversity. That's true. We talked about that. God does use adversity and affliction to draw people to Himself." [03:00]

• Tara-Leigh reflects on the redemptive nature of suffering:

  • Suffering can illuminate truth and deepen relationship with God.
    • "Struggles can serve as a magnifying glass on the truth. And on the other side of those struggles, if we've really seen the true value and beauty of an intimate relationship with the Father, we would say those struggles were worth it in order to know him better." [03:33]
  • She references Paul from Philippians 3 and quotes Spurgeon:
    • "I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the rock of ages." [04:13]

4. Elihu’s Misapplied Poetry and Final Words

• Tara-Leigh praises the poetry of Elihu’s words, but notes:

  • "Elihu is praising God's glory and majesty, but in a way that's intended to crush Job. He's using poetry as a hammer." [04:28]

• Elihu’s closing statement:

  • "He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit. It's true that God draws near to the humble." [04:46]
  • Tara-Leigh considers Job's silence as possible humility or simply exhaustion:
    • "Job hasn't pushed back once. Maybe Job was staying silent out of humility, or maybe he was just all out of strength to fight back at this point." [05:00]

5. The “God Shot”: Providence in Suffering

• Tara-Leigh’s main takeaway from today’s reading is God’s providence, from Job 37:
  • "Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen. This is called God's Providence." [05:10]
  • God works out his intentional plan for His glory and our joy, even when the purpose is mysterious.
    • "We can rest knowing that he's working in all things for his glory and our joy, and especially knowing that he's where the joy is." [05:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Wow, those are some pretty big claims to make, just like Job's other friends." – Tara-Leigh Cobble [00:44]
• "When you think about what it means to cherish anger, that sounds awful… I have a tendency to become pretty self righteous. I don't have a desire to forgive." – Tara-Leigh Cobble [01:52]
• "Struggles can serve as a magnifying glass on the truth…" – Tara-Leigh Cobble [03:33]
• "I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the rock of ages." – Charles Spurgeon, quoted by Tara-Leigh Cobble [04:13]
• "He's using poetry as a hammer." – Tara-Leigh Cobble [04:28]
• "We can rest knowing that he's working in all things for his glory and our joy, and especially knowing that he's where the joy is." – Tara-Leigh Cobble [05:55]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:25 – Elihu’s increasing harshness and attitude shift
• 00:41 – Elihu’s claim to divine knowledge
• 01:08 – True statements about God’s nature
• 01:38 – Righteous vs. unrighteous anger
• 03:00 – God delivers through affliction
• 03:33 – Suffering as a tool for deeper knowing of God
• 04:13 – Spurgeon’s quote on suffering
• 04:28 – The impact and intent of Elihu’s poetic language
• 05:10 – God’s providence highlighted in Job 37
• 05:55 – The assurance of God’s purposeful action in all things

Summary of Takeaways

• Elihu’s speech blends truth and error; he accurately describes aspects of God's nature but wrongly assumes Job’s motivations.
• Anger, when cherished, becomes self-righteous and destructive—both theologically and relationally.
• Suffering and adversity can be redeemed by God to reveal truth, foster deeper relationship, and ultimately serve His good purposes.
• God’s providence means He is always intentional, even if His reasons remain mysterious.
• Humility draws God's nearness, as illustrated in Job’s posture by the end of Elihu’s speech.

This summary captures the tone, candid reflection, and theological depth Tara-Leigh Cobble offers, while distilling the heart of Job 35–37 as discussed in the episode.