Job 36:20-21

Elihu continues his warning to Job.

20. Desire not that night

When the peoples are cut off in their place;

21. Take heed, turn not unto iniquity,

For this thou choosest rather than affliction.

20. The "night" is as usual a figure for destruction and judgment. By this destroying judgment of God nations are "taken away" in their place, i. e. on the spot, suddenly and without power of escape; and Job is warned against desiring, lit. panting for, such a judgment. Job had often desired to meet God in judgment, and there may be a reference to this in the words, but the passage contains a general warning against Job's rebellious words and demeanour towards God, and means "Act not as if thou soughtest to bring on thyself the dark and sudden judgment day of calamity when nations are swept away in their place."