Job 33:8-17

(8) В¶ Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, (9) I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. (10) Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, (11) He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. (12) Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. (13) Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. (14) В¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. (15) In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; (16) Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, (17) That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

This is a precious sermon of Elihu, independent of the connection it hath with Job's history. It will be highly profitable to view every part of it, as it concerns every exercised, every afflicted soul. It forms a beautiful account, indeed, in the general, how the LORD is dealing with his people, to open their ear to discipline, and to bring them into an acquaintance with himself. If we behold it in a gospel dress, as the work of GOD the SPIRIT in the heart, convincing of sin, and convincing of the righteousness of JESUS, every word in the passage may be sweetly explained, with an eye to the Redeemer's glory and the sinner's conversion. The Church in Babylon, when delivered from their captivity, thought it more like a dream than a reality; the blessing seemed to be too great to be true. And is it not the same with the awakened; convinced, converted, liberated sinner? Psalms 126:1.