Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verses challenge the idea that God is merely managing a world that belongs to someone else. Instead, they powerfully assert that God is the ultimate owner and organizer of everything, meaning any injustice would be akin to harming His own creation and, therefore, Himself. This emphasizes that God's actions are rooted in His inherent nature and His complete ownership, not in any obligation to a superior.
Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elihu is arguing that God, as the sole Creator and sovereign ruler of the entire world, has no motive or possibility of acting unjustly. He questions who could possibly have appointed God to his role or even have the authority to question Him, emphasizing that God's own existence and interest are tied to the well-being of His creation. Therefore, any suffering Job endures cannot stem from divine unfairness, as God's very nature as the absolute Lord means injustice would harm His own domain.
Have you ever wondered if there's someone above God making Him do things? Elihu tackles this head-on.
Elihu's argument in Job 34:13 hinges on a radical idea: God's absolute, independent authority. He asks, 'Who gave God charge over the earth?' and 'Who laid the whole world upon Him?'
This isn't a rhetorical question about God needing permission. It's a declaration that no one did.
God's Original Ownership
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What does it mean that the whole world is 'laid upon' God? It's a profound weight and a powerful promise.
Elihu uses the phrase 'laid on him the whole world' to convey more than just ownership. It speaks to the immense responsibility and the active governance God exercises.
Divine Stewardship
This passage lays the foundation for God's absolute ownership and authority over creation, directly supporting the idea that no one else has 'given Him charge' over the earth because He made it.
Psalm 24:1This psalm echoes Job 34:13 by declaring that the earth and all its fullness belong to the Lord, reinforcing the concept of His inherent sovereignty and right to rule.
Isaiah 40:12-14This passage highlights God's supreme wisdom and power in creating and ordering the world, showing that His authority is not delegated but original and absolute, as questioned in Job 34:13.
Daniel 4:35This verse emphasizes that God's dominion is eternal and His power is unmatched, directly addressing the rhetorical questions in Job 34:13 by affirming His ultimate control over all earthly affairs.
ellicottJob 34:13: "Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?"
(13) Who hath disposed the whole world? —Or, Who hath set the whole world upon Him? i.e., entrusted it to His care; in the other sense it means, “Who but He hath made the whole world, and who, therefore, can have the interest in it which He must have?”
pulpitJob 34:13: "Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?"
Verse 13. - Who hath given him a charge over the earth? The argument seems to be that if God had "received a charge," and were in possession of a mere delegated authority, like the subordinate gods of heathen nations, he might have an interest apart from that of those whom he governs, and so be tempted to be unjust; but as he is the Author of all and the sole Ruler of all, his interest must be bound…
The verses challenge the idea that God is merely managing a world that belongs to someone else. Instead, they powerfully assert that God is the ultimate owner and organizer of everything, meaning any injustice would be akin to harming His own creation and, therefore, Himself. This emphasizes that God's actions are rooted in His inherent nature and His complete ownership, not in any obligation to a superior.
Elihu is arguing that God, as the sole Creator and sovereign ruler of the entire world, has no motive or possibility of acting unjustly. He questions who could possibly have appointed God to his role or even have the authority to question Him, emphasizing that God's own existence and interest are tied to the well-being of His creation. Therefore, any suffering Job endures cannot stem from divine unfairness, as God's very nature as the absolute Lord means injustice would harm His own domain.
Elihu is arguing that God, as the sole Creator and sovereign ruler of the entire world, has no motive or possibility of acting unjustly. He questions who could possibly have appointed God to his role or even have the authority to question Him, emphasizing that God's own existence and interest are tied to the well-being of His creation. Therefore, any suffering Job endures cannot stem from divine unfairness, as God's very nature as the absolute Lord means injustice would harm His own domain.
"Who gave him charge over the earth, and who laid on him the whole world?" — The verses challenge the idea that God is merely managing a world that belongs to someone else. Instead, they powerfully assert that God is the ultimate owner and organizer of everything, meaning a…
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Last reviewed October 2026