1.
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2.
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
Elihu = God is Jehovah; or, my God is He. Not named before. His addresses occupy six chapters, His two counts of indictment (verses: Job 32:2 , Job 32:3 ) are based upon what precedes, and lead up to "the end of the Lord" in what follows from Job 32:13 .
Barachel = whom God hath blessed.
Buzite. Descended from Buz, the second son of Nahor, the brother of Abraham (Genesis 22:20 , Genesis 22:21 ). See notes on p. 666.
Ram = Aram, related to Buz (Genesis 22:21 ).
himself = his soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
3.
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
condemned Job. The primitive text reads "condemned God", but was altered from motives of false reverence by the Sopherim to "Job". See App-33 .
4.
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5.
When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6.
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7.
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
Days . . . years. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for men of years: aged men.
8.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .
inspiration. Hebrew. neshamah. App-16 .
THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .
9.
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10.
Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11.
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
12.
Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
convinced = convicted. Man condemns without convicting; but God convicts first, that the man may condemn himself.
words = arguments.
13.
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
GOD. Hebrew El.
14.
Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15.
They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16.
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17.
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18.
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
matter. Hebrew. millah = the matter of what is said.
19.
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 .
bottles = skin bottles; which, if fermentation is not completed, sometimes burst.
20.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21.
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22.
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
soon. See note on Proverbs 5:14 .