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.
3.
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
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.
8.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
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.
A NEW DISPUTANT
‘Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.’
Job 32:10
I. The last voice in the earthly controversy is now heard.—It is a new voice, and opportunity never comes to Job to answer. Moreover, God in the final movements takes no notice other than that of interruption, and in the epilogue Elihu has no place. Nevertheless, the long speech of this man is full of interest, and moves as to its insight on a higher plane than that of the men who have spoken. In the first five verses Elihu is introduced by the author of the book. His three friends are silent because unable to bring conviction of guilt to Job. In the presence of their inability Elihu, who evidently has heard the whole argument, is moved with anger. This anger is against Job, because he has justified himself rather than God. It is against Job’s friends, because they have been unequal to the task to which they set themselves.
II. In the opening of his speech Elihu makes his apology.—The reason of his silence has been that of his youth. As he has listened he has come to the conclusion that age is not always wisdom. Addressing himself to the friends, he declares that he has waited, and they have failed, and indicates his intention to adopt a new method. The apology ends with a soliloquy, in which he considers the failure of the other men, and speaks of his own consciousness of conviction and readiness to speak. He then appeals to Job by asking his attention, assuring him of sincerity in motive, and finally declaring that he speaks to him as a comrade and not as a judge or one who would fill him with terror.
Illustration
‘Elihu was a young man not destitute of that beautiful modesty which so well becomes youth. He apologises for speaking at all in the presence of men so much older, and presumably so much wiser, than himself. But he was constrained to speak. It is well he did speak, for his utterance was of great value. The reason urged indicates the wisdom and piety of this young man. Whatever of understanding is possessed by man he attributes to the inspiration of the Almighty in the human spirit. And this was the belief of the best men in the olden times, not of the Hebrew nation alone, but of all nations.’
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:
13.
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
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.
19.
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
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.