Job 32

From here, the Book of Job takes on a new character.  An individual that is not named as one of Job’s three friends, Elihu.  Who exactly Elihu is or where he came from is not explained within the Book of Job.  Elihu could have only come from one of two places.  Either Elihu traveled with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar to meet with Job or he was a spectator.  Earlier, I postulated that Job’s friends did not make their comments in private.  Possibly a crowd gathered and listened to the discussions.  Or possibly, Job was taken before the elders of the city and Elihu was present for those discussions.  Either way, none of these can be proven conclusive.  The text does not provide much of a clue as to Elihu’s origin.

Elihu will speak for six chapters.  He is the one individual that many seem to forget; however, more people align with Elihu than any other character in the Book of Job. Elihu has the longest continuous speech in the book.  One must carefully read the words of Elihu to understand his motive and his slight of speech.  Although I believe his accusations against Job are wrong, within his speech there are other truths.  This is similar to Satan who will mix truth with deceits.  For one just reading rather than studying, Elihu can be easily misunderstood.  When given time to study, it is easy to see the fault in Elihu’s words.  However, few take the time to study the Book of Job.  Elihu will make unsubstantiated comments concerning supposed statements by Job.  He will twist words to his advantage.  One must be mindful of Elihu, because there are many in the world today similar to Elihu.  They command large audiences, but their truths leave a lot to be desired.

If you disagree with my summation of Elihu, I just ask that you take time to study his words.  Ultimately Elihu will be judged or better to be said, he has been judged in the Book of Job.

In Job 32, Elihu will spend a majority of his time justifying himself and criticizing Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.

Job 32:1

¹So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

After all the discussion, Job’s friends ceased.  Based on God’s final evaluation of Job’s friends, one might breathe a sigh of relief that their nonsense and inaccuracies have finally stopped.  However, even though God stated in Job 42:8, Job’s friends were in folly and had not spoken as Job; there are lessons to be learned from them.

⁸Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

Much of what they said was judgmental, opinionated and not based on fact.  Further they represent some of the doctrines that are put forth as truths in today’s churches.  For one that is a truth seeker, they must examine for themselves to determine if they too have fallen victim to such inaccuracies and prejudices.  For me, I am delighted for the end of their words.  Unfortunately, what is to come next is monumental in error compared to the previous blunders.

In the second half of Job 32:1, a reason is provided for why Job’s friends have stopped their speech.  To some people the phrase “righteous in his own eyes” is a slur.  In that, it refers to one who is self-righteous.  In the case of Job, it was God that stated in Job 1:8.

⁸And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Further after all that happened to Job, he told his wife in Job 2:10.

¹⁰But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Yet in all this, Job did not sin with his lips.  When many go through bad times or even just a bump in the road, their mouths seem to just spill out things better left unsaid.

If one considers the words of God, when it stated “righteous in his own eyes” one should consider that Job was more than justified for his beliefs.  Consider Job’s other option, to admit to some sin he never committed.  If Job had agreed with his friends in their assumption, then they would both be wrong.  Of course Job was righteous in his own eyes, because he was righteous.  That should have been the end of the argument.

However, there is a truth here that will come out towards the end of the book.  Job did make one crucial flaw.  It is the very one many continue to make, until they come to grips with the overall lesson of the Book of Job.

Job 32:2

²Then 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.

This is our first glimpse of Elihu and it is not a pretty one.  What is first stated about Elihu is that he had wrath for Job and his three friends.  Is that how one is to respond when someone does not agree with them?  If someone justifies themselves, one is not to become infuriated with them, Psalm 94:1.

¹O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

If vengeance belongs to God, then what right did Elihu have to be wrathful.  Furthermore, it is not Elihu’s responsibility to determine if one is right or wrong.  It is Elihu’s opinion that Job justified himself rather than God.  If one agrees with Elihu, one would be hard pressed to prove when Job said he was right and God was wrong.  Job never said God was wrong to allow what has happened to Job; Job’s issue was he wanted understanding.  Job never sought retribution for what he lost, nor did he specially state a great injustice had been done to him.  Job did not get angry with God and curse God to His face.  Remember what was stated about Job from the beginning, Job 1:22.

²²In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Job justified himself before God, because he had not committed a sin.  Up to the point when Satan showed up, Job had not committed anything that justified the onslaught.  What did cause it was the fact that there was none like Job in all the earth.  Job was perfect,  upright, feared God and had a disdain for evil.  Job could be trusted.

Elihu may have been presumptuous in his justification against Job.  However, that is just one of Elihu’s faults.  Or possibly, Elihu had an ulterior motive and Job served as a convenient fall guy for Elihu’s ultimate goal.

Elihu’s name and lineage best represent his overall character.

Elihu means He is my God.

Barachel means God bless.

Does not sound bad in itself.  But it is in his lineage that is disturbing.

Buzite means contempt.

Ram means exalted.

The thought here is similar to what is stated in Isaiah 58:2.

²Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

By itself it does not seem bad, but in the context one understands that these people were not much different than Elihu, as will soon become apparent.  These people sought after God on their own terms.  They appeared holy, but they had contempt for the ways of God.  Those of Isaiah 58 did not choose the fast that God would have them choose.  In the end, it was only to exalt themselves.  The fast they chose was a matter of convenience rather than the one God would have them choose, Isaiah 58:5-6.

⁵Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? ⁶Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

These people were not concerned with the ways of God, they had ulterior motives, So it was with Elihu.  He will act as if he is holy, Elihu will even state that he is.  But Elihu had contempt for the ways of God.  He had no intention of humbling himself.  His goal may have been to place himself in a position of exaltation.

Job 32:3

³Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

On this point Elihu is correct.  What is often true about people like Elihu, they state truths, half-truths and then outright lies.  They do not immediately come with lies, that would be too obvious.  They lure in unsuspecting people with truths and half-truths gaining their confidence.  Then they will eventually take people down a path that is so far from the truth.  This is what the serpent did in Genesis 3.  Often people are lured in, because they are unwilling to investigate for themselves and sometimes it is just what they wanted to hear.

Job’s three friends had answers for Job, but none of them really answered the question.  Nor was it strong enough to convict Job of any wrong doing.  Elihu is right they did condemn Job.  Just as he will shortly do, after he gains the confidence of the crowd.

Again the question is, what right did Elihu have to be wrathful?  Was it because they never admitted to wrongfully accusing Job or was it because they failed to successful accuse Job?  If it is the latter, was he wrathful because he too believed that Job was guilty?  This should become apparent as the text continues.  What is clear at this point, Job’s three friends in all their rhetoric, could not get beyond just opinions.  Job friend’s provided no hope for Job, just condemnation.

Job 32:4-5

⁴Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. ⁵When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

At least Elihu took time to listen.  Elihu demonstrated more patience and discernment that Job’s three friends.  He listened to Job, although he did not believe Job.  He would use the prior conversations to attempt to achieve his goal.  Elihu did not jump into the conversation too early.  However, it would have been best if he never spoke.  This too will become apparent with the next speaker.

What should be clear about Elihu is that he is filled with wrath.  The word has already been used four times to describe Elihu’s disposition.

Job 32:6

⁶And 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.

Elihu stated this, however, he could not be that afraid, he talks for the next six chapters in much detail.  Elihu stated that he is young in days.  He is excusing his age as way of gaining the crowd’s sympathy.  He stated because of his age, he was afraid to speak, if that was true, then why did Elihu speak anyway?  There was no need for him to speak as he did.  There must have been a motive that drove him to overcome his fear.  Or possibly, he was part of a tribunal against Job.

What follows next is Elihu’s justification for his diatribe and vindication for his youth.  It was doubtful at this point in the book that Elihu was afraid.  And after he got started, his emotion and ulterior motive drove him.

Job 32:7

⁷I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Day is in reference to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.  Elihu is stating that they were the elder and should speak first.  Again he is excusing his age to try to gain the sympathy of the crowd.  One might ask is there really a crowd?  If there was not a crowd, then who would Elihu’s be speaking to?  If it was Job’s friends, he has already insulted them directly once and will continue several more times.  Elihu has diminished any chance they would want to consider his opinion.  As the text continues, it will become even more apparent that Elihu is addressing listeners other than Job’s friends.

In Elihu’s statement above, it seems as if Elihu would like the listeners to believe that  there was no other option then for him to speak.  He takes the position that someone had to answer Job, and who better than Elihu.  One might consider that Elihu was no innocent bystander.

Job 32:8

⁸But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

This is where Elihu disregards his youth as a crucial element.  What is important according to Elihu is that God’s Spirit has inspired the individual.  Therefore, what he has to say is of value.  As such, those present should pay close attention, because Elihu’s words are from God.  Then his next inference, when put together with his former statements, provides all the justification he will need to continue speaking, Job 32:9.

⁹Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Elihu’s claim is that wisdom does not always come with age.  This claim with the last is all he needs to justify himself before all those present.  In theory, I have to agree with Elihu; however, it is the implication that I would argue with.  The fact that he is speaking and pointing out such things, he is claiming to have such understanding.  Elihu wants others to believe that his understanding comes straight from God.  He will even state so soon.  However, it will become clear with the next speaker that Elihu has overstepped his bounds.

Elihu is quite appealing to those present.  Possibly because those listening are similar to Elihu, but lack the ability to speak confidently.  Elihu is providing for others the justification to speak and act on his words.  Elihu may be speaking to the listeners’ own deep-seated beliefs.

Job 32:10

¹⁰Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

Elihu would probably take issue with this translation.  At this juncture in the book, Elihu has already stated that his words are not opinion.  As for Elihu, the ‘opinion’ would have been better translated ‘knowledge’.  Although some of Elihu’s statements are correct, it does not validate him.  Nor does it qualify him as a man of unique understanding.  And, it certainly does not authenticate his eventual accusations.  So, the translation ‘opinion’ is more in tune with Elihu’s true understanding.

Job 32:11-13

¹¹Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. ¹²Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: ¹³Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

Here is an absolute truth.  Job’s three friends failed to provide any clue as to why this was happening to Job.  Nor did their words help to minimize the confusion.  They failed to demonstrate that the incidents were the chastisement of God or possibly something else.  Although, Elihu stated a truth that was apparent to many, it does not necessarily authenticate what follows.

Additionally, Elihu may have stated the above, because he was still establishing his justification for speaking.  Further, by stating that he patiently waited for the others to finish speaking shows some level of humility or patience.  He is establishing agreement with those present that Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar failed to provide any clarity.  Elihu also was able to sneak in an error in Job 32:13 that will plant a seed for his future discussion.  He stated that “God thrusteth him down not man.”  He proposed two reasons for Job’s situation.  God and man and because of the way he stated it, God is the more likely answer.  He completely eliminated the possibility of Satan being the culprit.  By doing this he has set up Job to be accused of something.  Why would anyone think that man caused such destruction to Job.  Four different incidents occurred almost simultaneously.  What is the likelihood that the Sabeans, the fire of God falling from heaven, the Chaldeans and a great wind happening in a single coordinated attack.  That would lead one to believe that there was a conspiracy.  Most people have a hard time believing that conspiracies exist.  The truth is, the most common conspiracy throughout time is that there is no conspiracy.  In the case of Job, there absolutely is a conspiracy.  Satan was going to do everything in his power to multiply Job’s suffering and cause confusion.

Job 32:14

¹⁴Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

Elihu is stating that Job has not directed any of his words to him.  Then again, why would Job direct any comments to Elihu.  It is not evident where Elihu came from.

Elihu plans on using original arguments or at least he would want one to believe that.  He will not rely on that of his predecessors.  Elihu is smart enough to realize that those arguments are of little value.  Elihu will use an entirely different tactic.  And although few understand the book of Job, many today are inclined to believe Elihu’s persuasive speech.  This is because many fail to realize, who it is being chastised when God speaks in Job 38.

Job 32:15

 ¹⁵They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

This is Elihu’s opinion.  Elihu has the floor and no one is challenging him at this time.  It is questionable why Job’s friends did not speak up.  Possibly they tired of their inability to convince Job or they were in shock at the things that Elihu was stating.  Probably more than anything else, no one was listening to them anymore.  Job was able to undo most of their reasoning.  However, there is always the possibility that they have found even Elihu beneath them and were not inclined to answer his ramblings.  Being that Elihu spoke without being recognized, it took them by surprise.

However to assume that Elihu was not recognized, could be a mistake.  Quite possibly Elihu may have been asked or encouraged to speak.  Others may have concluded that Job’s three friends failed to appropriately convict Job.  As such, they were no longer allowed to speak, because of their failure.

Job 32:16 -17

¹⁶When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) ¹⁷I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

Elihu stated something that is not glaringly evident from the text.  There must have been a pause.  Job spoke unanswered the last six chapters.  To the casual reader, it may have seemed continuous.  When Job finished at the end of Job 31 Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar did not speak.  A pause that could have gone on for hours or even days, the text it is not clear.  This is when Elihu believed there should be an answer for Job, and who better to deliver it than him.

This is the third time in Job 32, that the translator used the word ‘opinion’.  All three times it comes from the same Hebrew word dea (H1843).  This particular Hebrew word is only found in Job.  It is in the Bible five times, three times in Job 32, Job 36:3 and Job 37:16.  The last two times it is translated ‘knowledge’.  Since it is used by Elihu, it would have been better to translate it ‘opinion’ all five times.  However, prior to Job 38, Elihu would probably have taken exception to that.

Elihu, like those before him, is going to give his opinion rather than fact.  When Job’s three friends are allowed to request of Job to offer a burnt sacrifice and prayer for them, nothing is mentioned of Elihu.  The absence of his name speaks volumes as to the inaccuracy of his words.  If Elihu was as righteous as some suppose, would not God have asked the most righteous to pray for Job’s three friends and Job?  The fact is Elihu is not who many imagine.  He will prove to be cunning and self-righteous.

Job 32:18

¹⁸For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

Elihu is full, alright.  The question one should ask is, what spirit constrains him?  Do not be too quick to assume that it is the spirit of God.  Elihu may be getting his inspiration from the very one that caused the controversy.  This should become evident from his words and the lack of acknowledgement towards the end of the book.  By the fact that he does speak, the spirit was unsuccessful in constraining him, especially from his next statement.

Job 32:19

¹⁹Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

Elihu’s own words will convict him.  One only needs to pay close attention to what he has stated.  It is Elihu’s belly and not his spirit that seems to burst.  Elihu had sat and listened so long that in his immaturity and lack of understanding, as it often is among young believers, he could not help but speak.  Many young believers sit there listening, not understanding the words, but thinking of how they would answer.  So much so, they are about ready to burst with an answer.  Proverbs speaks to this, Proverbs 18:13.

¹³He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Today, many are bit confused about Elihu.  Some of the confusion comes from a predisposition against Job; and a misunderstanding of what was guiding Elihu.  In Job 32:19, ‘bottles’ is from the Hebrew word owb (H0178).  Owb is in the Bible 17 times, 16 times it is translated ‘familiar spirit(s)’ only once is it translated ‘bottles’.  One has to wonder why in Job it was translated ‘bottles’.  Could the translators understood differently or was there a predisposition?

If in Job 32:19, Owb was translated similar to the 16 other times, it would be:

¹⁹Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like familiar spirits.

That is not the Elihu most people know.  But is seems to be consistent with Elihu’s true nature.  Job 32:18 helps to provide clarity here.

¹⁸For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

The word matter is the Hebrew millah (H4405).  It means ‘word’, ‘speech’ or ‘utterance’.  Elihu is full of words similar in Proverbs 10:19.

¹⁹In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Or as in Proverbs 17:27-28.

²⁷He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. ²⁸Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Elihu was filled with words, one has to wonder what spirit had ahold of Elihu?  I want to backtrack some to get an idea of who Elihu is.  Remember in Job 32:6-7, Elihu stated.

⁶And 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. ⁷I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

At first it seems that Elihu is giving respect to Job’s three friends, because of their age.  However in the next verse, he discounts their wisdom altogether, Job 32:8.

⁸But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Elihu declares that there is an understanding that comes through the power of the inspiration of God.  He claims to have it.  Further in Job 32:9.

⁹Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Elihu just blasted Job’s three friends and Job, Elihu claims to have far greater wisdom.  Then in Job 32:10-14, Elihu further claims.

¹⁰Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion. ¹¹Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. ¹²Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: ¹³Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. ¹⁴Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

If Elihu is as great as he claims to be, he should have shown some humility, Proverbs 3:21.

²¹My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

Elihu may have some wise words, but he shows little discretion.  One of the most revealing statements by Elihu is in the next chapter, Job 33:6.

⁶Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

Elihu has made himself the intermediary between Job and God.  Is it any wonder that his name means ‘God is he’, almost like a pope or priest.  I am not going to conclude Elihu’s purpose or whether he is right or wrong at this point.  Yet it can be inferred that Elihu is not who he appears to be.

In the Book of Job, one has to be carefully not to miss the real intent of the characters.  Today many are wooed away from God by spirits that are not of God.  One needs to examine the true intent and purpose of people.

Job 32:20

²⁰I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

Elihu is to speak; however, his words will only be refreshing to him and those who are similar.  One would think at this point that it would be obvious that Job has received plenty of criticism and what he needs is not another opinion, but compassion.  However, Elihu did not state that his words would refresh Job.  Elihu’s words would refresh him, because it would be his release.  Elihu stated that he will be answering.  However, before he speaks one should ask the question, Elihu, who asked you to speak?

Job 32:21-22

²¹Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. ²²For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Elihu has just leveled the playing field with this statement.  Basically he has stated that all are equal.  All hear have equal access to God.  As such, no one is better than any one else.  If believed, this give Elihu all the justification he needs to proceed on.

Elihu seems to walk in half-truths and places his wisdom far above those around him.  There are many similar to Elihu in the world today.  One that comes to mind, often argued that there should be no leader in a congregation that all were equal in the eyes of God.  Except this individual was actually making a grab for power.  There are many similar to Elihu out there, looking for their own outlet to express their personal spiritual wisdom.  They would be wise to step back and wait as in Proverbs 25:6-7.

⁶Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: ⁷For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

There is no honor in assuming a position of authority.  Honor comes to the one that waits on the Almighty to raise them up.  Elihu is not this one.

Elihu spent the entire chapter establishing himself as an authority and denigrating the former speakers.  He will continue to do this as he speak.  Elihu has an ulterior motive that should become clear to the reader.  One must be careful when an individual claims to be an authority.  One should wait on God before assuming any authority.

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