Bible Commentaries

CHAPTERS 32--33:7

1. Elihu introduced (Job 32:1-5)

2. I waited, but now must speak (Job 32:6-22)

3. His address to Job (Job 33:1-7)

Job 32:1-5. As Elihu had listened to the different addresses his wrath was stirred up. His name is very suggestive. Elihu means “my God is He”; Barachel--”the Blessed God”; the Buzite, “the rejected One” of Ram, and Ram means “exalted.” These are names which find their fullest application in the person of our Lord, whom Elihu in his mediatorial work represents. But why was his wrath kindled? Because Job justified himself rather than God and because Job’s friends had found no solution of the problem, yet they condemned Job. This is indeed the result of the whole controversy in a nutshell. From the fourth verse we learn that he was a younger man; he maintained silence because they all were elder than he.

Job 32:6-22. He tells them why he waited and did not speak before. He thought “days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom,” so he was not a froward, conceited young man. But he acknowledges the spirit and that the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding. Depending on that he must speak. He tells the three friends in plain words that they did not convince Job, nor did one of them answer his words. With Job, Elihu says he has no controversy and he does not intend to use the speeches of the three men. Verse 15 is a soliloquy in the third person, spoken by Elihu as he looked on the three men. Then he says that he must speak. He is filled with words and the mighty constraint of the spirit within him, makes him like wine which has no vent and is ready to burst like new bottles.

Job 33:1-7. The chapter division here is unfortunate. The opening verses belong properly to the preceding chapter. What a difference between Elihu’s words in addressing Job and the way the three other men had acted. He is calm, gentle and kind. He assures him that what he is going to say comes from the Almighty. Now, Job, if thou canst answer me, arrange thy words and stand up. “Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead.” We believe with this Elihu refers to Job’s desire for a daysman. Now in the person of Elihu he has come. He encourages Job not to be afraid, for “I am also formed of clay.” How beautifully all this may be applied to the true Daysman, our Lord, we leave to the meditation of the reader.