Mark A. Copeland
The Book Of Job
Young Elihu Speaks (32-37)


OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To examine Elihu's perspective in the debate regarding Job's suffering

2) To notice how Elihu appears to prepare Job for what the Lord will have to say

SUMMARY

We are now introduced to a new voice in this discussion. Having remained silent up to this point
because of his youth, Elihu now speaks. Angry with Job justifying himself rather than God, and by the
inability of Job's friends to provide an answer, Elihu feels compelled to speak (32:1-33:7). He takes
issue with Job's claim of innocence while charging God with counting him as His enemy. He proposes
that God often uses various means to keep man from death ("the Pit"), including chastening with pain.
Therefore Job should be looking at suffering as a disciplinary measure from a loving God, not as a
punitive measure from one's enemy (33:8-33).

The bulk of Elihu's speech then focuses on the justice of God, which Elihu feels Job has maligned.
Elihu charges Job with adding to his sin by multiplying words against God without knowledge (34:1-
35:36). He concludes his speech with an effort to speak on God's behalf and by ascribing righteousness
to the Almighty. This he does by reviewing God's justice and majesty. The former as seen in His
dealings with man, the latter as seen in His dealings in nature. With an admonition for Job to stand still
and consider the wondrous works of God, Elihu seems to be preparing Job for what is about to follow
(36:1-37:24).

OUTLINE

I. ELIHU EXPRESSES HIS DESIRE TO SPEAK (32:1-33:7)

A. FOR HE IS ANGRY (32:1-5)
1. When Job's three friends are silent, Elihu's wrath is aroused (32:1-2a)
a. They ceased answering Job because he still considered himself righteous
b. Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram (cf. Gen 22:20-21), is now
ready to speak
2. He is angry at both Job and his three friends (32:2b-5)
a. At Job, because he justified himself rather than God
b. At his friends, because they provided no real answer and yet condemned Job
c. He had waited to speak because of his youth, but the silence from the three men made
him angry

B. FOR WISDOM IS NOT LIMITED TO THE AGED (32:6-14)
1. He held off speaking earlier, because of his youth (32:6-7)
a. The age difference had made him afraid to speak

The Book Of Job 32
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