Faithlife Study Bible (Biblia.com)

Home

Library

Search for:

32:1–37:24 Job and his three friends have finished their dialogue, but the speeches are not yet complete. A new character, Elihu, is now introduced (vv. 1–5). Elihu claims to have been present during the earlier dialogues, but he says that out of deference to Job’s older friends, he did not speak (vv. 4–14). He is angry at Job for justifying himself against God, and he is angry with Job’s three friends for accusing Job without being able to answer him (vv. 2–3). He gives a long speech divided into four sections, each marked by a formulaic statement noting that Elihu is answering Job (vv. 6; 34:1; 35:1; 36:1).

However, unlike the earlier cycle of dialogues where Job and his friends trade speeches, Elihu is never answering anyone directly. His speech deals with three main subjects. First, Elihu introduces himself and explains why he has decided to speak up now (32:6–33:7). Second, he responds to Job’s assertions that he is righteous and undeserving of such suffering (33:8–35:16). Finally, Elihu offers his own thoughts on God’s nature, His creative activity, and His ordering of the universe (36:1–37:24).

Elihu’s speeches may not have been part of the earliest versions of the book. The argument that they were added later is supported by three main considerations: First, Elihu is not mentioned in the prologue (2:11) or the epilogue (42:9). Second, his speeches may be left out completely with no substantive effect on the message or the poetic power of the book. Third, the writing style of Elihu’s speeches has a different feel from the poetry of the other speeches. However, these reasons are largely subjective and inconclusive, so many interpreters address Elihu as an integral part of the book. He may not be mentioned in the epilogue because his comments are not new arguments but a response to and summing up of what has gone before.

Elihu CECBJ

Job 32:1–37:24 Job (NAC)

Job 32:1–37:24 WBCV18:J2137

32:1 these three men ceased from answering Job Job and his three friends have reached no consensus; Job is still convinced of his own righteousness, and his three friends remain unconvinced. Compare note on 7:20; note on 9:3.

32:2 Elihu Meaning “He is my God.” Elihu is the only character introduced with a genealogy, possibly indicating that he was qualified to speak in spite of his youth. While there are several people with the name of Elihu in the ot (1 Sam 1:1; 1 Chr 12:20; 26:7; 27:18), none of these should be associated with this Elihu.

Elihu AYBD

Elihu EDB

Barakel Means “God has blessed.”

Buzite Buz is a place listed along with Tema (see Job 6:19 and note) in Jer 25:23.

He became angry Elihu’s anger is referenced four times in this introduction. This exact phrase is later used of God (Job 42:7). However, while God is angry only at Job’s three friends, Elihu is angry at Job as well as his friends.

he justified himself rather than God Elihu believed Job was putting his own righteousness or justification ahead of God.

32:3 they had not found an answer Elihu is angry with Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar because they declared Job guilty but were unable to answer him.

32:4 had waited for Job By deferring to his elders and waiting for them to finish speaking, Elihu followed appropriate procedure (see note on 29:8–10). Realizing that they were not going to respond to Job, he takes the opportunity to vent his anger.

32:6–33:33 In the first part of his speech, Elihu gives a lengthy introduction, explaining why he has not yet spoken and defending why he should be heard (vv. 6–22). He then addresses Job, criticizing Job’s claims and challenging his understanding of God (33:1–33).

32:6 became afraid of explaining my knowledge Elihu explains why he has waited to speak, and he defends his right to speak.

32:7–10 Old age is typically associated with wisdom (12:12). Elihu waited to speak, hoping that the wisdom of his elders would suffice. However, he was disappointed in their inability to answer Job. Elihu points out that wisdom comes from God (compare 28:23), not old age, arguing that this gives him the right to speak.

32:12 there is no one for Job who refuted, answering his words among you Elihu continues to carefully defend his right to speak. He patiently waited and listened to the speeches of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, but none of them were able to refute Job.

32:14 he did not direct his words to me, and Contentions grew between Job and his friends. Job has rejected his friends’ comfort and accused them of falsely representing God (13:4–10). Job’s friends accused him of irreverence toward God (15:4) and sinful action (22:5–9). Elihu believes that, as an impartial observer, he can respond to Job with some original arguments.

32:19 are like unopened wine Fermenting wine generates a gas that, if not vented, bursts the wineskin. Elihu compares this to his need to speak—his body is filled with words, and he must vent by speaking.

Wine EDB

Wine ISBE

32:21 Please let me not show partiality to anyone Elihu claims he will be objective and not show any favoritism. Job accused his friends of showing partiality to God (13:8).

32:22 my Maker A name for God used mostly in Wisdom literature (4:17; Prov 14:31; 17:5).

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

	About Faithlife Study Bible Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
Copyright	Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software.
Support Info	fsb

Table of Contents

About Faithlife Study Bible