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.
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.
Overview of Job Chapter 32
Job Chapter 32 marks a significant turning point in the narrative of the Book of Job. This chapter introduces Elihu, a young man who has been listening to the conversations between Job and his three friends. Elihu’s speech is characterized by a mix of youthful zeal and a desire to provide a fresh perspective on Job’s suffering and the nature of divine justice.
Elihu’s Introduction
In verses 1-5, Elihu expresses his frustration with the previous discussions. He feels compelled to speak after listening to the arguments of Job and his friends. His youthfulness is emphasized, and he acknowledges that he has held back from speaking out of respect for the older men.
- Frustration with the Friends: Elihu believes that the friends have failed to provide satisfactory answers to Job’s plight.
- Job’s Defense: He notes that Job has justified himself rather than God, which he sees as problematic.
- Desire to Speak: Elihu feels that wisdom is not solely the domain of the aged, and he is eager to share his insights.
Elihu’s Argument
In verses 6-22, Elihu outlines his rationale for speaking and presents his arguments regarding suffering and divine justice. He emphasizes that God communicates through various means, including dreams and suffering, to instruct and correct humanity.
- God’s Sovereignty: Elihu asserts that God is not unjust and that His ways are beyond human understanding.
- Suffering as Instruction: He argues that suffering can serve as a form of divine discipline, aimed at guiding individuals back to righteousness.
- Human Limitations: Elihu highlights the limitations of human wisdom and the need for humility before God.
Key Themes
- Divine Communication: Elihu emphasizes that God speaks to humanity in various ways, suggesting that suffering can be a means of divine instruction.
- The Nature of Justice: He challenges the notion that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin, proposing that it can also serve a greater purpose.
- Youth vs. Age: Elihu represents a voice of youthful wisdom, challenging the assumptions that only the elderly possess insight into divine matters.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 32 serves as a prelude to Elihu’s lengthy speeches that follow in the subsequent chapters. His introduction sets the stage for a different perspective on the themes of suffering, divine justice, and human understanding. Elihu’s arguments invite readers to reconsider the complexities of faith and the nature of God’s communication with humanity.
