26 July, 2022
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DIGGING DEEP NO. 943 – July 26th 2022 Job 32-37. |
Having remained silent up to this point because of his youth, Elihu now speaks. Angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and by the inability of Job’s friends to provide an answer, Elihu felt 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 34:1-35:16. 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 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
Elihu expresses his desire to speak 32:1-33:7 for he was angry 32:1-5 When Job’s three friends were silent, Elihu’s wrath was aroused 32:1-2a They ceased answering Job because he still considered himself righteous. Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of RamGen 22:20-21, was now ready to speak. He was angry at both Job and his three friends 32:2b-5 Angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God and at his friends because they provided no real answer and
yet condemned Job. He had waited to speak because of his youth, but the silence from the three men made him angry.
Wisdom is not limited to the aged 32:6-14 He held off speaking earlier, because of his youth 32:6-7 The age difference had made him afraid to speak. He believed that age should speak, for it should teach wisdom but aged men are not always wise 32:8-9 The breath of the Almighty God i.e., the Spirit also gives young men understanding. Age alone does not guarantee wisdom and understanding of justice therefore Elihu decided to declare his own opinion as given by God 32:10-14 for he had carefully listened to their reasoning, yet they had not convinced Job or answered his words. Elihu felt compelled by their silence 32:15-22 He observed that they were dismayed, and words escape them. He has waited for them to speak but they would not. Therefore, he will have his say. Because of the spirit within him, his belly was like wine ready to burst the wineskins. He must speak to find relief 32:18-20 By his desire to be impartial, his prayer was to show partiality to no one. He does not know how to flatter, for fear that God could take his life 32:15-22
Elihu believes he can help Job 33:1-7 He spoke pure knowledge from an upright heart 33:1-3 He pleads with Job to listen to what he has to say letting Job know that his words are sincere, and his knowledge is pure. He pleads he can be Job’s spokesman before God 33:4-7; 13:20-22) He reassured Job that he was created by the Spirit of God like any other child of God asking Job to give him a chance to answer him. He told Job that he does not need to fear him, for he too has been formed out of clay.
ELIHU’S RESPONSE TO JOB 33:8-37:24
1. GOD IS GRACIOUS 33:8-33 Elihu pointed it out to Job that he was wrong in charging God as his enemy 33:8-13
Elihu has heard Job profess his innocence while counting God as his enemy. This is not right, for God is greater than man and not accountable to man. He pointed out that God uses various ways to speak to manEven though man may not heed what God is saying such as dreams or visions to turn man back. God may chasten him with pain to get his attention. God uses special messengers to deliver man from the Pit or to restore him back to Himself 33:14-28
Elihu pointed out that God’s purpose is disciplinary, not simply punitive and its done to direct man away from the Pit. Its sometimes done by God to enlighten man with the light of life. Therefore Job should listen to one as Elihu to teach him wisdom 33:29-33
2. GOD IS JUST 34:1-35:16 Elihu proclaims God’s justice 34:1-37 He calls upon Job and his friends to listen to him. He rebukes Job for charging God for taking away his justice. He also rebuked him for saying that it does not profit man to delight in God. Elihu proclaims that God is righteous and just in His dealings with man. He proclaimed that far be it from God to do wickedness or pervert justice. Elihu declared that in His power God shows no partiality but repays man according to his works. He charged Job with sinning by how he spoke against God.
Elihu condemned Job’s reasoning 35:1-16 He reproves Job for thinking righteousness does not profit one. He claims that God is too great to be manipulated by man’s little deeds and contends that God may not respond to cries for help because of man’s pride. He counsels Job to be patient and wait for God’s justice, for Job has been speaking prematurely and foolishly.
3. GOD IS GREAT 36:1-37:24 Elihu proclaims God’s goodness asking Job to bear with him as he ascribes righteousness to God claiming that God may use affliction to draw the righteous to Himself. He feels that Job needs to take heed, for he has begun to act like the hypocrites 36:1-23
Elihu proclaims God’s majesty 36:24-37:24 He proclaims that God’s greatness is beyond comprehension, as seen in the
rain cycle, in the thunder, snow and rain. In view of such greatness, he concludes that there is nothing that man can teach God but “All who are wise show him reverence”.