Job’s plea of innocence 34:1-9Elihu reminded the three older counselors that Job had claimed to be innocent of transgressions (cf. Job 13:18; Job 13:23; Job 14:17; Job 23:11; Job 27:2; Job 27:6). Then he sided with them and agreed that Job was guilty of sin, for which God could punish him justly. read more
3. Elihu’s second speech ch. 34Elihu, in this speech, sought to refute Job’s charge that God was unjust. He tried to answer Job’s question, "Why doesn’t God have mercy on me?" He first addressed the three friends (Job 34:10-15, plural "you" in Hebrew) and then spoke to Job (Job 34:16-27, singular "you"). In his first speech Elihu had alluded to Eliphaz’s arguments. In this one he took up Bildad’s (Job 34:2; Job 34:34). read more
The Speeches of Elihu (continued)1-9. Elihu appeals to his hearers to judge the matter. He protests against the complaints of Job that he was treated unjustly by God, and that it was no profit to be righteous.3. Cp. Job 12:11. 4. Judgment] RV ’that which is right.’5. My judgment] i.e. my right.6. RV ’Notwithstanding my right I am accounted a liar: My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ Right = innocence. 7, 8. Elihu implies that, in indulging in such reckless remarks, Job... read more
XXV.POST-EXILIC WISDOMJob 32:1-22; Job 33:1-33; Job 34:1-37A PERSONAGE hitherto unnamed in the course of the drama now assumes the place of critic and judge between Job and his friends. Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, appears suddenly and as suddenly disappears. The implication is that he has been present during the whole of the colloquies, and that, having patiently waited his time, he expresses the judgment he has slowly formed on arguments to which he has given close... read more
CHAPTER 34 1. Hear my words ye wise men (Job 34:1-4 ) 2. The refutation of Job’s accusation of God (Job 34:5-30 ) 3. Job needs testing to the end (Job 34:31-37 ) Job 34:1-4 . In beginning this part of the address, in which Elihu vindicates God’s character against Job’s insinuations, he addresses the friends of Job, and perhaps others who were gathered there. He wants them to pay the closest attention to what he will say. Job 34:5-30 . This is the main burden of his address; it is taken... read more
34:4 Let us choose to us {b} judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.(b) Let us examine the matter uprightly. read more
HIS APPEAL AS TO WISE MEN (vv.1-4) Since Job had wisely refrained from speaking, Elihu makes an appeal to all his hearers, as to wise men (v.2). This reminds us of1 Corinthians 10:15; 1 Corinthians 10:15, "I speak as to wise men: judge for yourselves what I say." Having heard Elihu's first words, Job and his friends were wise to listen rather than to speak. They had knowledge enough to know that their knowledge was deficient. But in listening they could test the words of Elihu, a test that... read more
WORDS OF ELIHU ; WORDS OF GOD Elihu now comes forward with apparent modesty, and yet great pretensions. Young and inexperienced, he is nevertheless indignant at the manner in which the friends of Job have sought to reply to him. Professing that his views have been revealed from above, he undertakes to clear up all the difficulties in the case. Afflictions are for the good of the sufferer is his dictum, a thought which he exhibits in various lights. He, too, reflects upon Job for his... read more
The Speech of Elihu. III. Job 33-34 Elihu may show us what conception of God had been formed by a young mind. If we cannot follow the thread of his argument, we can join him here and there, and consider diligently what view of the divine nature and government a mind evidently audacious and energetic, yet reverent and docile, had formed. Elihu does not come before us as necessarily young in years, but as comparatively young; he had kept silence while older men were speaking; he claims... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Job 34:4
4. judgment—Let us select among the conflicting sentiments advanced, what will stand the test of examination. read more