Then Elihu continued:
Elihu is a relatively young character who appears in the Book of Job, chapters 32-37. His speeches are significant because they offer a different perspective from Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Elihu's name means "He is my God," which may suggest his role as a divinely inspired speaker. His speeches are often seen as a bridge between the dialogues of Job and his friends and the divine speeches that follow. Elihu's role is to prepare the way for God's response, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty.

Elihu's continuation of speech indicates that he is not satisfied with the previous arguments presented by Job's friends or Job himself. His speeches are marked by a youthful zeal and a desire to defend God's righteousness. Elihu's approach is more direct and confrontational, and he claims to speak with wisdom and understanding given by God. This sets the stage for the divine discourse that follows, where God Himself addresses Job.

In the broader biblical context, Elihu's speeches can be seen as a precursor to the wisdom literature found in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, where the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of wisdom are central themes. Elihu's emphasis on God's justice and power aligns with the teachings found in these books.

Elihu's speeches also foreshadow the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom and justice. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), and Elihu's role as a mediator who speaks on behalf of God can be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes for humanity.

Overall, Elihu's continuation of speech serves as a critical turning point in the Book of Job, setting the stage for the divine revelation that follows and highlighting the themes of divine justice, wisdom, and the limitations of human understanding.1. Elihu
A young man who speaks in the Book of Job, offering a different perspective from Job's three older friends. He is introduced as the son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. Elihu's speeches are found in Job 32-37, where he attempts to defend God's justice and challenge Job's self-righteousness.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who faces severe trials and suffering. Job's account is set in the land of Uz, and he is known for his patience and faithfulness amidst adversity.

3. Discourse
Elihu's speeches are a series of discourses where he addresses Job and his friends, offering his insights on Job's suffering and God's justice. Elihu's discourse in chapter 34 is part of his larger argument that God is just and that human beings should trust in His wisdom.The Role of Youth in Wisdom
Elihu, though younger, offers a fresh perspective. This teaches us that wisdom is not confined to age and that God can use anyone to convey His truth.

Understanding God's Justice
Elihu's discourse challenges us to trust in God's justice, even when it is not immediately apparent. We are reminded that God's ways are higher than ours.

The Importance of Humility
Elihu's speeches encourage humility before God. We should approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging our limited understanding.

Listening to Different Perspectives
Elihu's contribution to the dialogue in Job shows the value of listening to different perspectives, especially when seeking to understand complex issues like suffering and divine justice.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Elihu emphasizes God's sovereignty, reminding us to trust in His control over all circumstances, even when we face trials.Top 10 Lessons from Job 34

Job 34:12 - Elihu insists God always acts justly; how does this align with texts describing God commanding destruction (e.g., Joshua 6)?

In Job 17:1, how can Job claim his spirit is broken if he continues to speak and survive throughout the rest of the narrative?

In Job 24:1, why does God allow human injustice to continue unchecked, contradicting His supposed omnipotence?

In Psalm 94:9, it says God hears and sees all; why then do injustices appear to persist unchecked in our world?XXXIV.

(1) Furthermore Elihu.--Elihu here hardly makes good the profession with which he starts, for he begins immediately to accuse Job in no measured language. Elihu makes, indeed, a great profession of wisdom, and expressly addresses himself to the wise (Job 34:2), and insists upon the necessity of discrimination (Job 34:3-4). It is to be observed that Job himself had given utterance to much the same sentiment in Job 12:11.

Verses 1-37. - In this chapter Elihu turns from Job to those whom he addresses as "wise men" (ver. 2), or "men of understanding" (ver. 10). Whether these are Job's three special friends, or others among the company which had perhaps gathered to hear the debate, is uncertain. He makes the subject of his address to them Job's conduct - scarcely a polite thing to do in Job's presence. Job, he says, has scorned God and charged him with injustice (vers. 5-9). He will vindicate him. This he proceeds to do in vers. 10-30. He then points out what Job's course ought to be (vers. 31-33), and winds up by an appeal to the "men of understanding" to endorse his condemnation of Job as a sinner and a rebel (vers. 34-37). Verses 1, 2. - Furthermore Elihu answered and said, Hear my words, O ye wise men. Having, as he may have thought, reduced Job to silence by the fame of his reasonings, Elihu, wishing to carry with him the general consent of his audience, makes an appeal to them, or, at any rate, to the wise among them, to judge Job's conduct and pronounce upon it. It is probable, as Schultens remarks, that a considerable number of influential persons had by this time collected together to hear the discussion which was going on. To these Elihu specially addresses himself: Give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Elihu
אֱלִיה֗וּא (’ĕ·lî·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 453: Elihu -- 'He is (my) God', five Israelites

continued
וַיַּ֥עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

and said:
וַיֹּאמַֽר׃ (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT Poetry: Job 34:1 Moreover Elihu answered (Jb)