Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case when our faces are in darkness. Teach us what we should say to Him;Elihu acknowledges that no human being possesses the wisdom required to address the Almighty on equal terms. Job’s suffering had raised questions that neither Job nor his friends could resolve by human reasoning. Like Moses before the burning bush, sinners and creatures must approach God with reverence, dependent upon His instruction and mercy. God gives wisdom to those who ask Him, yet wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and submission to His revealed truth. Exo 4:12 “Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach”… we cannot draw up our case The courtroom imagery recalls Job’s repeated desire to present his complaint before God and receive an answer for his affliction. Elihu recognizes that men cannot prepare an argument capable of judging God’s actions, because the Judge of all the earth possesses perfect knowledge, righteousness, and authority. Human suffering is real, and lament before God is permitted, but no creature can place God in the defendant’s seat. God’s ways exceed human understanding, even when His purposes remain hidden. Job 9:32-35 For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him,… because of our darkness. Human minds are darkened by finiteness, sin, and incomplete knowledge of God’s providence. Job and his companions could see the pain of the present moment, but they could not see the heavenly purposes behind Job’s trials. Divine revelation alone brings light where human wisdom fails. Jesus Christ, the light of the world, makes God known and gives believers confidence to draw near to God through Him. Job 12:25 They grope in the darkness without light;… Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning God's justice. 2. Elihu A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He offers a different perspective on Job's suffering, emphasizing God's greatness and the limitations of human understanding. 3. God The Almighty Creator, whose wisdom and power are beyond human comprehension. Elihu is preparing Job and his friends for God's response. 4. Darkness Symbolic of human ignorance and limited understanding, especially in the context of divine matters. 5. The Heavens Often referenced in Job as a testament to God's majesty and power, serving as a backdrop to Elihu's speeches. Teaching Points Human Limitation and Divine WisdomRecognize our limitations in understanding God's ways. Like Job, we often face situations where our knowledge is insufficient, and we must rely on God's wisdom. The Role of Humility in Seeking God Approach God with humility, acknowledging our "darkness" or lack of understanding. This humility is crucial in our relationship with God and in seeking His guidance. The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance In times of confusion or suffering, turn to God for wisdom and understanding. Elihu's call to "teach us what we should say" emphasizes the need for divine instruction. Trusting in God's Sovereignty Trust in God's sovereign plan, even when we cannot comprehend it. Elihu's speech prepares Job to hear from God, reminding us to trust in God's ultimate wisdom and justice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elihu's perspective on human understanding challenge or affirm your view of God's wisdom?2. In what ways can acknowledging our "darkness" or limitations lead to a deeper relationship with God? 3. How can we practically seek God's wisdom in our daily lives, especially when facing difficult situations? 4. What other biblical characters or accounts illustrate the theme of human limitation and divine wisdom? 5. How does the concept of God's sovereignty provide comfort in times of personal suffering or confusion? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 55:8-9This passage highlights the vast difference between God's thoughts and ways compared to human understanding, similar to Elihu's point about human darkness. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Paul speaks about seeing "through a glass, darkly," which parallels the theme of human limitation in understanding divine matters. James 1:5 Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, acknowledging our need for divine guidance, much like Elihu's call to seek understanding from God.
People JobPlaces UzTopics Arrange, Array, Can't, Case, Cause, Clear, Dark, Darkness, Draw, Order, Reason, Speech, Teach, UnableDictionary of Bible Themes Job 37:19Library Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his Baptism?Objection 1: It would seem that the heavens should not have been opened unto Christ at His baptism. For the heavens should be opened unto one who needs to enter heaven, by reason of his being out of heaven. But Christ was always in heaven, according to Jn. 3:13: "The Son of Man who is in heaven." Therefore it seems that the heavens should not have been opened unto Him. Objection 2: Further, the opening of the heavens is understood either in a corporal or in a spiritual sense. But it cannot be understood … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether by Reason of this Subtlety a Glorified Body is Able to be in the Same Place with Another Body not Glorified? Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen? The Justice of God Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. The Knowledge of God A Treatise of the Fear of God; Job Links Job 37:19 NIVJob 37:19 NLT Job 37:19 ESV Job 37:19 NASB Job 37:19 KJV Job 37:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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