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Job 32 · a question people ask

Is Elihu right?

In the text

Elihu speaks from 32:6 to the end of chapter 37. The book names him only in 32:2, 32:4, 32:5, 32:6, 34:1, 35:1 and 36:1: not anywhere after 36:1, and not in 42:7-9, where the LORD speaks to Eliphaz of "your two friends" (42:7) and the three do "what the LORD commanded them" (42:9). In this chapter the book's own words give the reasons for Elihu's anger (32:2-3), and then come Elihu's own words (32:6-22). These notes say what Elihu says and why the book says he was angry; they add no verdict on his speeches, for them or against them, whether about Job, about the friends or about himself.

The verses

“Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God. Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.”
Job 32:2-6 · World English Bible
“Moreover Elihu answered,”
Job 34:1 · World English Bible
“Moreover Elihu answered,”
Job 35:1 · World English Bible
“Elihu also continued, and said,”
Job 36:1 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Job 32

Job 32: A spirit in man

Elihu says "the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding" (32:8), and one chapter later "the breath of the Almighty gives me life" (33:4): in Hebrew the same two words. And before Elihu says a word, the book gives the reasons for his anger, against Job and against the three friends (32:2-3), without saying whether he was right.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions