In Job 32 - 37, we have a long speech from Elihu. He thinks that he
can improve on the speeches, given by Job’s other ‘comforters’: “None of
you refuted Job. None of you has an answer to what he says” (Job
32:12). He maintains that his speech is better than anything Job has
already heard. That’s why he says.”Pay attention, Job! Listen to me!
Keep quiet, and let me speak ... Keep quiet, and I’ll teach you wisdom”
(Job 33:31-33). Elihu isn’t interested in what Job has to say. Elihu is
saying, ‘Let me do the speaking. You, Job, must do the listening and
learning. I have the wisdom. I’ll pass it on to you. You’ve got it
wrong.Let me put you right.’
Job 34 ends with a ‘prayer’, in which
Elihu shows how far his view differs from the view presented by God in
Job 1. He prays, “Oh that Job might be tested to the utmost for
answering like a wicked man!” (Job 34:36). Job was being thoroughly
tested. God was allowing this to happen to Job. Elihu was
misrepresenting the true nature of Job’s testing. Job’s was being tested
before he gave answers. Whatever we may say about Job’s answers, we
must point out that, despite all his despondency, Job does not speak as a
wicked man. We must never forget that Job was a righteous man (Job
1:1). There is great pain in Job’s responses to his testing. There is,
however, nothing to suggest that God needs to alter his view of Job.
What does God say about Job? - He says this - “my servant Job” (Job
1:8).
Elihu is scathing in his criticism of Job - “Job opens his
mouth for no good reason and talks without having any knowledge” (Job
35:16). That’s what Elihu said about Job - but it’s not what God said
about His “servant, Job.” According to Elihu, Job is “given the judgment
evil people deserve” (Job 36:17). This view is very different from
God’s view of Job. Generally speaking, Elihu’s teaching has much to
commend it: “Be careful that you are not led away with riches ... Be
careful! Don’t turn to evil” (Job 37:18,21). When this teaching is
combined with his false statements about Job, Elihu strays from being a
true messenger of God to Job. This is highlighted in his parting words
to Job - “That is why people should fear Him. He does not respect those
who think they’re wise” (Job 37:24). True! - but Job does fear God, and
he recognizes God as the only One who is truly wise.
