Text
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Explanation
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Elihu begins a speech which
runs through to the end of chapter 37. God then addresses Job.
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1 ¶ So these three men
ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
.2
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of
the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified
himself rather than God.
3 Also against his three
friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet
had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited
till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that
there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was
kindled. |
The first 5 verses are an explanation
of Elihu's speech which begins at verse 6.
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6 ¶ And Elihu the son
of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old;
wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7 I said, Days should
speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit
in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9 Great men are not
always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I said,
Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11 Behold, I waited
for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what
to say.
12 Yea, I attended unto
you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered
his words:
13 Lest ye should say,
We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14 Now he hath not directed
his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. |
9
- Great men not always wise This is what Elihu thinks of
the other three men, including Job. He, however, has understanding from
the Almighty (verse 8).
13
- God threw him down As readers, we know what Elihu didn't.
It was neither God nor man. |
15 ¶ They were amazed,
they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16 When I had waited,
(for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer
also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18 For I am full of
matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
19 Behold, my belly
is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speak, that
I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray
you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto
man.
22 For I know not to
give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. |
20
- Speak to be refreshed Elihu just told how he was ready
to burst, having to be quiet for so long. Now he feels that speaking his
mind will bring relief. In a sense having scolded someone may bring some
temporary relief but overall speaking strengthens our ideas.
22
- No flattery While we do not encourage flattering titles,
Elihu may have had an exaggerated idea of his friends. His attitude will
lead him to speak harshly. |