Elihu Proclaims God’s Justice
June 12, 2019
Commentary
Elihu turns to the three friends and has a word for them (v. 1). In this second speech to Job, Elihu sets himself up to defend God. God certainly doesn’t need any help, as He made the one who wants to be the defender. He admonished the wise to listen (v. 2) and to test his words as one tests food with the tongue (v. 3). Elihu must have been a good listener, because he was able to quote Job’s words. However, he listened with his ears but not with his heart, which made his speeches harsh and unkind. After that they were to make their judgments (v. 4). Job had made the claim that he had “right” on his side and that God had treated him unjustly (v. 5). Yet what had happened to Job seemed to contradict his claims (v. 6). Elihu wanted to know if there was anyone else who would say that virtue was without merit (v. 7).
Elihu charged Job with keeping company with the wicked (v. 8), even though there was no proof that he had actually said the things with which he was charged (v. 9). Elihu began his vindication speech by declaring that it was impossible for God to do wrong (v. 10). He argued that God renders to man what he deserves (v. 11) and that He will never do any more or less than that (v. 12). He questioned whether God had been authorized to take up His position of authority over the earth (v. 13). But if God should only think of Himself and forget man, man would immediately perish (vv. 14-15).
Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu all have elements of truth in their speeches. Unfortunately, the nuggets of truth are buried under layers of false assumptions and conclusions. Although we might have a wealth of Bible knowledge and experiences, we must make sure our conclusions are consistent with all of God’s Word, and not just part of it.
Application
If I say that God is wrong then I am wrong. God is always right and you and I are always the ones that are wrong. No matter what God does, He is right. He doesn’t have to report to you or me. He doesn’t need to ask my permission to do something. When things don’t go my way and I’m tempted to try to help God out, I need to remember that God is God, and He doesn’t need my help. It is amazing that He even uses me.
Job 34:1– 15 (NET)
1 Elihu answered:
2 “Listen to my words, you wise men; hear me, you learned men.
3 For the ear assesses words as the mouth tastes food.
4 Let us evaluate for ourselves what is right; let us come to know among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job says, ‘I am innocent, but God turns away my right.
6 Concerning my right, should I lie? My wound is incurable, although I am without transgression.’
7 Who is there like Job, who drinks derision like water?
8 He goes about in company with evildoers, he goes along with wicked men.
9 For he says, ‘It does not profit a man when he makes his delight with God.’
10 “Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, from the Almighty to do evil.
11 For he repays a person for his work, and according to the conduct of a person, he causes the consequences to find him.
12 Indeed, in truth, God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.
13 Who entrusted to him the earth? And who put him over the whole world?
14 If God were to set his heart on it, and gather in his spirit and his breath,
15 all flesh would perish together and human beings would return to dust.