What’s really going on here?
“But Elihu became angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, yet had condemned him.” Job 32;2, 3
Elihu was one of Job’s friends—not one of the original three. Because He was younger than the other friends, he held his peace during their conversations. But, he could finally take no more. The verses which introduce Elihu state his anger was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God, and against the three friends because they had condemned Job and yet found no answer to his arguments.(32:12).
He begins...I’m a young man, and you are all old and experienced. That’s why I kept quiet and held back from joining the discussion. I kept thinking, “Experience will tell. The longer you live, the wiser you become.” But I see I was wrong—it’s God’s Spirit in a person that makes wise human insight possible. So I’ve decided to speak up.
Elihu continues...not one of your arguments has convinced Job that he is a sinner or has proved that he is. And don’t give me that line about “only God can convince the sinner of his sin.” If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with that kind of logic! So, while you sit there baffled, with no further replies, should I continue to wait for you to come up with something? No!
According the The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Elihu represents a new "wisdom" which came to Hebrew thinkers in the period of the exile; Certainly all Hebrews who were taken captive were not venal but...they suffered anyway. This revelation resulted in a belief that the general sinfulness of a nation may visit affliction on men who have not personally been guilty of great sin, yet are sharers in the communal neglect of righteousness.
Think, for a moment, of all those who have suffered from rampant rioting throughout our country. Many have lost their lives...thousands have lost their livelihood. What do we say to them? Their innocence (or, not), isn’t the issue. They are simply caught up in the wave of carnality that is flooding our culture. Or, think about those victimized by racism...supposedly at the root of all this destruction. They are not guilty of anything nor, are they innocent of everything. Elihu would refuse to join that argument. Instead, he would suggest when a culture slowly creeps toward Gomorrah, bad thing happen to everybody.
Not so comforting but very illuminating...so, what are you and I doing to redeem the time?
We often find ourselves attempting to comfort friends in turmoil. First, we shouldn’t make things up like Job’s friends did, although it was their only recourse...because they were using human logic to evaluate the situation. Generally, we will be wrong when we do that. Elihu reminds us the ability to discern exactly what’s going on is gifted to us by God’s Spirit. And, we will never hear that still, small voice in our ears when we are trumpeting our own genius. Second, don’t focus on the friend or the circumstances. Focus on what we know about God. He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Encourage friends to listen...carefully. God will speak when the time is right. Finally, light a candle; live a life that reflects the uncompromising righteousness of God. It reveals sin and encourages repentance in all who are curious.
Mostly...don’t criticize what we don’t understand.
Live boldly out there today...
