◄ Job 32 ►
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Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends 1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, 3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. 4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. 5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. 7I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. 8But there is a spirita in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. 9It is not only the oldb who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. 10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ 11Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, 12I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. 13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ 14But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. 16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? 17I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. 18For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. 19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. 20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. 21I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. 22For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. Footnotes: 8 a Or the Spirit; similarly in verse 18 9 b Or many or great Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 32 Summary Elihu Rebukes Job's Friends Verses 1–2 – The Silence of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar The debate stalls. Job’s three companions quit arguing “because he was righteous in his own eyes” (v. 1). Into the lull steps Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, a younger man who has listened in respectful silence. Verses 3–5 – Elihu’s Rising Anger Elihu burns with two-fold indignation: Job’s self-vindication and the elders’ failure to refute him. Seeing them “speechless, with no reply” (v. 5), his restraint snaps. Verses 6–10 – Respectful Youthful Boldness Elihu apologizes for his age yet insists that wisdom is more than gray hair. “It is the Spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding” (v. 8). Verses 11–14 – A Patient Listener Steps Forward He reminds the elders he has weighed their words. He will not recycle their arguments; he intends a fresh answer no one has voiced yet. Verses 15–22 – A Spirit Compelled to Speak Their silence feels like corked wine skins about to burst. Elihu must speak or explode. He pledges honesty, impartiality, and freedom from flattery: “For I do not know how to flatter; if I did, my Maker would soon remove me” (v. 22). Job 32 marks a dramatic shift in the narrative as a new character, Elihu, is introduced. Until this point, the conversation about Job's sufferings has been dominated by Job and his three friends. However, Elihu, a younger man who has been listening intently, breaks his silence, expressing his anger at Job and his friends, and introduces a new perspective on the issues at hand. Historical and Cultural Background • The setting reflects patriarchal courts of the second millennium BC, where elders sat in semicircles at the city gate. • Respect for age (Leviticus 19:32) shaped expectations; Elihu’s deference fits that world. • “Buzite” ties him to Buz, son of Nahor (Genesis 22:20-21), situating him among the Aramean tribes east of the Jordan, a region famed for sages (cf. Jeremiah 49:7). • Ancient Near-Eastern dialogues such as the Babylonian Theodicy tablet show that probing innocent suffering was common. Job’s record stands apart by rooting all answers in the living God, not philosophical speculation. Who Is Elihu? • Four chapters (32–37) give him more space than any single friend, hinting at significance. • His Hebrew name means “He is my God,” underscoring devotion. • He is neither condemned by God nor corrected like Job’s other friends (42:7). His speech prepares the way for God’s whirlwind reply. • Youthful zeal plus Spirit-given insight positions him as an unexpected mouthpiece—foreshadowing Paul’s counsel to Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). Anger in Scripture • Righteous anger opposes sin yet refuses sin itself (Ephesians 4:26). • Elihu’s indignation mirrors Jesus’ anger at hardened hearts (Mark 3:5) and Nehemiah’s outrage at oppression (Nehemiah 5:6). • The text warns that frustration should propel truth-telling, not personal attack. Respect for Elders and the Call to Speak • Proverbs 20:29 honors both “the glory of young men” (strength) and “the splendor of old men” (gray hair). Elihu balances them. • Scripture celebrates those who wait to speak (Proverbs 18:13) yet insists there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). The Role of the Spirit • Verse 8 introduces the book’s first explicit reference to God’s Spirit. • The breath that formed Adam (Genesis 2:7) also breathes insight. • Jesus echoes the link between Spirit and truth (John 16:13). • Acts 4:20 shows the same inner compulsion Elihu feels: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Honesty without Partiality • Elihu refuses flattery—echoing Moses’ command: “You shall not show partiality” (Deuteronomy 1:17). • Paul upholds the principle with elders (1 Timothy 5:21). • Fear of God, not fear of man, guards speech (Proverbs 29:25). Job 32 in the Flow of the Book 1. Dialogues (chs. 3–31) end in stalemate. 2. Elihu’s speeches (chs. 32–37) reset the conversation, correcting extremes on both sides. 3. God’s appearance (chs. 38–41) completes what Elihu began—pointing Job from self-defense to Creator awe. Connections to Jesus Christ • Elihu as mediator-figure anticipates One who is both younger than Abraham yet eternal (John 8:58). • His insistence on integrity and impartiality prefigures the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8). • The breath-giving Spirit he cites is ultimately poured out through Christ (John 20:22). Practical Applications • Listen first, speak later, but speak when silence favors error. • Let zeal be Spirit-driven, not ego-driven. • Age deserves honor; youth can be Spirit-filled and useful. • Measure every argument—yours included—by God’s revealed truth, not by human tradition. Archaeological Insights • Clay tablets from Ugarit (14th century BC) contain wisdom dialogues showing social expectation that younger scribes remain silent before elders—matching Elihu’s opening apology. • Excavations at Tell Deir ‘Alla display regional Aramaic dialects close to Elihu’s homeland, supporting the realistic setting of diverse counselors gathered around Job. Literary Observations • Chapter 32 uses first-person narrative more than previous chapters, creating immediacy. • Repetition of “angry” (vv. 2-5) underscores emotional tension and primes readers for a fresh line of reasoning. • The abrupt shift from third-person prose (vv. 1-5) to first-person poetry (v. 6 onward) mirrors Elihu’s breaking of convention. Key Takeaways for Today • God can raise unexpected voices to restore balance when discussions drift. • True wisdom is breathed, not merely aged. • Courage with courtesy wins a hearing. • Flattery may gain favor, but truth spoken in reverence gains God’s approval. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. This verse underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. This reinforces the idea that true wisdom comes from God. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Elihu's example shows that youth is not a barrier to contributing meaningfully to discussions. Teaching Points Elihu's Anger and Motivation Elihu is described as being angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and with Job's friends for failing to provide a satisfactory answer (Job 32:2-3). His anger is rooted in a desire for truth and justice. Respect for Elders Elihu shows respect for the older men by waiting for them to speak first, acknowledging the wisdom that often comes with age (Job 32:4-7). However, he also recognizes that wisdom is ultimately a gift from God, not merely a product of age (Job 32:8-9). The Role of the Spirit Elihu emphasizes that true understanding comes from the Spirit of God, not human wisdom alone (Job 32:8). This highlights the importance of seeking divine insight in our discussions and decisions. Boldness in Truth Elihu is confident in his understanding and feels compelled to speak, despite his youth (Job 32:17-20). His boldness is not arrogance but a conviction that truth must be spoken. Practical Applications Discernment in Speech Before speaking, consider whether your words will honor God and contribute to the conversation. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to discern the right time to speak. Respectful Dialogue Approach discussions with humility and respect for others, especially those who are older or more experienced. Value their insights while also being open to sharing your perspective. Seeking Divine Wisdom Regularly pray for the Holy Spirit to grant you wisdom and understanding, especially in complex or contentious situations. Courage to Speak When you feel led by God to speak, do so with confidence and clarity, trusting that He will use your words for His purposes. People 1. Elihu Elihu is introduced as the son of Barakel the Buzite, from the family of Ram. He is a younger man who has been listening to the discourse between Job and his three friends. Elihu is described as being angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and also with Job's three friends for failing to provide a satisfactory answer to Job's arguments. Elihu's name in Hebrew (אֱלִיהוּא, Elihu) can be translated as "He is my God," indicating a strong theistic perspective. 2. Job Job is the central figure of the book, a man who has suffered immense loss and affliction. In this chapter, Elihu is particularly addressing Job's self-justification and his complaints against God. Job's name in Hebrew (אִיּוֹב, Iyov) is often associated with meanings like "persecuted" or "hated," reflecting his trials. 3. Job's Three Friends Although not named individually in this chapter, Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—are referenced collectively. They have been engaged in a lengthy debate with Job, attempting to explain his suffering through traditional wisdom, but Elihu criticizes them for their inability to refute Job effectively. Their names in Hebrew are: Eliphaz (אֱלִיפַז), Bildad (בִּלְדַּד), and Zophar (צוֹפַר). Elihu's speech marks a transition in the narrative, as he seeks to offer a different perspective on Job's situation, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty. Places In Job 32, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter primarily focuses on the dialogue between Elihu and Job, where Elihu begins to speak after Job's three friends have ceased their arguments. Since there are no places listed in this chapter, a numbered list cannot be provided. Events 1. Elihu's Anger is Kindled Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, becomes angry with Job because Job justified himself rather than God. Elihu's anger is also kindled against Job's three friends because they found no answer and yet had condemned Job. This reflects the Hebrew root "חָרָה" (charah), meaning to burn or be kindled with anger. 2. Elihu Waits to Speak Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. This shows respect for elders, a value deeply rooted in Hebrew culture. 3. Elihu Sees No Answer from the Friends When Elihu sees that the three men have no further response, his anger is further kindled. This indicates his frustration with their inability to provide a satisfactory answer to Job's plight. 4. Elihu Decides to Speak Elihu decides to speak up, emphasizing that wisdom is not necessarily with the aged, but it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives understanding. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "רוּחַ" (ruach), meaning spirit or breath, indicating divine inspiration. 5. Elihu's Confidence in His Insight Elihu expresses confidence in his insight, stating that he is full of words and the spirit within him compels him to speak. He likens himself to new wineskins ready to burst, indicating a sense of urgency and pressure to share his perspective. 6. Elihu's Commitment to Impartiality Elihu declares his intention to be impartial, not showing favoritism or using flattery. He emphasizes his desire to speak truthfully and without bias, aligning with the biblical principle of justice and fairness. Lessons from Job 32 1. Wisdom Isn't Always Tied to Age In Job 32, we meet Elihu, a young man who steps forward to speak after Job's older friends have had their say. This reminds us that wisdom isn't always a matter of age. Elihu says, "It is not only the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right" (Job 32:9). Sometimes, fresh perspectives can bring clarity and insight, so be open to learning from those younger than you. 2. Righteous Anger Can Be Justified Elihu's anger is kindled because Job's friends failed to provide a satisfactory answer, and Job justified himself rather than God. "So Elihu...burned with anger" (Job 32:2-3). This teaches us that there is a place for righteous anger when it comes to defending God's truth. It's a reminder to stand firm in our convictions and speak up when necessary. 3. The Spirit Gives Understanding Elihu acknowledges that true understanding comes from God: "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding" (Job 32:8). This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our quest for wisdom. Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind and heart as you navigate life's challenges. 4. Patience in Listening Elihu demonstrates patience by waiting for his turn to speak, showing respect for the older men. "I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning" (Job 32:11). This is a valuable lesson in the art of listening. By giving others the chance to express themselves, we can better understand their perspectives and respond more thoughtfully. 5. Speak When Moved by Conviction Elihu speaks up because he feels compelled by the Spirit. "I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me" (Job 32:18). When you feel a strong conviction, don't be afraid to share your thoughts. Trust that God has placed those words in your heart for a reason, and let them be a source of encouragement and truth to others. 6. Humility in Sharing Wisdom Despite his confidence, Elihu approaches the situation with humility. He doesn't claim to be superior but simply wants to share what he believes is right. "I too will declare my knowledge" (Job 32:10). When sharing wisdom, do so with a humble heart, recognizing that all understanding ultimately comes from God. 7. The Importance of Integrity Elihu is frustrated with Job's friends for their lack of integrity in addressing Job's situation. "But not one of you has proved Job wrong" (Job 32:12). This underscores the importance of integrity in our words and actions. Strive to be honest and truthful, especially when discussing matters of faith. 8. Courage to Challenge the Status Quo Elihu challenges the established views of Job's friends, showing courage in the face of potential criticism. "I will not show partiality to any man" (Job 32:21). Sometimes, standing up for what is right means challenging the status quo. Be bold in your convictions, even if it means going against the grain. 9. The Power of a Fresh Perspective Elihu's fresh perspective brings new insights to the conversation. "I will speak so that I may find relief" (Job 32:20). This reminds us of the value of diverse viewpoints. Embrace different perspectives, as they can lead to a deeper understanding and more comprehensive solutions. 10. Trust in God's Ultimate Wisdom Ultimately, Elihu's discourse points to the need to trust in God's wisdom above all else. While human understanding is limited, God's wisdom is infinite. "For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me" (Job 32:18). Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Let this be your guiding principle as you navigate life's complexities. Topics 1. Introduction of Elihu Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, is introduced as a new speaker. He is described as being angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and with Job's three friends for failing to provide a satisfactory answer. This sets the stage for Elihu's speeches. ^"So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. But the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned against Job. His anger burned because Job had justified himself rather than God."^ (Job 32:1-2) 2. Elihu's Respect for Age and Wisdom Elihu expresses his respect for the wisdom that typically comes with age, acknowledging that he has refrained from speaking out of deference to the older men. However, he also emphasizes that true wisdom comes from the spirit within a person, given by the Almighty. ^"I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. I thought, ‘Age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.’ But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding."^ (Job 32:6-8) 3. Elihu's Justification for Speaking Elihu explains why he feels compelled to speak. Despite his youth, he believes he has insight to offer, and he is frustrated by the lack of answers from Job's friends. He feels a strong inner compulsion to share his perspective. ^"Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me."^ (Job 32:10, 18) 4. Elihu's Impartiality Elihu asserts his intention to be impartial and not to show favoritism. He emphasizes that he will not flatter anyone, as doing so would be against his principles and would invite divine judgment. ^"I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man. For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant."^ (Job 32:21-22) Themes 1. Righteous Anger Elihu's anger is kindled against Job and his friends. He is upset with Job for justifying himself rather than God and with the friends for failing to provide a satisfactory answer. This theme highlights the concept of righteous indignation, where anger is directed towards perceived injustice or unrighteousness. ^“So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite burned with anger. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.”^ (Job 32:2) 2. Respect for Elders Elihu shows respect for the wisdom of age, initially refraining from speaking because he is younger. This theme underscores the biblical principle of honoring and respecting elders, which is rooted in the Hebrew culture. ^“I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.”^ (Job 32:6) 3. Wisdom from God Elihu emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God, not merely from age or experience. This theme reflects the biblical understanding that wisdom is a divine gift, as seen in the Hebrew word "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), meaning wisdom. ^“But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.”^ (Job 32:8) 4. Impartiality in Judgment Elihu claims to speak without partiality, emphasizing the importance of fairness and objectivity in judgment. This theme is consistent with the biblical call for justice and impartiality. ^“I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter any man.”^ (Job 32:21) 5. The Role of the Spirit Elihu acknowledges the role of the Spirit of God in providing insight and understanding. This theme highlights the belief in the active role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and enlightening believers. ^“For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.”^ (Job 32:18) Prayer Points Pray for the wisdom and discernment to know when to speak and when to listen. Ask God to help you approach conversations with humility and respect for others. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to speak truth with boldness and clarity. Pray for a heart that desires to honor God above all in your words and actions. Answering Tough Questions 1. Job 32:1-5 – Why does the text abruptly introduce a new character (Elihu) who wasn’t mentioned before, and is this consistent with the earlier chapters? 2. Job 32:2 – Does Elihu’s accusation that Job “justified himself rather than God” conflict with God’s earlier testimony that Job was blameless (Job 1:1)? 3. Job 32:6-7 – In a culture valuing elders’ wisdom, is the portrayal of a younger man correcting older friends historically or culturally plausible? 4. Job 32:8 – Does the statement that “the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding” conflict with scientific explanations of human intellect? 5. Job 32:16-22 – Are there any textual or historical clues suggesting this chapter might be a later insertion, potentially creating inconsistencies within the book? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Elihu’s reaction to Job and his friends tell you about the role of righteous anger in calling out perceived errors or injustice? 2. How does Elihu challenge traditional wisdom that age equals wisdom? How does this apply in today’s society? 3. Why did Elihu choose to remain silent until this point in the narrative? What does this teach us about the value of listening before speaking? 4. What prompted Elihu to finally break his silence? 5. Elihu asserts that wisdom comes from the breath of the Almighty. How does this contrast with the arguments of Job’s friends? 6. In what ways can younger generations today, like Elihu, express their insights or frustrations about contemporary issues? 7. How can Elihu's insistence on speaking truth, without partiality or flattery, be applied in today’s social, political, or religious discussions? 8. What does Elihu's speech tell us about his character and his faith in God? 9. Compare the responses of Job’s friends and Elihu to Job’s suffering. What different perspectives do they offer on Job's situation? 10. Elihu waited patiently for the elders to speak before voicing his thoughts. How does this chapter inform the balance between respect for elder wisdom and the fresh insights of the younger generation? 11. Elihu was young, yet he brought a fresh perspective. How can the Church harness the insights of the younger generation? 12. What does this chapter tell us about God’s choice of vessels to relay His wisdom? 13. Elihu feared attributing injustice to God. How should this fear guide our reactions to suffering and calamity? 14. What does Elihu's frustration with Job's friends teach us about the dangers of false consolation and wrong theology? 15. Elihu describes his urge to speak as a pressure. Have you ever felt a similar urge to voice your understanding of God’s truth? How did you respond? 16. How does Elihu's introduction prepare us for his forthcoming speeches in the next chapters? 17. How does Elihu's approach differ from that of Job's friends when challenging Job’s self-righteousness? 18. If Elihu were part of a modern discussion about suffering and God's justice, how might his arguments be received? 19. How does this chapter highlight the importance of understanding God’s character before making assumptions or judgments about His actions? 20. Considering Elihu's perspective, how should we approach conversations about God's justice, especially when interacting with people who may have misconceptions about Him? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions