Job 32:5

But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.

Study Bible

And when Elihu saw
The introduction of Elihu marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Job. Elihu, whose name means "He is my God" in Hebrew, is a younger figure who has been listening to the discourse between Job and his three friends. His presence signifies a fresh perspective. The act of "seeing" here is not merely physical observation but an understanding or realization. Elihu's insight into the situation suggests a deeper discernment, possibly divinely inspired, as he prepares to offer his own interpretation of Job's suffering.

that the three men
The "three men" refer to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, Job's friends who have been attempting to explain his suffering through traditional wisdom. These men represent the established theological perspectives of the time, which often equated suffering with divine punishment for sin. Their inability to provide satisfactory answers to Job's plight highlights the limitations of human wisdom when it comes to understanding divine purposes.

had no further reply
This phrase indicates a moment of silence and exhaustion in the dialogue. The friends have exhausted their arguments and are unable to convince Job or provide him with comfort. This silence can be seen as a metaphor for the inadequacy of human reasoning in the face of divine mysteries. It sets the stage for Elihu's intervention, suggesting that a new voice is needed to address the complexities of Job's situation.

his anger was aroused
Elihu's anger is a significant emotional response. In the Hebrew context, anger can be seen as a righteous indignation, especially when it is directed towards a perceived injustice or misunderstanding of God's nature. Elihu's anger is not merely personal frustration but a zealous concern for God's honor and the truth. His arousal indicates a passionate desire to correct what he perceives as errors in the friends' arguments and Job's responses. This righteous anger propels Elihu to speak, suggesting that his forthcoming discourse is driven by a sincere commitment to uphold divine justice and wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elihu
A young man who enters the dialogue in the Book of Job. He is the son of Barakel the Buzite, from the family of Ram. Elihu is notable for his passionate speech and his desire to defend God's justice.

2. The Three Friends
Refers to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have been debating with Job. They represent traditional wisdom and have been unable to provide satisfactory answers to Job's suffering.

3. Job
The central figure of the book, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and questions the reasons for his suffering.

4. The Setting
The dialogue takes place in the land of Uz, where Job and his friends are gathered. This setting is significant as it represents a place of testing and divine discourse.

5. The Event
Elihu's anger is kindled because the three friends have failed to provide a convincing argument or comfort to Job, prompting him to speak.

Teaching Points

Righteous Anger
Elihu's anger is kindled because of the failure of the three friends to provide truth and comfort. This teaches us that there is a place for righteous anger when it is directed towards defending God's justice and truth.

The Importance of Listening
Elihu's entrance into the dialogue reminds us of the importance of listening before speaking. We should seek to understand fully before offering our opinions or judgments.

Youth and Wisdom
Elihu, though young, demonstrates that wisdom is not confined to age. God can use anyone, regardless of age, to speak truth and bring insight.

The Role of Patience
Elihu waited for the three friends to finish before speaking. This patience is a model for us in waiting for the right moment to contribute to discussions, especially those concerning deep matters of faith.

Defending God's Justice
Elihu's speeches are centered on defending God's justice. We are reminded of our role as believers to uphold and defend the character of God in our conversations and actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Elihu's response to the three friends' silence, and how can this inform our approach to discussions about faith and suffering?

2. How does Elihu's anger differ from the anger that is cautioned against in James 1:19-20, and what does this teach us about the nature of righteous anger?

3. In what ways does Elihu's youth challenge our perceptions of who can possess wisdom, and how can this influence our interactions with younger believers?

4. How does the setting of the dialogue in the land of Uz contribute to the themes of testing and divine discourse in the Book of Job?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to wait patiently before speaking in a difficult situation. How did this patience impact the outcome, and what biblical principles can you apply to similar situations in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 18:13
This verse highlights the folly of answering before listening, which connects to Elihu's frustration with the three friends' inability to truly understand Job's plight.

James 1:19-20
These verses emphasize being quick to listen and slow to anger, which contrasts with Elihu's reaction but also underscores the importance of righteous anger in defense of truth.

Ecclesiastes 7:9
This verse warns against being quickly provoked in spirit, which can relate to Elihu's anger and the need for wisdom in expressing it.