Elihu, a relatively lesser-known figure in the Book of Job, emerges as a pivotal character in the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the suffering of Job. His speeches are recorded in Job 32-37, where he addresses Job and his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who have failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for Job's afflictions. Elihu's intervention is marked by a call to attention, urging his audience to consider a different understanding of God's justice and the purpose of suffering.

Background

Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, is introduced in Job 32:2. He is described as being from the family of Ram, and his youth is emphasized in contrast to the older age of Job's three friends. Elihu's speeches are unique in that they are not directly rebuked by God at the end of the book, suggesting that his perspective holds a degree of validity.

The Call to Attention

Elihu's call to attention begins with a respectful acknowledgment of his youth and the wisdom of age, yet he asserts that true understanding comes from the spirit within a person, the breath of the Almighty (Job 32:8-9). He expresses frustration with the inability of Job's friends to refute Job's claims and insists on speaking up, driven by a compulsion to share his insights (Job 32:18-20).

Elihu's speeches are characterized by a series of calls to attention, urging Job and his friends to listen carefully to his words. In Job 33:1, Elihu says, "But now, Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words." He emphasizes the importance of listening to wisdom and understanding, positioning himself as a mediator who seeks to clarify the nature of God's dealings with humanity.

Themes in Elihu's Speeches

1. God's Justice and Sovereignty: Elihu stresses that God is just and does not act wickedly (Job 34:10-12). He challenges Job's assertions of innocence and suggests that God's ways are beyond human comprehension. Elihu argues that God repays individuals according to their deeds and that His justice is perfect.

2. The Purpose of Suffering: Elihu introduces the idea that suffering can serve as a form of divine discipline, intended to instruct and refine rather than merely punish. In Job 36:15, he states, "He rescues the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ears in oppression." This perspective offers a more redemptive view of suffering, suggesting that it can lead to spiritual growth and greater understanding.

3. The Majesty of God: Elihu concludes his speeches with a powerful depiction of God's majesty and power, urging Job to consider the greatness of God as revealed in creation (Job 37:14-24). He calls attention to the wonders of nature as evidence of God's incomprehensible wisdom and might.

Significance

Elihu's call to attention serves as a crucial turning point in the Book of Job. His speeches prepare the way for God's own response to Job, highlighting the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of humility before the divine. Elihu's emphasis on listening and learning from God's creation underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and recognizing the broader purposes of God's actions in the world.