Elihu, a character in the Book of Job, is introduced as the son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram (Job 32:2). He appears in the narrative after Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have ceased to answer Job, as they found him righteous in his own eyes (Job 32:1). Elihu's speeches span from Job 32 to Job 37, where he presents himself as a younger man who has waited respectfully for the elders to speak before offering his own insights.

Elihu's confidence in his insight is evident from the outset. He is described as being "very 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). Elihu's boldness is rooted in his belief that true wisdom comes from the Spirit of God, not merely from age or experience. He states, "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding" (Job 32:8).

Elihu's speeches are marked by a strong sense of conviction and a desire to defend God's justice and righteousness. He asserts that he speaks with sincerity and that his words are from an upright heart (Job 33:3). Elihu challenges Job's assertions of innocence and questions his understanding of God's ways. He emphasizes that God is greater than man and that His ways are beyond human comprehension (Job 33:12-13).

Throughout his discourse, Elihu maintains that God communicates with humanity in various ways, including through dreams, visions, and suffering, to turn people from wrongdoing and to preserve their souls (Job 33:14-18). He argues that suffering can be a means of divine instruction and correction, a perspective that contrasts with the retributive justice view held by Job's other friends.

Elihu's confidence is further demonstrated in his assertion that he is compelled to speak by an inner force, likening himself to wine that has no vent and is ready to burst like new wineskins (Job 32:18-19). He insists that he will show no partiality and will not flatter any man, for he is accountable to God alone (Job 32:21-22).

In his final speech, Elihu extols the majesty and power of God, urging Job to consider the wonders of God's creation and His sovereign control over the natural world (Job 36:22-33, 37:14-24). Elihu's confidence in his insight is rooted in his reverence for God and his belief that God's ways are just and beyond reproach.

Elihu's role in the Book of Job is unique, as he is neither rebuked by God nor mentioned in the prologue or epilogue of the book. His speeches serve as a prelude to God's own response to Job, highlighting themes of divine wisdom and the limitations of human understanding.