Elihu, a relatively obscure figure in the Book of Job, emerges in the narrative as a young man who has been listening intently to the discourse between Job and his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. His speeches are recorded in Job 32-37, where he offers a fresh perspective on the suffering of Job and the nature of God's justice. Elihu's justification for speaking is rooted in several key points that he articulates with a sense of urgency and conviction.

Youth and Wisdom

Elihu begins by acknowledging his youth compared to the older men who have been debating with Job. He expresses a deep respect for age and the wisdom that is traditionally associated with it. However, Elihu argues that wisdom is not solely the domain of the elderly. In Job 32:8-9 , he states, "But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice." Elihu believes that true wisdom comes from God, and thus, he feels compelled to speak despite his youth.

Righteous Indignation

Elihu's motivation to speak is also fueled by a sense of righteous indignation. He is angered by both Job's self-justification and the failure of the three friends to provide a satisfactory answer to Job's complaints. In Job 32:2-3 , it is written, "Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite of the family of Ram burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job for justifying himself rather than God, and he burned with anger at Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him." Elihu's anger is not a personal vendetta but a zealous concern for the honor of God and the integrity of divine justice.

Divine Inspiration

Elihu claims that his words are inspired by the Spirit of God. He emphasizes that his insights are not merely human opinions but are guided by divine revelation. In Job 33:4 , Elihu declares, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." This assertion of divine inspiration lends authority to his speech and sets the stage for his subsequent arguments.

A Desire for Truth

Elihu's speeches are characterized by a sincere desire to uncover the truth about God's ways and Job's situation. He seeks to correct what he perceives as misunderstandings and misrepresentations of God's character. Elihu insists that God is just and that His ways are beyond human comprehension. In Job 34:10-12 , he proclaims, "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. Truly God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice."

A Call to Humility

Elihu also calls for humility before God, urging Job to recognize the limitations of human understanding. He challenges Job to consider the greatness of God and the mystery of His works. In Job 37:14-16 , Elihu advises, "Listen to this, Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God. Do you know how God dispatches the clouds or makes the lightning flash? Do you understand how the clouds float, those wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge?"

Elihu's speeches serve as a prelude to God's own response to Job, and his justification for speaking is grounded in a profound reverence for divine wisdom, a commitment to truth, and a passionate defense of God's righteousness.