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Thread: Job

  1. #31
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    Default Re: Job

    Why would Elihu be considered somewhat of a mystery in the Book of Job?

    1)His youthfulness (Job 32:4,6-7)
    2)His silence, almost to the point of being invisible, throughout the first 31 chapters of Job
    3) Job never answered him or commented during his introduction, and his four poetic speeches (Job 32:2-5; 32:6--33:33; ch.34; ch.35; chs.36--37)
    4)Job's three friends never answered him or commented during his speeches.
    5)He at times confronted Job with similar argument as Job's three friends.(Job 33:15-30)
    6)God never spoke to him after entering the scene.
    7)He was the only one to escape the rebuke of the LORD.(chs.38--42:1-6)

    Was Elihu perfect?

    No, he was not perfect.Elihu had no understanding about the special relationship that existed between God and Job. (See Job 1--2)

    But God knew his heart and the intent of his council to Job.

  2. #32
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    Default Re: Job

    Who is Elihu in the Book of Job? Some Bible commentators or scholars have indicated he is a type of Christ; or a type of Elijah; or a type of John the Baptist.

    The biblical text in Job does not describe Elihu directly as being a type of anyone. His first speech starting in chapter 32 introduces Elihu, and provides insight into his character and nature.

    Elihu described himself as young and initially fearful to speak (ch.32:6-7). He expresses eagerness to speak further along (ch. 32:17-22). Elihu seems to view himself as a messenger from God.

    A notable messenger of God, the prophet Jeremiah voiced his insecurity of being only a child, as he received his call as a prophet of God. (Jeremiah 1:4-10) Jeremiah also described the urgency to speak God's word like fire shut up in his bones. (Jeremiah 20:9)

    John the Baptist was called the prophet of the Lord, preparing the way for the Lord (Jesus). (Matthew 3:1-12) The return of Elijah was prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. Jesus stated that Elijah had come, and equated his return with John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:9-13)

    Elihu seems to anticipate some of the key statements or themes expressed by God when he appeared and spoke to Job. He also prepared the way for the LORD through praise and worship (chs. 36-37)

    After the LORD appeared Elihu was not mentioned again. John the Baptist had stated that Jesus must increase and he must decrease.

    The four speeches of Elihu beautifully reveal many rich spiritual dynamics.

  3. #33
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    Default Re: Job

    Ah yes, Elihu. Approaches to addressing his role in the Book of Job, are probably as vast as the questions many have asked about him.

    I would like to approach Elihu's role structurally with a focus on his four (4) speeches, using "the five w's" (5W),the "five w's and one h" (5W1H) approach. The 5 w's are who, what, when, where, and why, and the 1 h is how.

    Main references for looking at Elihu's role via his four speeches is the Rondervan NIV Study Bible. Online keyword search for articles used to explore the 5W1H approach to exploring a topic that has many challenging questions. Also online review of various interpretations of Elihu done.

    The four speeches of Elihu can be found in Job 32:6---33:33; 34; 35; 36---37. I would recommend reading these scriptures for yourself as you read through the posts or other readings.

  4. #34
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    Default Re: Job

    Quote Originally Posted by burgyeb View Post
    Ah yes, Elihu. Approaches to addressing his role in the Book of Job, are probably as vast as the questions many have asked about him.

    I would like to approach Elihu's role structurally with a focus on his four (4) speeches, using "the five w's" (5W),the "five w's and one h" (5W1H) approach. The 5 w's are who, what, when, where, and why, and the 1 h is how.

    Main references for looking at Elihu's role via his four speeches is the Rondervan NIV Study Bible. Online keyword search for articles used to explore the 5W1H approach to exploring a topic that has many challenging questions. Also online review of various interpretations of Elihu done.

    The four speeches of Elihu can be found in Job 32:6---33:33; 34; 35; 36---37. I would recommend reading these scriptures for yourself as you read through the posts or other readings.
    I'm not a religious person but this was very interesting to read.
    Thank you Burgyeb
    Gill (pronounced Jill) "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful" William Morris 1834 - 1896

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    Default Re: Job

    Quote Originally Posted by Gill View Post
    I'm not a religious person but this was very interesting to read.
    Thank you Burgyeb
    Thank you Gill. I appreciate your comments. I do not consider myself a religious person either, but I do love the Bible. I'm looking forward to trying to gain a deeper understanding of this portion of the Book of Job.

  6. #36
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    Default Re: Job

    Elihu's First Speech (Job 32:6---33:33)

    Who is Elihu has been addressed to some degree in his introduction in ch 32:1-5, 6-22. This is the first chapter of Elihu's first speech.

    Who is Elihu speaking to?
    In chapter 32, Elihu appears to be speaking to Job, his 3 friends, and also to himself (see 32:4, 5-14, 15-22).

    What caused Elihu to get involved?
    Anger. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God (32:2). He was angry with Job's three friends because they found no answer for Job, yet they condemned him (32:3)

    When did Elihu get involved?
    Elihu remained silent for approximately 3/4's (75%) of the Book of Job due to his age, fear, and his respect for tradition (32:6-7).

    Where was Elihu during the long dialogue dispute that occurred between Job and his three friends?
    He was standing on the sidelines as a spectator. It is also possible that there were other spectators.

    Why did Elihu finally get involved?
    He finally realized that it is God who imparts understanding to a person's spirit. That wisdom and understanding are not only given to the old (32:8-10).

    How is Elihu's first speech (1a) impacting his hearers?
    It silenced them; he continued on with his four speeches without interruption.

  7. #37
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    Default Re: Job

    Elihu's First Speech (Job 32:6---33:33) Continued

    Chapter 33 is the second chapter of Elihu's first speech. Will continue to apply the 5W1H approach to the second portion (1b) of Elihu's first speech.

    Who is Elihu speaking to?
    In chapter 33, Elihu is speaking to Job (33:1,31).

    What is Elihu trying to accomplish?
    He is trying to get Job's attention (v1), and keep Job's attention (vv.31-33). He accomplished this largely by addressing Job by name, his three friends did not do. This was done at the beginning and the end of the chapter.

    Elihu is trying to assure Job that his words are coming from an upright and sincere heart (v3). That he has frailties just like Job, and that he had no intention of harming him (vv.6-7).

    When are the comments of Elihu's first speech similar to the comments of Job's friend(s)?
    Elihu voiced disapproval of what he perceived to be Job's claim to purity (v.9); Job's friend Eliphaz had voiced similar objections to Job's claim to purity (ch. 15:14-16). Job did not actually claim to be sinless; he admitted he was a sinner (7:21). Job wanted to know what sin he had committed to bring about such a high level of suffering.

    Elihu sounds very similar to Eliphaz when he says, "In a dream, in a vision of the night..." (33:15-13-14). Also his defense of God, has similarities to the comments of Job's three friends.

    Where does Elihu draw the line and confront Job that..."in this you are not right" (v.12)?
    Elihu confronted Job on what he perceived to be his claim to purity (v.9); on Job's perception that God was his enemy (vv.10-11); and on his complaint about God's silence (v.13).

    How does Elihu confront and correct Job?
    His strategy was to quote Job (vv.8-12; 13:24-27),
    then to point out where and when he was wrong.

    Elihu's focus was on Job's sinful reaction to undeserved suffering. This was in sharp contrast to the theology of Job's three friends, that assumed that his suffering was punishment for sinful actions. This may partially explain why God sharply rebuked Job's three friends, but did not rebuke Elihu.

    Why is Elihu reaching out to Job?
    He wants Job to be cleared. He wants to provide an opportunity for Job to speak up, to defend himself (33:5,32). Elihu puts forward this challenge to Job at the beginning and the end of the chapter.

    He ultimately wants Job to repent. This can be seen more clearly in chapter 34, Elihu's second speech.

  8. #38
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    Thumbs up Re: Job

    Elihu's Second Speech (Job 34)

    Who is Elihu speaking to in his second speech?
    He is speaking to a group of wisemen, and probably Job's three friends (vv 2-15); to Job (vv 16-33); and to himself (vv 34-37).

    What is Elihu trying to accomplish?
    He is attempting to build a case against Job, with the consensus of wise men (vv 2-4, 10, 12); based on what Job said in response to his intense suffering and frustration (vv 5-6, 9).

    He is attempting to justify God (10,12,17, 23, 29)
    He is defending God as having no need to establish judgment with man upon demand (v 23).
    He is defending God's right to remain silent and to remain unseen (v 29).
    He is calling for Job's repentance (vv 31-32, 33).

    When are Elihu's words anticipatory of God's main theme in His first discourse?
    Elihu stated that "Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight." (v 35; see 38:2) Elihu also said "Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man (v 36). Job was tested to the utmost through the rhetorical questioning of God (see 38:3; 40:7).

    Where does Elihu confront Job sharply?
    Elihu stated..."To his sin he adds rebellion;... and multiplies his words against God" (v 37).

    Why has Elihu's second speech taken on such a sharp tone in condemnation of Job?
    Elihu is shaken to his core by Job's accusations against God. He is offended that Job has accused God of having evil intensions, and that God would pervert justice (vv 10-12). He was also offended that Job would condemn God to justify himself (v17; see 40:8). Elihu was more concerned about defending God's character, than he was about clearing Job.

    How is Elihu's sharp confrontation preparing Job for the appearance of God?
    Elihu's statement that Job spoke without knowledge anticipated God's rebuke of Job (vv 34, 37;see 38:1-2). His desire to see Job tested for his sinful comments was answered by an onslaught of rhetorical questions directed at Job from God (v 36; see 38:3, 40:7).

    Elihu had challenged Job to speak up and answer him if he could (33:5, 32). God also presented Job to give an answer if he knew (38:18b).

    Job's first response to God's rebuke and challenge to give an answer, caused him to admit he had no answer and would say no more (40:3-5;33:31-33). Job's final response to God's rebuke and challenge was to totally repent before God (42:1-6; see 34:31-33).

    Elihu seemed to be preparing the way for the LORD'S appearance to Job. John the Baptist was sent to "prepare the way of the Lord" (Mt 3:1-3).

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    Default Re: Job

    Elihu's Third Speech (Job 35)

    Who is Elihu speaking to in his third speech?
    He is speaking to Job and his three friends (v 4).

    What is Elihu trying to accomplish?
    Elihu continues to strengthen his case against Job (vv 2-3), and at the same time strengthen his defense of God.

    When are the comments of Elihu's third speech similar to the comments of Job's three friends?
    The three friends of Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, make comments earlier that are similar to Elihu's comments in his third speech.

    Elihu, in 35:1-3 questions Job's justice in seeking to be cleared by God (vindicated), but stating he has nothing to gain by not sinning. Zophar stated..."Are all of these words to go unanswered? (see 11:2; 35:16)

    Zophar made several comments that were similar to Elihu's comments (11:1-5). He also wished that God ..."would open his lips against Job" (11:5). However, God rebuked Zophar for his comments (42:7-9). Even though Zophar had anticipated God's rhetorical questioning of Job, he reaped only God's rebuke (11:7-9).

    Bildad, short on patience, asked..."how long would Job say such things?".."Does God pervert justice?"
    (see 8:1-3)

    Elihu speaks of God not answering due to arrogance or not asking in a right manner (35:12-15).
    Job's oldest friend told him..."Call, if you will, but who will answer you?" (see 5:1) Elihu states that nothing a person can do, good or bad, will affect God's character or nature; that mankind's actions impact other people (vv 5-8). Job's friend made very similar comments to him (22:1-3).

    Where does Elihu confront Job in his third speech?
    Elihu concludes his third speech by stating... "So Job opens his mouth with empty talk; without knowledge he multiplies words (v 16). Elihu had concluded his second speech with a similar rebuke of Job (34:37).

    Why was Elihu able to say many similar comments to Job that his three friends said, but God did not rebuke him?
    It was noted in the earlier speeches of Elihu that he entered the scene in humility, and with a sincere and upright heart. God considers the condition and intent of the heart; he does not rely on outer appearances. Elihu did not make false accusations against Job, but limited his criticisms to Job's words and perceived attitudes.

    If Elihu was conveying the message God wanted him to deliver, there would be no need for God to rebuke him. As his message became sharper and more assertive, he continued to maintain sincere intent.

    The "How" in Elihu's third speech is provided by Elihu..."How much less, then, will he listen when you say..." (v 14 NIV).

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    Default Re: Job

    Elihu's Fourth Speech (Job 36:1---37:24)

    Who is Elihu speaking to in chapter 36? This is the first chapter of Elihu's fourth speech (4a). Elihu is primarily speaking to Job, but he is also speaking to Job's three friends (35:4).

    What is Elihu trying to accomplish in this portion of his fourth speech?
    Elihu is requesting Job, and probably his three friends/others, to bear with him, as he continues to strengthen his case for God, as good and just (vv 1-2).

    When are the comments of Elihu's fourth speech (4a) in ch 36, similar to the comments of Job's three friends?
    Job's oldest friend makes various comments in chs. 4--5 that are similar to Elihu's comments. Elihu makes statements that on the surface seem to be arrogant. He stated,..."Be assured that my words are not false; one perfect in knowledge is with you" (vv 3-4; see 5:27).

    Elihu differentiates God as being perfect in knowledge (37:16). The Hebrew translation differs for perfect, as Elihu applies it to himself, and then to God. God had described Job as being "perfect and upright" in 1:8(KJV) and 2:3(KJV); and as being "blameless and upright" in 1:8(NIV) and 2:3(NIV).

    Smith's Bible Dictionary defines "perfect" with at least ten different meanings. Perfect can refer to being whole, complete, just, and having fullness.

    Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary, 2nd ed gives at least ten additional definitions of "perfect" including complete in all respects, flawless, accurate, precise, pure, and to leave nothing wanting.

    A study of the meanings of God's name reveals his awesome perfection, as in, "I AM WHO I AM" "I AM" (Exodus 3:14).

    Elihu was not perfect, as God is perfect; his knowledge was limited. Elihu, Job, and Job's three friends had no knowledge of God's divine purpose for allowing Job's testing in 1:6--22 and 2:1--10.

    Elihu also makes statements about God rewarding the righteous but punishing sinners (vv 6-14; see chs 4--5). Job's three friends held to this theological belief set. However, Job did not hold to these beliefs in his statements about his cause for suffering.

    Elihu spoke of God's deliverance of those who suffer (vv 15-16). He then seems to be accusing Job of sinning, as did Job's three friends (vv 17-21). Elihu's comment to Job in v.21 was the opposite of God's description of Job (see 1:8, 2:3 and 42:7).

    Where does Elihu's words anticipate some of God's statements within God's two discourses?
    Elihu begins to proclaim God's majesty (vv 22-33). He points to the fact that God's greatness and works are beyond our understanding (v 26; see Isaiah 55:8-9).

    Why was Elihu able to say increasingly similar comments to Job that his three friends said, but God did not rebuke him?
    Aside from Elihu's heart and intent of his council being upright before God, many of the statements made by Job's three friends were theologically correct. However, their hearts and intentions were not right towards Job and ultimately not right towards God (see 42:7).

    How does Elihu begin to prepare the way for the entrance of God?
    Elihu begins to prepare for God's appearance with exaltation and praise of God. He magnifies God for his power, his great work, for his sovereignty over earth's atmosphere, and all of his creation. Brings to mind the song..."I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise" which is found in the Psalms (Ps 100:4).

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