Elihu believes he is tight with God

 Job 33: 1 – 7

 

 

“But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words.   Behold, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks.  My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.   Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand.  Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too was pinched off from a piece of clay.  Behold, no fear of me need terrify you; my pressure will not be heavy upon you.”

 

My take on what the younger man Elihu is saying to Job, I am going to wiggle my lips and the words coming out will be from God, so listen up boy, and give a little more thought before you answer.

 

Job 33: 8 – 11

 

“Surely you have spoken in my ears, and I have heard the sound of your words.  You say, ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, and there is no iniquity in me. Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy, he puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.”

 

Now Elihu tells Job let me repeat your argument about God, and Elihu does a good recall of Job’s words.

 

 

Job 33: 12 – 30

 

Elihu gives us the ways he has heard God works in a person's life, but it does not seem it is his testimony, just facts he has seen or been told by a teacher.

 

Job 33 31 – 33

 

“Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.  If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.  If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”

 

One wonders if Job has fallen asleep or turned his back on the young man, it sure sounds as if something has got him a little perplexed.  It also seems to bring out the arrogance of the young man.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice