Laws Publishing
ELIHU SPEAKSJim Laws
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With the debate between Job and his friends ended, Elihu enters the discussion (chapters 32-37). The argument of Elihu shows a distinct view of suffering from the three friends, and this could be said of his view of God. Another distinction that can be seen is that Elihu made an honest effort to provide answers to Job’s complaints. He did not have the view that the others had concerning Job getting what he deserved. |
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Elihu told Job (1) to repent of his pride that had come about due to Job’s suffering. He told Job (2) to exalt the work of God (36:24), to consider what God has done (37:14), and to fear Him (37:24). Elihu took the position that Job was sinning because of his suffering, while the three friends said Job was suffering because of his sins. Elihu argued that suffering led him to the wrong attitude about himself and God. In other words, it is Job’s present life that is to be faulted.
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GOD’S CONFRONTATION WITH JOB(Chapters 38:1-42:6) |
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From the whirlwind God spoke
(38:1). Job’s plea that God answer him has come to pass. Job
regularly said, “Let the almighty answer me” (31:35). Job had longed
for an arbiter (
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One can be sure that what Job received was not what Job had expected. God says nothing about Job’s suffering; no discussion is given resolving the problem of evil. Instead of answering questions regarding such, God does the asking. It is clear from the reading that God will not be put on the witness stand. God speaks regarding some seventy unanswerable questions.
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God showed Job the wonders of His handiwork in the world. References are made to space, the sky, the earth, as well as, animals, and birds, all of which are cared for by God.
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The thrust of God’s discussion is to teach man that man is in no position to question God. Job, in effect, is being put in his place before God. Job is ignorant and incompetent in contrast to the Sovereign’s wisdom and power. Job could not comprehend God’s ways with man. God speaks (38:1-40:2), which Job follows with a response of humility. God speaks again (40:6-41:34), followed by Job’s response of repentance (42:1-6). All men should learn the futility of criticizing God’s ways, as Job learned it. Man simply has no vantage point from which to give an objective evaluation of his Creator.
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CONCLUSION |
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From the above discussion the purpose of the book of Job can be more easily seen. First and foremost is the question—is there such a thing as disinterested goodness? That is, will men freely choose to love God, even though they get nothing out of it? The answer Satan, by implication, denies (“Doth Job fear God for nought?” 1:9). Many have denied it, also. Job, then, is tried and tested in every way by a whole host of misfortunes: painful disease, defection of his wife, charges of his friends, etc., yet, Job maintains his integrity; he remains faithful to God, and he continues to place his hope and trust in God (13:5, 31:2, 6,23,35). Even though Job had gone through a crucible of suffering, he maintained a sufficient amount of faith to be pleasing in the sight of God. Job stood the real test: God is worthy of worship and devotion. Other good and righteous men will endure the same test, if they remain faithful, with the same result. Therefore, God has proven Himself Lord of both heaven and earth. Job is proof that God is, indeed, worth reverencing for who He is, and that some men will serve God for nought (Job 1:8). |
ENDNOTES |
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1 Norman C. Habel, Job, John Knox Press, |
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2
Wayne Jackson, the Book of Job, Quality Publications, |
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