Job 33-35: Elihu’s Rebuke

Thoughts

Job 33

Elihu reminds Job that they are both human, made by God’s Spirit. 

Elihu summarizes Job’s stance: Job has said, “I am pure, but God finds fault with me.” Elihu insists Job is wrong to accuse God of injustice.

Elihu lists examples of ways God can reach our hearts: dreams, visions, warnings. These experiences can humble us, even when negative. 

Elihu mentions a mediator : “an angel, a mediator, one among a thousand, to declare to man what is right for him.”

Elihu urges Job to listen, saying God does these things “two or three times” to rescue a person’s soul. He invites a response: “If you have anything to say, answer me… if not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”

Job 34

Elihu asks “wise men” and “those who have knowledge” to hear his argument and to “choose what is right”.

He accuses Job of saying that there’s no point in serving God if righteousness brings suffering. 

Elihu’s central point:“Far be it from God that He should do wickedness.” If He were unjust everything would collapse. God judges all people equally: rich and poor, ruler and servant. No one can hide behind status or wealth.

Elihu says God’s eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps. He brings justice to the oppressed, even when judgement seems delayed. 

Elihu suggests how Job should respond with humility and reminds Job that God does not owe anyone an explanation. He condemns Job’s defiant speech as rebellion.

Job 35

Elihu opens by saying Job had argued that his integrity gained him nothing since God allowed him to suffer. Elihu challenges this and suggests Job’s attitude makes him think he is above God. 

Elihu reminds Job that God is not dependent on humans: “If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him?” “If you are righteous, what do you give to Him?”

God is unaltered by human behavior.  Elihu observes that people cry out in distress but not sincerely.  He argues that many prayers go unheard not because God is cruel, but because hearts are proud.  Even Job’s cries may be missing humility and trust.

Elihu concludes that Job assumes silence means injustice, but Elihu insists it means God is waiting for the right moment.

Questions

Why is Elihu so bold?

Where did these men learn their theology from?

Application

We continue the rebuke of Job with Elihu. Though he is not correct on everything, he does capture some of God’s qualities. For example, God is completely just, even when life seems unfair. We cannot fully comprehend easy explanations of God’s plan, but we know that it is never for evil. Elihu also reminds us that pain does not always mean punishment, in fact it can be corrective. Lastly in Elihu describes how we might not always hear God in the way we expect. Have we really allowed God to speak in our lives?