07.07.2014 Old Testament: Job 36.1–4

To read the Bible in a year, read Job 35–37 on July 7, In the year of our Lord 2014

By Don Ruhl

Job’s three friends could not show wherein he erred in his words, but during the debate, a young man listened to what the four older men had to say, and when Job finished, and the three friends could not provide an answer, the young man spoke.

He spoke and paused more than once, giving Job opportunities to speak, but when he did not respond, the young man continued to speak. Chapter 36 begins another one of those times that he had stopped, and then started up again,

Elihu also proceeded and said:

“Bear with me a little, and I will show you
That there are yet words to speak on God’s behalf.
I will fetch my knowledge from afar; 

I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
For truly my words are not false;
One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.”
(Job 36.1–4) 

Elihu had nothing to gain or lose in this intense discussion, but his primary concern centered on the glory of God. Elihu believed that Job did not justify God, and so the young man had to speak.

Elihu listened, and spoke. He waited to hear more from Job, and then spoke some more. We can learn much from Elihu that we be patient, glorify God, help those who wish to believe in God, and that we place our lives in the hands of God.