Job 32
Job 32 is part of “Elihu's Speeches” (32–37) in the outline of Job.
Job 32 summary
The stage is clear, for Job and his three friends have sat down, and neither he nor they have any thing more to say; it is therefore very seasonable for a moderator to interpose, and Elihu is the man. In this chapter we have, I. Some account of him, his parentage, his presence at this dispute, and his sentiments concerning it (Job 32:1-5). II.
Read the full introduction
The stage is clear, for Job and his three friends have sat down, and neither he nor they have any thing more to say; it is therefore very seasonable for a moderator to interpose, and Elihu is the man. In this chapter we have, I. Some account of him, his parentage, his presence at this dispute, and his sentiments concerning it (Job 32:1-5). II. The apology he made for his bold undertaking to speak to a question which had been so largely and learnedly argued by his seniors. He pleads, 1. That, though he had not the experience of an old man, yet he had the understanding of a man (Job 32:6-10). 2. That he had patiently heard all they had to say (Job 32:11-13). 3. That he had something new to offer (Job 32:14-17). 4. That his mind was full of this matter, and it would be a refreshment to him to give it vent (Job 32:18-20). 5. That he was resolved to speak impartially (Job 32:21, Job 32:22). And he did speak so well to this matter that Job made no reply to him, and God gave him no rebuke when he checked both Job himself and his other three friends.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Job 32 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Elihu's First Speech: I Will Speak
1So these three men ceased to answere Iob, because he esteemed himselfe iust. 2Then the wrath of Elihu the sonne of Barachel the Buzite, of the familie of Ram, was kindled: his wrath, I say, was kindled against Iob, because he iustified himselfe more then God. 3Also his anger was kindled against his three friends, because they could not finde an answere, and yet condemned Iob. 4(Now Elihu had wayted til Iob had spoken: for they were more ancient in yeeres then he) 5So when Elihu saw, that there was none answere in the mouth of the three men, his wrath was kindled. 6Therefore Elihu the sonne of Barachel, the Buzite answered, and sayd, I am yong in yeres, and ye are ancient: therefore I doubted, and was afraide to shewe you mine opinion. 7For I said, The dayes shall speake, and the multitude of yeeres shall teach wisedome. 8Surely there is a spirite in man, but the inspiration of the Almightie giueth vnderstanding. 9Great men are not alway wise, neither doe the aged alway vnderstand iudgement. 10Therefore I say, Heare me, and I will shew also mine opinion. 11Behold, I did waite vpon your wordes, and hearkened vnto your knowledge, whiles you sought out reasons. 12Yea, when I had considered you, lo, there was none of you that reproued Iob, nor answered his wordes: 13Lest ye should say, We haue found wisedome: for God hath cast him downe, and no man. 14Yet hath he not directed his words to me, neyther will I answere him by your wordes. 15Then they fearing, answered no more, but left off their talke. 16When I had wayted (for they spake not, but stood still and answered no more) 17Then answered I in my turne, and I shewed mine opinion. 18For I am full of matter, and the spirite within me compelleth me. 19Beholde, my belly is as the wine, which hath no vent, and like the new bottels that brast. 20Therefore will I speake, that I may take breath: I will open my lippes, and will answere. 21I will not now accept the person of man, neyther will I giue titles to man. 22For I may not giue titles, lest my Maker should take me away suddenly.