Read Job chapter 32 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
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. 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).
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.
3 Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.
6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.
7 I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
8 But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9 It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.
10 Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’
11 “Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, among you.
13 Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’
14 for he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 “They are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word to say.
16 Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?
17 I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.
18 For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.
19 Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
21 Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
22 For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.