The Book of Job Part 3

We see in chapter 32 that a man named Elihu is introduced to Job's refinement. Job's comforters have ceased speaking- they recognize that Job was righteous in his own eyes and they could find no answer for him. The wrath of Elihu was aroused "against Job because he justified himself rather than God". Also, against Job's three friends was his wrath aroused because they found no answer and yet condemned him. "Now because they (Job's friends) were years older than he (Elihu), he waited to speak to Job."


32:6-9 "I am young in years, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and dared not declare my opinion to you. I said,'age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom', but there is a spirit in man and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice'." As we read on through chapter 37, we see how Elihu proclaims the truth to Job. He recounts Job's words of self-righteousness and counters with the understanding God knew Job needed to repent. The understanding that God gave Elihu for Job prior to the Lord speaking directly to Job is similar to what John the Baptist did for Israel prior to the introduction of Jesus Christ.

They each provided a "make His paths straight" revelation so when the Lord spoke (or came as in Jesus case), Job and/or Israel could be ready.

We know that much of Israel received John's ministry to repent and as we shall see, Elihu's words to Job were well received.

After Elihu speaks, the Lord enters to proclaim who He is (Chapter 38,39). Job has heard the prophet (Elihu) and is in a position to hear from the Lord (the prophet's reward). He understands and says "I am vile; what shall I answer You?" The Lord says,"would you indeed annul my judgement? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? Have you an arm like God?" Read through the remaining chapters, seeing where Job said to the Lord in 42:5,6 , "I have heard about You with the by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

The end result was what the Lord wants for all His human creation- to be able to reveal Himself to us. He comes to the temple that has been made ready. He comes for the bride that has made herself ready. The making ready part is our willingness to run the race that has been set before us. Who sets the race? He does! Job's distresses were for the sake of forming the righteousness of God in Job by revealing to Job how self-righteousness ruled him. When Job understood, he did what upright and blameless people do- he repented.