Iyov 32

1 2 So these shloshet ha’anashim ceased to answer Iyov, because he was tzaddik in his eyes.

2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu ben Barachel the Buzi, of the mishpochah Ram; against Iyov was his wrath kindled, because Iyov justified his nefesh rather than Elohim.

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no ma’aneh (refutation, answer), and yet had condemned Iyov.

4 Now Elihu had waited till Iyov had spoken, because they were elder than he.

5 When Elihu saw that there was no ma’aneh in the mouth of these shloshet ha’anashim, then his wrath was kindled.

6 And Elihu ben Barachel the Buzi answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and dared not tell you of what I have da’as.

7 I said, Yamim should speak, and multitude of shanim should teach chochmah.

8 But there is a ruach in enosh, and the neshamat Shaddai giveth them binah.

9 Great men are not always wise, neither do the zekenim understand mishpat.

10 Therefore I said, Pay heed to me; I also will tell of what I have da’as.

11 Hen (behold), I waited for your dvarim; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, hinei, there was none of you that proved Iyov wrong, or that answered his words.

13 Yet do not say, We have found chochmah; El may vanquish him, lo ish (not man).

14 Now he hath not directed his millin (words) against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15 They were amazed; they answered no od (more); they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no od [more]);

17 I said, I will answer also my chelek (portion); I also will show of mine da’as.

18 For I am full of millim (words), the ruach within me compelleth me.

19 Hinei, my beten is like yayin which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like ovot chadashim (new wineskins).

20 I will speak that I may be relieved; I will open my sfatayim and answer.

21 Let me not, now, show any man partiality, neither let me flatter adam.

22 For I am not skilled in flattery; in so doing Oseini (my Maker) would soon take me away.

Iyov 32 Commentary

Chapter 32

Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends. (1-5) He reproves them. (6-14) He speaks without partiality. (15-22)

Verses 1-5 Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.

Verses 6-14 Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.

Verses 15-22 If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 32

Job's three friends being silenced, and having no more to say in reply to him, Elihu, of whose descent some account is given, a bystander and hearer of the whole dispute between them, rises up as a moderator, and expresses some anger both against them and Job, Job 32:1-5; he makes an apology for engaging in this controversy, by reason of his youth, and they being advanced in years, Job 32:6,7; but since there is a spirit in man, that gives understanding to men of every age, and old men are not always wise, he desires they would hearken to him while he delivered his sentiments on the subject in debate, Job 32:8-10; and hopes to be heard patiently, since he had waited until they had said all they had to say, and had closely attended to it, and which fell short of convincing Job; and this he was obliged to say, lest they should be wise in their own conceit, and attribute that to men which belongs to God, Job 32:11-13; he proposes to take a new method with Job, different from theirs; and now they hearing all this from a young man, they were filled with amazement, and struck with silence; and after he had waited a while to observe whether they would say anything or not, he determined to take his turn, and show his opinion also, Job 32:14-17; and the rather because he was full of arguments, he was desirous to propose them, and was uneasy until he had brought them out; and which he was resolved to do with all impartiality and integrity, Job 32:18-22.