Borrowed Breath

In chapter 32, we are introduced to Elihu. It appears by his introduction that he has been listening all along to Job’s complaint and to his friends’ accusations. He strongly asserts that all four of them were speaking foolishly, that old age did not bring with it wisdom in their cases. He tells Job in verse 6 of chapter 33 that he is here in response to Job’s request to speak with God. Though he is a man, he can answer for the Lord.

He then begins to make observations as to why man suffers. He indicates that one of the reasons the LORD allows suffering is to restore man. “…then man prays to God and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness. He sings before men and says; ‘I sinned and perverted what was right, and it was not repaid to me. He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.’ Behold, God does all these things twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit that he may be lighted with the light of life” (3.26-30).

In response to Job’s accusations against God, Elihu answers, “…far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong…Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice” (34.10, 12). Elihu closes his answers with this proclamation of God’s majesty, “The Almighty – we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit” (37.23-24).

Job finally gets his request to speak directly with God in chapter 38 as the LORD answers Job “out of the whirlwind.” If I could sum up the LORD’s response to Job in one sentence, it would be this: “Who do you think you are?” He speaks this truth in such graphic and powerful language that Job simply answers, “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further” (40.4-5). The LORD continues to proclaim His might and His control over His creation. And Job humbly answers, “Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things to wonderful for me, which I did not know” (42.3) as he repents.