All unexpectedly we get an extended speech from Elihu son of Berachel the Buzite. Although he had not been mentioned in the book until now, he has apparently been sitting there listening all along (Job 32:2-4).

Elihu is angry at Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for their failed efforts to convict Job of his sins. Since they were older men, Elihu had expected they would have sufficient wisdom to answer Job’s arguments (32:6-12). It seems that Elihu was ready to burst with his response to the things that had been said (32:15-20). At first it appears that Elihu might recognize the justice of Job’s complaint: “Job has said, ‘I am innocent, and God has taken away my right’ ” (34:5). But it turns out that Elihu will dismiss Job’s argument and consider him just another sinner. “Who is there like Job, who drinks up scoffing like water, who goes in company with evil-doers and walks with the wicked?” (34:7-8).

Elihu insists that Job needs to recognize that God responds to the righteousness or wickedness of each individual: “Surely God is mighty and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. He does not keep the wicked alive, but gives the afflicted their right” (36:5-6). Job’s circumstances are a warning from God to “return from iniquity” (36:10). If Job pays attention and obeys God, the rest of his days will be prosperous and pleasant; but if not, he will perish in his stupidity (36:11-12).

What we have, then, is this. First, Elihu mocks Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar because their efforts have not been unpersuasive. Then Elihu offers his own speech, which turns out to be just another version of the same argument they used: namely, that Job has been punished by God for his sins, and should repent of his evil so that God can bless him once more. Thus we have in Elihu a classic example of someone who rebukes you for thinking you had the right answer when you didn’t, while thinking he himself has the right answer when he also doesn’t.

* * * * *

I see the judgmentalism so clearly in Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar – and in Elihu! – but I am no better, O Lord: so ready to shake my head over the inadequate efforts of others, and yet needing your sustaining grace myself just as surely as they do. Help me see and confess my arrogance before you, O God, that I may be healed.