Job 32: The Entrance of Elihu: Anger and Inspiration

Job 32 documents the sudden appearance of Elihu, who has been listening in silence and is now 'bursting' with words because the older men failed to answer Job. He argues that age does not necessarily bring wisdom, but rather the 'breath of the Almighty' gives a man understanding.

  1. v1-5: Why Elihu is Angry
  2. v6-14: Why Elihu Waited to Speak
  3. v15-22: The Internal Pressure to Speak Truth

Job chapter 32

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Discover the shift in the narrative as a younger perspective enters the fray, claiming to have the spirit-led insight that the elders lacked. Begin your study with job 32 summary.

Elihu compares himself to a wineskin ready to burst, showing his intense psychological need to speak after hours of frustration. The ‘Word Secret’ is *Neshamah*, referring to the divine breath or inspiration that gives man his intellectual and spiritual life. Discover the riches with job 32 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.

Unlock the hidden job 32 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.

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2 min read (375 words)