Job 32

Elihu, a younger man, becomes angry with Job for self-justification and with his three friends for failing to answer and yet condemning him. He explains that he waited to speak out of respect for their age, but now feels compelled to offer his own perspective, asserting that wisdom comes from God's spirit, not merely from years. He declares his intention to speak without partiality or flattery, as the others have ceased their arguments.

Chapter 32 introduces Elihu, a younger man who has observed the lengthy debate between Job and his three friends. His wrath is kindled against Job for justifying himself rather than God, and against the friends for their inability to provide a convincing answer while still condemning Job. Elihu explains that he initially refrained from speaking due to his youth and their advanced age, believing wisdom resided with the elders. However, he now asserts that true understanding comes from the "spirit in man" and the "inspiration of the Almighty," not solely from years. Observing that the friends have ceased to speak and failed to persuade Job, Elihu feels an overwhelming compulsion, like wine ready to burst, to express his own opinion. He pledges to speak impartially, without showing favoritism or flattery, fearing divine retribution if he were to do otherwise.

Job 32 marks a significant turning point in the book, as the three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, finally cease their arguments, concluding that Job remains righteous in his own eyes. At this juncture, Elihu, a younger man identified as the son of Barachel the Buzite, enters the discourse, his wrath kindled. He is angered by Job's persistent self-justification, which he perceives as prioritizing himself over God. Furthermore, Elihu is equally incensed by the three friends, who, despite their inability to provide a satisfactory answer or convince Job, nevertheless condemned him. Elihu explains that he patiently waited for the elders to conclude their arguments, respecting their age and hoping wisdom would emerge from their years. However, upon witnessing their failure to answer Job effectively and their subsequent silence, he feels compelled to speak. He challenges the notion that wisdom is solely the province of the aged, declaring that "there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." Elihu asserts his right to speak, having carefully listened to their reasons and observed their inability to convince Job. He clarifies that he will not use their arguments and that Job has not directly addressed him. Feeling a profound inner compulsion, likened to new wine ready to burst from bottles, Elihu proclaims he must speak to find relief. He concludes his introduction by vowing to speak without partiality or flattery towards any man, stating that his Maker would swiftly remove him if he engaged in such conduct.