Elihu
takes a mediator's path—he attempts to maintain the sovereignty and
righteousness and gracious mercy of God. Elihu's speech comes after the
final words of Job in the third speech cycle (31:40) and goes from
chapters 32-3 Elihu strongly condemns the approach taken by the three
friends, and argues that Job is misrepresenting God's righteousness and
discrediting his loving character. Elihu says he spoke last because he
is much younger than the other three friends, but says that age makes no
difference when it comes to insights and wisdom. In his speech, Elihu
argues for God's power, redemptive salvation, and absolute rightness in
all his conduct. God is mighty, yet just, and quick to warn and to
forgive. Elihu's speeches act as a narrative bridge which joins Job's
summary of his case with the appearance of God. His speech maintains
that Job, while righteous, is not perfect. Job does not disagree with
this and God does not rebuke Elihu as he does Bildad, Zophar, and
Eliphaz.After Elihu's speech ends with the last verse of Chapter 37, God
appears and in the second verse of Chapter 38, God says, speaking of
Job: “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?"
Elihu
takes a mediator's path—he attempts to maintain the sovereignty and
righteousness and gracious mercy of God. Elihu's speech comes after the
final words of Job in the third speech cycle (31:40) and goes from
chapters 32-3 Elihu strongly condemns the approach taken by the three
friends, and argues that Job is misrepresenting God's righteousness and
discrediting his loving character. Elihu says he spoke last because he
is much younger than the other three friends, but says that age makes no
difference when it comes to insights and wisdom. In his speech, Elihu
argues for God's power, redemptive salvation, and absolute rightness in
all his conduct. God is mighty, yet just, and quick to warn and to
forgive. Elihu's speeches act as a narrative bridge which joins Job's
summary of his case with the appearance of God. His speech maintains
that Job, while righteous, is not perfect. Job does not disagree with
this and God does not rebuke Elihu as he does Bildad, Zophar, and
Eliphaz.After Elihu's speech ends with the last verse of Chapter 37, God
appears and in the second verse of Chapter 38, God says, speaking of
Job: “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?"
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