Job 33

Job 33:1

B. Elihu’s Speech to Job (Chap. 33)33:1-7 Elihu, using the word “please,” calls for Job’s attention because he is going to speak words of sincerity and truth. Job had desired the opportunity to vindicate himself before God. Now Elihu, though a mortal formed out of clay like himself, is serving as Job’s spokesman before God, and Job can make his defense, if he wishes, without fear of divine wrath. 33:8-18 Elihu rebukes Job for the way in which he had professed absolute innocence, and for blaming God for unjust treatment. God is greater than man, and does not have to give an accounting of . . . His dealings with man. However, God does speak to people through dreams and nocturnal visions to warn them against evil and pride and to save them from violent death. 33:19-30 The Lord also speaks through pain and serious illness, when even succulent food seems revolting. If . . . a messenger or a mediator explains God’s way of uprightness (and if the sufferer responds in faith), God saves him from going down to the Pit on the basis of an acceptable ransom. Elihu does not explain what he means by a ransom, but we are justified in linking it with the One “who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1Ti_2:6). When a person responds to the Lord’s voice, says Elihu, then he is restored to physical health and spiritual well-being. It is the one who confesses his sin who is redeemed from spiritual and/or physical death. 33:31-33 If . . . Job wants to speak, he should do so. If not, he should continue to listen carefully, holding his peace while Elihu teaches him wisdom.