Job 32

Job and his threat friends giving over to speak, v.1. Elihu is moved threat, 2. Who beginneth to speak by declaring the reasons moved him, 6. He sheweth what zeal he had unto it, 17. Wishing he might discharge himself worthily of it, 21.

1. Then the three men ceased [viz. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar] from answering Job: because he was righteous in his eyes. [i.e. in his own judgement. See above 18.on v.3. So the three men conceived of Job, viz. That he held himself a righteous man; being not able neither to find out matter for proving the contrary, viz. That Job was unrighteous, i.e. a wicked wretch and hypocrite, for that he was a sinner, together with others, himself had freely yielded and confessed, above 14.4.]

2. Then was kindled the anger of Elihu [viz. Against Job and his three friends. Compare the phrase with Gen.45. and 39.19.] the son of Baracheel the Buzite, [i.e. one of the posterity of Buz, the son of Nahor the brother of Abraham, see Genesis 22:21. Some hold him for Bileam, of whom see Numbers 22:5.] of the family of Ram. [about this name opinions vary, many conceive that Ram is put by abbreviation for Aram, the name of a Syrian of whom a certain family or generation of the Syrians, of which Elihu was, bore the surname. Others understand by Ram the father of Aminidab, 1 Chron.2.9,10. Who is likewise called Aram, Matthew 1:4. Some Abram himself, so called first, Gen.11.27. and after Abraham, Genesis 17:5.] against Job his anger was kindled, because he justified his soul [i.e. himself. See 1 Kings 19.on v.4.] more then God. [Job never said so in any express terms, but Elihu inferred thence, that Job would fain enter the bars of Judgement with God, and was more busy to maintain his uprightness, then to give glory to Gods wisdom and righteousness.]

3. His anger kindled also against his three friends, because finding no answer, [viz. For to argue further against, and to convince Job] they nevertheless condemned Job. [viz. Of hypocrisy and wickedness.]

4. Yet Elihu had waited on Job [And his friends] in speaking; [Heb. In the words, viz. To see whether they would go in their discourse, or debate; or when they would make an end of their words. The friends had ended theirs above chap.26. and Job his with the end of the former chapter. Oth. Elihu had waited with Job upon (their) words, i.e. upon the prosecution of his friends] were elder of days then be.

5. When Elihu saw then, that there was no answer in the mouth of those three men his anger was kindled.

6. Therefore answered Elihu the son of Baracheel the Buzite, and said, I am less of days, [i.e. a man of younger years. See ab.30.1. and the annot.] but ye are very aged, therefore I stood in aw, and was afraid to shew you my opinion.

7. I said, [viz. By my self, i.e. I thought; See Gen.20, on v.11.] let the days speak, [i.e. those that are well stricken in days or years; and so in the words following, multitude of years, for those that have lived many years.] and the multitude of years make wisdom known.]

8. Surely the spirit of God, as may be gathered by the words following. The meaning is, that wisdom properly and solely had its original from God, and not from age, or the multitude of years, which often fail. Oth. Surely is the spirit, i.e. the reasonable and understanding soul, in man, but the breath, etc. i.e. the true wisdom proceedeth onely from Gods illumination.] and the inspiration of the Almighty maketh them understanding [them, viz. Men, a permutation of the number, for he had spoken just now in the singular. See above 24.on ver.18.]

9. The great (ones) are not wise, [great i.e. great in years. See above 30.on v.1. The meaning is, that such are not always wise, and not properly nor principally because of age and many years] and the aged do (not) understand the right.

10. Therefore say, I hearken thou to me: [He speaketh in the singular to Job] I shall shew mine opinion likewise. [viz. Though I am of younger years.]

11. Behold, I have waited on your words, [Here he speaketh to Job his friends.] I have turned the year to your observations, [i.e. listened so accurately and attentively, that I have fully comprehended all your propounded considerations.] until you had sought out speechs. [whereby your might convince Job.]

12. Now having heed to you, behold there is none of you that convinceth Job, that doth answer his speechs.

13. That ye (may) not say, [Some do fill up the sense of these words with, I say this that ye may not say,] We have found the wisdom; [viz. Whereby Job is convinced and confused by us. Now this wisdom; they conceived was, that God had sent this misery upon him, and no man; and that God being righteous, and doing wrong to none especially, when his punishments are so dreadful and terrible, Job must needs be a very wicked man.] God hath thrust him down, no man. [Heb. Not a man.]

14. Now he [Job namely] hath directed no words against me, and I shall not answer him with your words. [viz. Ye Eliphaz, Bildad and Zephar.]

15. They are amazed, [viz. The three friends of Job. It seemeth that saying this, he turned himself about to the standers by and auditors.] they answer no more, [viz. To Jobs replys.] they have set by the words from them. [i.e. given them over, and left the prosecution to others.]

16. I have waited then [viz. For the answer of Job his friends] but they speak not: for they stand still: they answer no more.

17. I shall likewise answer my share: I shall shew my opinion also. [As above v.10.]

18. For I am full of words, the spirit of my belly [Understand the zeal and bent of inclination, which Elihu had to utter his mind about this matter. See 2 Kings 19.on verse 7. Of my belly, i.e. of my inmost disposition and readiness. See ab.15.on v.2. and so in the sequel.] distresseth me.

19. Behold my belly is as the wine, that is not opened: [or, hath no vent. Understand that his inward disposition, should not be without danger if he concealed that which he had apprehended and considered about this matter, even as we see the vessel, rend and burst, which being filled with new and strong wine, have no vent left them.] it would burst like new leather sacks [or bottles; The Hebrew word doth here signify, leather bottles, or sacks, such as they used of old, to put their wine in. Compare Matth.9.17.]

20. I shall speak, that I may get air for my self: [that I may vent and ease my self, of the thoughts and trouble, which were caused in me by hearing and holding my peace all this while.] I shall open my lips, and shall answer.

21. O that I may accept no mans face! [See Lev.19.on v.15.] and use no by-name to man. [viz. Neither in good teams, to sooth and flatter him; nor in evil, revile or abuse him, with bitter and reproachful checkings.]

22. For I know not (how) to use by-means: my maker [i.e. God that made and created me. See above 4. On v.17.] might soon take me away [i.e. kill and destroy me, viz. If I should so, or commit any such thing.]