A New Voice of Freedom

Podcast 47, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 33”In verse one, as with other chapters, a narrator is established. It is Elihu, the youngest of the group, and he is directing his comments directly to Job. This is like a play enacted on stage. They are the actors. We are the audience. Though the arguments get very direct and personal, there is a very formal nature and politeness in the group.  When one speaks, regardless of how controversial or strong the accusation, the others remain silent until he is finished. To understand better how much the restraint matters, as you listen to or read Elihu’s argument against Job, ask yourself, ‘If I were Job, would I remain silent or would I interrupt him at every false point?’  The natural man would object at every point, but that is not the case in any of the arguments. The episodes occurred thousands of years ago. We are observers, sitting on the outside. Even we are tempted to come to Job’s defense, but we are asked not to. We are asked to hear out the argument until it is Job’s turn to speak. The structure of the parable is chiastic, following the format A1,B1,C1—C2,B2,A2. I shall present it in the order of A1-A2, B1-B2, etc.A1 Job 33:1-12Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.The above, of course, is Elihu’s formal opening. Notice that the dominating pattern begins with “Behold.” It means to look or to listen or to consider or to ponder. Elihu is very confident. It appears five times, drawing attention to five concepts Elihu wants Job to consider. Elihu declares his own righteousness, “My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.” Very bold statements. Elihu asserts that he is a child of God, also formed out of clay. Elihu is a step above Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar.  They do not believe in the redeeming love of Christ.  Elihu believes in Jehovah. He belongs to the family of Abraham. Furthermore, he claims that he is a prophet. He said, “I am according to thy wish in God’s stead.” In other words, he is speaking for God. One must question his authority. He comes down very hard on Job. He reminds Job of his claims that ‘he is clean from transgression,’ that ‘he is innocent before God,’ that here is no iniquity in him.’ Elihu declares, “In this thou art not just.” We get a clearer view of Elihu’s intent from the conclusion found in A2.A2: Job 33:31-33Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.Elihu, though he is the youngest of the group, thinks that wisdom lies within himself. He is asking Job to hold his peace and let him speak while he condemns him.