Elihu: An Exhibition in Youthful Zeal (Job 32)
Heart of a Shepherd
Mar 28, 2023
Translations
German
Elihu: Eine Ausstellung jugendlichen Eifers (Job 32)
Russian
Елиуй: демонстрация юношеского рвения (Иов 32)
French
Elihu : Une exposition dans le zèle de la jeunesse (Job 32)
Italian
Elihu: un'esibizione di zelo giovanile (Giobbe 32)
Portuguese
Eliú: Uma demonstração de zelo juvenil (Jó 32)
Spanish
Eliú: una exhibición de celo juvenil (Job 32)
Urdu
الیہو: جوانی کے جوش میں ایک نمائش (ایوب 32)
Elihu: An Exhibition in Youthful Zeal (Job 32)
Scripture reading - Job 32
Job 31 recorded Job’s final reply to the allegation that his troubles were those prescribed to wicked men. When Job finished his retort, his friends were silent, and “ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes” (Job 32:1). In chapter 32, we learned there was a younger man who had listened to the dispute between Job and his friends.
“Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram” (Job 32:2b), had deferred to his elders. Finally, the silence of Job’s “friends” stirred him to no longer hold his tongue. Exhibiting the zeal of youth, he confessed he was stirred to indignation, not only by Job, whom he observed, “justified himself rather than God” (Job 32:2c), but “also against his three friends…because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job” (Job 32:3).
Seeing the conversation between Job and his friends ended with no resolution, Elihu determined he would no longer be silent (Job 32:4-8). He observed a profound and enduring truth: “Great men are not always wise: Neither do the aged understand judgment” (Job 32:9). Then, he demanded his elders woul listen and weigh his opinion in the matter of Job and his afflictions (Job 32:10).
Elihu’s words were lofty, but his spirit was negative (Job 32:12). Though young, he boasted he had discernment in the matter of Job’s afflictions that was not yet expressed (Job 32:14-17). Elihu spoke allegorically in terms every man would understand. His enthusiasm, coupled with likening his spirit to a new wine skin that was ready to burst (Job 32:18-19), resulted in boasting when he proclaimed, “For I am full of matter [words], The spirit within me constraineth [compels] me. (19) Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; It is ready to burst like new bottles” (Job 32:18–19).
Unable to contain himself any longer, Elihu asserted: “I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. (21) Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, Neither let me give flattering titles unto man. (22) For I know not to give flattering titles; In so doing my maker [Creator] would soon take me away” (Job 32:20–22).
Though the youngest of the men, Elihu’s youthful zeal demanded a hearing. Although young, he was wise in much he observed. He then began a monologue of judgment and condemnation that would last for six of the remaining chapters in the Book of Job. Yet, as we will see, when the LORD addressed the contention between Job and his “friends,” He will disregard everything Elihu said.
Closing thoughts – Elihu’s assessment was correct when he said, old age is not indicative of spiritual maturity, wisdom, or understanding. However, let us also observe how religious zeal, without godly wisdom and understanding is injurious. I close with Solomon’s challenge that all believers would be wise to heed:
Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.”
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
* You can become a regular subscriber of the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals, and have them sent directly to your email address. Please enter your email address in the box to the right (if using a computer) or at the bottom (if using a cell phone). You may also email your request to HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com
Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization.
Mailing Address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc 7853 Gunn Hwy #131 Tampa, FL 33626-1611
You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.