He (Elihu) had just as well … slapped Job in the face!
This loud mouthed late-comer to the debate had, this younger man named Elihu!
When reading Job chapter 34, all of its 37 verses (second longest chapter in all the Book), one can’t help but think that some of the things Elihu says are right. Especially when he characterizes God. To which I respond; even a broken clock is right twice a day!
Elihu scalds Job with words of mockery. For example, in Job 34 verse 7: “What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?” In other words, “Has there ever been anybody like this fellow Job, with his thirst for disrespectful, irreverent talk?”
This false accusation because Job has voiced his frustration and puzzlement … to God! The very God Who later taught us to … “Cast all our burdens on Him, because He cares for us!” See 1st Peter 5:7 in the King James Version for a more beautiful second person wording of this great promise.
Talk about misunderstanding the pain of a good man!
Talk about not bearing one another’s burdens!
The insinuation clearly is that Job’s a “hypocrite!” Read with me Elihu’s thought from verse 30. “That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.” Job was ten times the godly man Elihu could have ever hoped to be! (The word “hypocrite” used here takes two Hebrew words to fully express its meaning. “Chaneph adam,” that is, a “man of profanity!” A man who does NOT reverence God! (Announcement: God does NOT feel that way about Job. Nor Job about God!)
And at the end of chapter 34, Elihu waxes even bolder. “Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. MY DESIRE IS THAT JOB MAY BE TRIED UNTO THE END because of his answers for wicked men. For HE ADDETH REBELLION TO HIS SIN, he clappeth his hands among us, AND MULTIPLIETH HIS WORDS AGAINST GOD.” Verses 34-37 inclusively.
Job did NOT speak against God.
He was desperately trying to find God!
To again fellowship (in sweetness) with the Almighty!
By he way, there is a report card on Job issued near the end of this huge Book of Scripture. The report being given by God Himself. “My servant Job has spoken of Me the thing that is right.” Job 42:8
“The thing that is right,” sounds like an A+ to me!
Likely Elihu came in with a D- (if he fared that well).
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
At least that’s the way I see Job 34 this Monday morning in September. Though I realize I have probably just given you the “minority” view on Mr. Elihu. Still “reeking” with vain pride, he clearly is. Listen carefully to his opening “line” in the chapter! “Furthermore Elihu answered and said, Hear my words, O YE WISE MEN; and give ear unto me, YE THAT HAVE KNOWLEDGE. For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. Let US choose to US judgment: let US know among OURSELVES what is good.” Job 34:1-4 (You “wise men” listen to one of your peers, now! I’m an expert at determining real Wisdom! Let US decide what’s good, what Job really deserves!) Flattery, one of this young man’s strong suits! The Book of Proverbs speaks negatively of flattery, every time it mentions it! But that’s no deterrent to Elihu.